We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Janarius Harris. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Janarius below.
Janarius, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you tell us about an important lesson you learned while working at a prior job?
One of the most important lessons I learned that has shaped me as a business owner came from my time in the US Navy. It taught me the essence of hard work, structure, reliability, and teamwork—qualities that directly translate to running a successful business.
Back in the Navy, everything operated on a strict schedule. You had to be on time, without fail. There were no excuses, and that mindset ingrained a sense of punctuality and discipline in me. If one person slipped, the whole team was affected, so being reliable wasn’t just important—it was essential.
Beyond the structure and discipline, I learned how to work with others, often in high-pressure situations. We came from different backgrounds, and we had to figure out how to communicate and solve problems together. It wasn’t always easy, but that environment forced us to find common ground and push through.
This directly applies to running my businesses today. Whether it’s working with my team or serving clients, I know the value of showing up, being consistent, and solving problems as a unit. In the Navy, we couldn’t afford to fail because we were accountable to each other. That same sense of accountability is what I bring into my work as a business owner.
These experiences built my work ethic and problem-solving skills, which now allow me to lead by example, support my team, and ensure my business runs smoothly.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Janarius (J-Roc Da Barber) Harris, originally from Belzoni, MS, found his passion for barbering early on, starting to cut family members’ hair at just 13 years old. After graduating high school, I served in the United States Navy, stationed aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt CVN 71. My time in the Navy taught me discipline, attention to detail, and resilience, which later became invaluable in my journey to becoming a professional barber.
Upon leaving the Navy, I attended Trendsetters Barber College in Jackson, Mississippi. It was during my time in barber college that I realized my competitive spirit. I started entering barber battles and quickly gained recognition for my precision and creativity. Competing in these events gave me the confidence to push boundaries and hone my skills, and soon, I became a 9-time Barber Battle Champion. This success allowed me to connect with people from all walks of life, further igniting my passion for the craft.
After earning my Barber’s License and Barber Instructor License, I relocated to Houston, TX, where I continued to compete and grow my reputation. I was fortunate enough to be cast on the CW Network’s “Cedric’s Barber Battle,” which was a major milestone in my career. My move to Houston was a game-changer as I quickly became one of the most sought-after barbers in the area, known for intricate, detailed cuts, and personalized grooming experiences.
At my businesses, Picture Perfect Cuts Houston, LLC, and Cuts Global, LLC, I focus on men’s grooming, offering services that range from traditional cuts to modern styles, all with a signature attention to detail. I also travel nationwide to train and mentor up-and-coming barbers, helping them develop not just their cutting skills but also their business acumen.
Through our product line, Gibs Grooming, I aim to provide clients with high-quality grooming products that reflect the same precision and care I put into every haircut. From hair care to beard grooming, I believe every man deserves to feel confident in his appearance.
What sets me apart is my commitment to making every cut “Picture Perfect.” I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients. For me, it’s not just about cutting hair—it’s about helping people feel their best and empowering the next generation of barbers to take the craft to new heights.
Potential clients and followers should know that when they come to me, they’re not just getting a haircut—they’re getting an experience that reflects years of dedication, passion, and love for the craft. Whether you’re sitting in my chair or attending my academy, my goal is to ensure you leave feeling better than when you arrived.
Have you ever had to pivot?
I had to pivot from being a Truck Driver. I knew that trucking wasn’t my purpose, but i had responsibilities—kids and bills—so I stayed committed to that work until I could create a path toward what I truly loved: cutting hair.
It was hard knowing I had a passion waiting for me, but being bound by my circumstances at the time. The longing to be back in the barbershop drove me to push through. Finding that balance between doing what I needed to survive while figuring out how to get back into the barbering world speaks volumes about my determination to get back into a Barber Shop.
My story shows how important it is to stay focused on your passion, even when the road is tough, and how sometimes we have to make sacrifices in the short term to pursue our dreams in the long term.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
My commitment to continuous learning, competition, and self-promotion really set me apart. Traveling for barber battles and leveraging social media likely gave me visibility and credibility, while sharpening my skills helped me consistently deliver great results.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @j.harris_barber
- Facebook: Janarius Harris
