We caught up with the brilliant and insightful DJ Zackery a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

DJ, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

At 18 I made terrible choices that ended me in prison for six years. Dedicating my life to barbering upon release allowed me to elevate and live a life not typically afforded to felons, or most people in general. From business ownership, to brand deals and opportunities to educate on the industries major platforms I now share my story to motivate and inspire others.

DJ, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is DJ, better known as DJ Cut It The Barber Coach. I’m a barber based in Lawton, Oklahoma, with over a decade in the game. I started cutting hair like a lot of barbers do—out the house, for the love, for the homies, trying to get better one cut at a time. Over the years, it turned from a hustle into a career, and now it’s a calling. Barbering gave me everything—discipline, purpose, and a real connection to my community.

What sets me apart today is that I’m not just behind the chair—I’m also in front of the camera, behind the scenes, and in classrooms. I create content specifically for the barbering and beauty industry, helping bridge the gap between seasoned OG barbers and the new-school era of digital branding, social media, and content creation. I work with industry brands, teach classes, and coach barbers on how to turn their skill set into influence and income.

I provide a mix of services—high-level cuts, coaching, educational content, branded content for barber companies, and most importantly, strategy. I help barbers figure out how to grow their audience, sharpen their brand, and monetize their presence—especially those who feel like they’re being left behind in this new wave of the industry. I’m here to make sure they don’t get lost in translation.

The problems I solve? I help barbers over 35 who feel stuck or overlooked rediscover their voice and value in today’s fast-moving landscape. I help them communicate better with younger barbers in the shop, create content that reflects their experience, and land partnerships they never thought possible.

What I’m most proud of is that I stayed true to myself. I didn’t fake it for the algorithm, and I never forgot who I’m doing this for. I’ve helped barbers go from unknown to signed, from frustrated to focused, from overlooked to undeniable—and that’s something I take real pride in.

If you’re checking me out for the first time, here’s what I want you to know: My brand is rooted in real results, real community, and real growth. I’m not here to just entertain—I’m here to educate, inspire, and help you win in all areas of the game. Whether you’re in the shop, in a class, or trying to find your voice online, I got something for you.

This is bigger than barbering. It’s Just Real Life

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I never graduated high school because I went to prison from armed robbery. Coming home at 24 years of age to my twin bed from high school in my father’s home was my rock bottom. Grateful for that foundation, and the freedom I started working in a barbershop within days of me being home. However due to the environment I parted ways and went with another barber ( who is now my business partner ) to build a shop from scratch. We will be celebrating 20 years in business this fall.

Any fun sales or marketing stories?

In the days of flyers when hand to to hand marketing was the most affordable way for barbers, I put close to 200 flyers out in a morning. Door to door hanging them on apartment doors of a complex that was walking distance from the shop. As I finished up my partner got a call on the shop phone that said I needed to come bank and remove all the flyers. Of course I didn’t. We saw a great influx of customers from that

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @dj_cutit