Today we’d like to introduce you to Shane Middleton.
Shane has spent the last 22 years curating an experience different from of the traditional overcrowded salons and chain chop shops that tend to exist in most major cities. At the age of 17, while still attending high school in Washington State, Shane received his cosmetology license. Right when he started his Styling career his music career took lead. His music career led him to a record deal and with his band “Goslin” “Loudermilk” moved to Los Angeles. While the axe made it difficult to pay the bills, the scissors made the money flow. Shane decided to shift, leaving the band and cutting again. He started in large salons and then later cut while gravitated towards the barbershop environment. Cutting for high-end clients and colleagues Shane began to understand what his future held and started to focus on developing “The Cut By” brand that has since kept the community of Los Angeles buzzing.
Seven years and thousands of flawless fades later, The Cut By has grown from one Barber chair to 4 Barber chairs in the Barbershop and the extension of 9 chairs in the Parlour location, but has retained its speak easy feel. Shane takes pride in still providing each client with privacy, specialized barbering and a desire to meet the wants and needs of his patrons. The Parlour opened on a street front space welcoming walk-ins, and maintains the same look and feel offering skilled full service stylists. Be sure Shane and his staff will TCB. “Taking Care of Business” an homage to Elvis Presley’s success.
Great, 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?
The struggles that have followed a successful shop have been a balance of work/life. Gaining and maintaining a good staff to work alongside. It is probably the most difficult for most business owners in Los Angeles, to find people who really have the heart to work.
The Cut By – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am the owner and Master Stylist for my business. I specialize in haircuts for men and women. I am known for my style of cutting. From sharp tight fades to textured rocker cuts and great grow out cuts. I am proud of TCB becoming more than a Barbershop/Salon, It is a place where clients can relax, have a drink and socialize.
Mixing a workspace with a club atmosphere for all, clients and stylist. We at TCB don’t have your traditional Salon… TCB began as a vision where I could be my own person. After working in numerous salons I felt I was pulled back from what I wanted for myself as an Artist. TCB organically grew attracting creative stylist/barbers wanting to showcase their individual creativity. I encourage them to use their own creativity and style rather than adopting mine.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Being able to let go of my music career to have complete focus on TCB as my new artistic venture. Gaining a different fan base while still earning artistic gratification and being able to support myself and my family.
Pricing:
- Haircut services start at $60
- Color services start at $150
Contact Info:
- Address: 7511 W Sunset Blvd
- Website: www.thecutby.com
- Phone: 3238734636
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecutby/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-cut-by-parlour-los-angeles-2
Image Credit:
Ricardo Ramos, Annabel Hannah
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