Today we’d like to introduce you to Gregory DuPree.
Gregory, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My career started as a hobby that was suggested by mom. I was always particularly good at getting my haircut but never did I dream of where it would take me. I started barbering school in 96-97 while in high school. I would actually get permission from a teacher to turn a classroom into a makeshift barbershop during lunch and nutrition. I just wanted to be the best. After school, I would literally catch the bus to the barbershop and watch my barber cut. He is one of the best players in the game then and still now to this day. It took a long time to become as good as I’ve gotten thus far but it all planned out for me with a lot of attention to detail, relationships and Forest Gump like luck. I bounced around from shop to shop after completing Barber school looking for the right environment for me to curate my craft.
From Pico Blvd to Crenshaw to Manchester then finally my friend and mentor (John Clausell) opened his own shop in Inglewood on Labrea in 2000. Believe or not, I had to actually audition to work with Platinum Cuts. There are some of the most gifted people in the game in that shop. I owe them a lot. Gaining knowledge of the craft as well as confidence my career began to excel. Before I knew it, I was cutting at least 50 clients a week. Including celebs and athletes on a regular.
Has it been a smooth road?
My life seemingly perfect but not as I was “silently“ fighting addiction and depression while being arguably one of the busiest barbers in LA. That was an extremely tough time for me but with God and an amazing support group I pulled out of that space.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My company is device-based business. Catering to those of a discerning taste as far as barbering goes. I provide my clients with elite service accompanied with on call flexibility. I’m mostly known for my attention to natural detailed haircuts. I’m extremely proud of that because it seems the new barber culture is more about enhanced looks. Not a bad thing just not my preference. You can hoop/perform in my haircuts lol (shrugs).
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
LA is a great place to be if you want to get to the point of working with elite clientele.
Our city is definitely a competitive environment on all aspects of the game of barbering. There’s always a new barber, new technique. So you have to stay ahead and aware of the new trends.
Contact Info:
- Email: gdupree.cuts@gmail.com
- Instagram: @TheysayGreg_nice #50FadesOfGreg
Image Credit:
Elmo Kebour, Dawn Tanner
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
