We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Marvin Montgomery Jr a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Marvin, thanks for joining us today. Parents play a huge role in our development as youngsters and sometimes that impact follows us into adulthood and into our lives and careers. Looking back, what’s something you think you parents did right?

I’d say my parents did everything right truly. My mom Jo Ann Montgomery and My dad Marvin Montgomery Sr, have both been entrepreneurs for as long as I can remember. Seeing there dedication and drive did nothing, but motivate me for my future endeavors. My parents always gave me the opportunity to be myself and follow my passions. The word “no” or “you can’t” were never used in our household. It was always “how can we help” or “you got this”. Having there continued support is something I wouldn’t give up for the world! I noticed there support the most though when I presented the idea of leaving John Carroll University and opening Kicks n’ Cuts.

Marvin, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hi I am Marvin Montgomery Jr I graduated from Woodridge High School in the spring of 2020. I committed to John Carroll University to Run Track, Major in Marketing, and Minor in Entrepreneurship. During 2020 we experienced Covid-19 which completely shocked the world. All my classes were online and we weren’t allowed to live on campus. I did not enjoy the online schooling and filed my leave of absence from John Carroll University in October of 2020. I then started the journey of “Kicks n’ Cuts” a Sneaker & Clothing Store that features a Barbershop. We official opened December of 2020. It has been quite the journey over the past two and a half years. Our goal here at Kicks n’ Cuts is to have you fresh head to toe! I’m so proud of how far Kicks n’ Cuts has come sense December of 2020. We have a full staff, The barbers are busy, and we have never sneakers coming in store daily. The space is very innovative and unique. We hope to see you in store soon.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

I was approved for a loan from Navy Federal in the amount of $18,000.00. This loan is no where near the amount I would suggest someone to get started with, but I did what I could with the money. I used this original loan to source Inventory, buy Fixtures, and make the space look more and more unique. My main focus was making the little capital I had to get started with make money for me so I could continue to invest into the business and grow it. I remember it like it was yesterday, sitting in my office and seeing the loan get approved. Was the best feeling ever puts a smile on my face thinking about it.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

When we originally opened we created a Tik Tok page @kicksncuts. I would create videos explaining my story, showcasing the space, and how I got started! The video’s blew up. We gained over 20,000 followers and were getting anywhere from 250-600,000 views on videos. It really jump started our name on social media. We are on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Snapchat. We also have a website! We want all our suspects and prospects to have the opportunity to follow us online. Staying in front of the camera and having amazing reviews to back us helps us out a ton!

Contact Info:

• Website: kicksncuts.com
• Instagram: @kicksncuts
• Facebook: Kicks n’ Cuts
• Linkedin: Marvin Montgomery Jr
• Twitter: @kicksncuts
• Youtube: Kicks n’ Cuts

Image Credits
Marvin Montgomery Jr