Today we’d like to introduce you to Mohamed Khanir.
Hi Mohamed, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born and raised in Morocco, in a humble family that didn’t have much materially but was rich in love and values. My father was a baker, and my mother was the heart of our home. Life wasn’t easy — we didn’t have the comfort that many children around me had — but we had each other. When my mother passed away from cancer, I was only 15 years old. That loss broke me. It was a defining moment that forced me to grow up quickly and shoulder responsibilities far beyond my age.
It would have been easy to give up and follow a darker path, but deep inside, I had a strong passion to learn, to grow, and to build a better future for myself and my family. I threw myself into every opportunity I could find. I earned multiple diplomas, including in hospitality and customer service, studied dramatic acting for three years, obtained my barber diploma at 17, and became a licensed kickboxing trainer by the age of 19. I worked in body shops, summer camps, and countless other jobs — if there was an opportunity to work and learn, I took it. I wanted to make a name for myself and build a legacy my family could be proud of.
In my early 20s, I also explored my love for comedy and started doing shows. My dream was big: I wanted to turn my hardships into strength and write a different story for my life.
Eventually, I immigrated to the United States with nothing in my pockets but hope. A friend supported me at the start, helping me get on my feet. I worked any job I could find — including as a dishwasher — while adjusting to a new culture and learning English. Even when I was exhausted, I kept going to the gym to stay healthy and keep my spirit strong.
Then COVID hit. I didn’t have a car at that time, and everything became even harder. But after the storm passed, I landed a job at an Amazon warehouse, working multiple shifts to cover my expenses. On the side, I started cutting hair for friends and roommates, working toward my cosmetology license. I had loved barbering since I was a kid, but fear of rejection and language barriers made it a tough journey. Still, I refused to give up. With God’s help, I began working at a barbershop in North Richland Hills, thanks to the kindness of the Iraqi owner who believed in me and supported me like family.
While building my new life, tragedy struck again — my sister passed away at just 24. Not being able to attend her funeral was one of the most painful moments of my life. Around that time, I met my wife, who became a true blessing. She filled an empty space in my heart and believed in me fiercely. Together, we worked hard to build a better future. She encouraged me to open my own barbershop because she saw that my work wasn’t just a job — it was an art.
We knocked on many doors looking for the right location, the right barbers, and the right opportunity. It wasn’t easy, and to this day, finding professional barbers who share my vision remains a challenge. But I’m proud of what we’ve built. I love the Colleyville community — they’re supportive, warm, and passionate about helping small businesses grow. I especially enjoy working with kids, making them feel comfortable and happy during their haircuts. For me, customer service is everything. If a client ever leaves unhappy, I take it personally.
Beyond barbering, my heart is still drawn to comedy. One day, I hope to return to the stage and have my own stand-up shows here in the U.S. I also want to give back to the community that embraced me — to support others who are starting from nothing, just like I once did.
Looking back, I’m grateful for every hardship, every blessing god gave me, and every person who supported me especially my father and my wife, without whom none of this would have been possible. My story isn’t finished yet. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m excited for all the dreams still ahead.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. My journey has been marked by loss, sacrifice, and countless moments where giving up would have been the easier option. Losing my mother to cancer at 15 changed my life overnight. I had to grow up fast, take on responsibilities most teenagers never face, and navigate that pain while trying to build a future. Later, I also lost my sister, and not being able to attend her funeral was one of the most heartbreaking moments of my life.
Coming to the United States as an immigrant with no money was another huge challenge. I had to start from zero — learning the language, working multiple jobs, and adapting to a completely different culture. At times, I worked exhausting shifts in warehouses and washed dishes just to cover my basic expenses. When the COVID pandemic hit, I didn’t even have a car, and finding work became even harder. But through all of this, I refused to let the obstacles define me.
Even in the barbering industry, which I love deeply, the journey hasn’t been easy. Building a business, finding the right team, and establishing myself in a new country while still learning the language required perseverance and faith. There were moments of fear and doubt, but I stayed focused on the bigger picture. Every challenge has shaped me, strengthened me, and pushed me to become the person I am today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Zoom Cut Barbershop was built on one simple principle: the customer is king. From the moment someone walks through our doors, they are treated with the utmost respect, care, and attention. We believe every client deserves to feel valued — not just for the service they’re receiving, but as individuals. My goal has always been to create a welcoming space where people feel comfortable, appreciated, and confident when they leave.
We offer professional haircuts and grooming services for clients of all ages, with a special love for working with kids and making their haircut experience fun and stress-free. What sets us apart is the way we put the customer at the center of everything. It’s not just about the cut — it’s about how the person feels when they walk out. If someone leaves unhappy, I take it personally because every client’s experience matters deeply to me.
I’m proud to have built a barbershop that values relationships just as much as results. The Colleyville community has been incredibly supportive, and in return, we strive to give them our best every single day. Whether it’s a clean fade, a sharp line-up, or simply a great conversation, we want every client to feel like royalty. At Zoom Cut Barbershop, the customer isn’t just part of the business — they are the business.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about the city is the sense of community. People here are incredibly supportive — they love to see small businesses grow and genuinely care about their neighbors. The energy is positive, and there’s a strong feeling of connection, especially in places like Colleyville. It’s a beautiful thing to be part of a community where people show up for one another.
As for what I like least, I’d say the traffic can be a challenge, especially when trying to balance work, errands, and personal life. But honestly, that’s a small inconvenience compared to all the good things this city offers. Overall, I feel blessed to live and build my dreams here.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://booksy.com/en-us/1109361_zoom-cut_barber-shop_37451_colleyville#ba_s=seo
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoom_cut_barbershop/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Zoom-Cut-Barbershop/61566730316447/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/zoom-cut-barbershop-colleyville
