We recently connected with Steffany (steff The Barber Mckee and have shared our conversation below.

Steffany (Steff The Barber, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you scale up? What were the strategies, tactics, meaningful moments, twists/turns, obstacles, mistakes along the way? The world needs to hear more realistic, actionable stories about this critical part of the business building journey. Tell us your scaling up story – bring us along so we can understand what it was like making the decisions you had, implementing the strategies/tactics etc.

My Journey in Barbering

My journey began at Morgan State University, where I earned a B.A. in Graphic Design. While studying there, I discovered a campus barber and began shadowing him. I quickly realized that barbering was another form of art—just like graphic design. However, after graduating, I found it difficult to secure a job in my field.

During this time, I worked at Sportz Zone, a clothing store, but I knew I wanted more. That led me to enroll at American Beauty Academy to pursue barbering professionally. Balancing work and being a part-time student was challenging, but I was determined to push through.

After graduating and obtaining my professional barbering license, I decided to take my career seriously. I left Sportz Zone and started working at a barbershop. However, the beginning was rough—I had no clientele, and being a woman in a male-dominated industry came with its own set of challenges. I was often overlooked, doubted, and underestimated. Having a license didn’t automatically mean I knew how to cut hair well, and I struggled in the beginning.

Every day, I would sit and ask customers as they walked in if they needed a haircut, but I was constantly rejected—partly because I was new, and partly because I was a woman. Then, one day, someone finally gave me a chance. I was so excited to showcase my skills, and from that moment, things started to change.

I put in the groundwork—passing out business cards, creating flyers, and relying on word of mouth. In just a few months, I went from having one client to over 50. Eventually, I switched barbershops and built a strong, loyal clientele. With that foundation, I took a leap of faith and opened my own private suite.

It was the best decision I ever made. My clients had privacy, and though it was an adjustment to not be in a traditional barbershop atmosphere, I knew I was leveling up. That’s when I officially established my business, Steff Kutz, LLC.

Over time, my clientele grew to over 1,000 clients. I had always been skilled in drawing, and I discovered that hair design and custom art were my specialties. This passion led me to enter barbering competitions, which was an intimidating but exhilarating experience. Performing in front of thousands of people was nerve-wracking, but I pushed myself beyond my comfort zone.

That risk paid off—I went on to win nine trophies and became a platform artist and instructor. My work has been featured in several magazines, and I’ve had the honor of being showcased on Channel 9 News and Fox 5.

Looking back, the journey hasn’t been easy, but it has been worth it. I am proud of how far I’ve come, and I am grateful and blessed to share my story with you all.

Steffany (Steff The Barber, 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?

Meet Steff the Barber: My Journey Into the Barber Industry
Steff the Barber is an identical twin with a passion for art that has shaped her career in the barbering world. She started drawing at a young age, inspired by comics, graffiti, and abstract art. Her love for creativity led her to study Graphic Design and Fine Arts at Morgan State University, where she also got the chance to shadow a campus barber. Watching him work, Steff saw barbering as another form of artistic expression.
When finding a job in graphic design became difficult, Steff remembered her late mother’s advice: “Always have something to fall back on.” So, she took a chance and enrolled in barber school. It wasn’t an easy decision after years of studying a different field, but a professor reassured her, saying, “It’s still art—just a different medium.” That gave Steff the confidence to go for it.
That leap of faith changed everything. Steff dove into the barbering world, entering competitions around the globe and earning nine trophies in categories like Fastest Fade, Fade & Beard, Freestyle Design, and Total Look. Her hard work paid off, and she became one of the most recognized female Master Barbers in her community.
As her skills grew, Steff expanded into entrepreneurship by founding STEFF KUTZ, LLC. Owning a business has come with its challenges—learning how to manage finances, finding the right team, and mastering business strategies—but Steff’s commitment and continuous learning have helped her navigate it all.
Steff’s true passion is artistic barbering, particularly 3D hair designs. She loves transforming hair into a canvas, where she can truly express her creativity. Her services go beyond just haircuts: every session includes a shampoo, facials, hair coloring, and custom designs. Steff also makes sure every client feels at home, offering snacks, entertainment, and life advice while building lasting connections.
Steff’s work has earned her spots teaching at professional hair shows and being featured on Fox 5 and Channel 9 News. She’s grateful for the journey so far and the support from her community. Her mission is simple: keep pushing the limits of artistic barbering while inspiring others to follow their passions without fear.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

How I Built My Audience on Instagram

Growing my audience on Instagram was a process that required consistency, strategy, and patience. I made it a priority to post content every day, regardless of whether the quality was perfect. Over time, I studied successful creators, observed trends, and adapted them to fit my brand.

One of the key factors in my growth was persistence. Building an audience doesn’t happen overnight—it takes time and dedication. I also took advantage of Instagram’s advertising tools, running targeted ads to promote my work, which helped increase my visibility. Additionally, word of mouth played a huge role. When people shared my content, it expanded my reach organically.

For anyone just starting out and looking to grow their audience, I highly recommend:
• Consistently posting content, even if it’s not perfect—progress over perfection.
• Studying successful creators and implementing strategies that align with your brand.
• Utilizing Instagram ads to boost your visibility.
• Leveraging word of mouth by encouraging shares and engagement.
• Learning from YouTube and other resources to stay updated on the latest growth strategies.

The key is to stay consistent and never give up. Keep pushing, keep learning, and your audience will grow!

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The Most Effective Way to Grow Your Clientele

In my experience, the most effective way to build a strong clientele is through strategic footwork and networking. Here are key steps that have helped me grow my business:
1. Branding & Marketing Materials – Start by creating a professional logo and designing business cards, flyers, and promotional materials that reflect your brand.
2. Community Engagement & Footwork – Get out there and pass out flyers, introduce yourself to potential clients, and make your presence known in the community. Word-of-mouth marketing is powerful, and direct engagement helps build trust.
3. Networking with Other Barbers & Industry Professionals – Attend barber expos, hair shows, and networking events to meet other professionals and potential clients. Building relationships within the industry can lead to referrals and collaborations that expand your reach.
4. Consistency & Customer Incentives – Gaining clientele takes time, but consistency is key. Offer special promotions, such as a free service add-on for first-time clients, loyalty programs, or referral discounts to encourage repeat business.

By staying dedicated and using these strategies, you can quickly grow your clientele from 10 to 100 and beyond. Success in this industry comes down to staying visible, delivering quality service, and continuously learning new marketing techniques to keep your business thriving.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.steffkutz.com
• Instagram: @Steff.thebarber
• Facebook: Steff The Barber
• Youtube: @Steffthebarber
• Other: Ticktok :Steff.thebarber