Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Cunningham
Hi Justin, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up on a ranch in Red Oak Texas , raised by my grandparents. I cared for all kinds of animals and the land I grew up on and played sports all my life until I began my hair journey in 2006 when I was a senior in highschool. I moved to NorthDallas at 19 Y/O and have been in the hair industry ever since. I’ve taught at multiple hair schools for 8 years during my professional journey and found a new desire for education. I left teaching at hair schools and became fully self employed in 2020 and I now run my own business out of atrium salon in Frisco Tx where I cut and color all hair types on men and women. I also provide visual and hands on education for stylists in person and online. My Education company is called the “Dope Hair Project” that was created in 2013 with my best friend I grew up with.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been a very bumpy road to where I am at today in my career. I never had any guidance as a young man from a father figure and I struggled to stay out of trouble in most of my 20’s. I also struggled with finding the right work environment where I could be pushed to be better and also respected for the hard work I put in. There was a lot of false hope in the opportunities presented to me where I was taken advantage of by salon owners and managers. From 2008-2020 I struggled to find the perfect environment for me and contemplated on switching careers many times. Then after covid forced me to adjust my mindset is when i decided to go independent and start working for my own dreams and not someone else’s.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’ve been a licensed hairstylist since 2008 and I specialize in all haircuts and colors.
I would say I am “known” for my short haircuts on women
I am proud that I persevered through trauma and all the let downs I had along the way to where I am now knowing everything that happened just made me stronger and more of a beast at what I do.
What sets me apart is the actual hours and practice I put into my craft when I wasn’t at work or being paid to do so from the day I started my hair journey in highschool. I worked multiple jobs simultaneously 12hrs a day, 6 days a week from 2014-2020 at hairschools and salons for basically pennys, and I would still practice at home or after hours on mannequins or models. Simply with a goal to be the best version of myself professionally.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
I learned that I am worth the time and money people will spend on their look, and mental health. I learned to stand up for myself and my beliefs and stand strong with confidence in my craft. I also learned that hairstylists might have been missed the most by everyone during that time! lol
Pricing:
- Cutting Classes – $500-$1,000
- Men’s Haircut- $65
- Bob/Pixie haircuts -$95
- Long hair haircuts – $115-$140
- Highlights – $170 -$250
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/just.in_styles?igsh=ZnE1ajU1OW5nN3ox&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@dopehair?si=n-NDxrURf–3uON5
