The entrepreneurial journey is often filled with unique challenges and opportunities, especially for minority business owners. In our latest podcast episode of “In the Black,” we had the pleasure of speaking with Obi Omile, Jr., co-founder and CEO of “The Cut” app. From the heart of the DMV area, our podcast focuses on celebrating successful minority entrepreneurs who are making significant strides in their respective fields. Obi’s story is no different, as he shares insights into how he is modernizing the barbershop experience.
Discovering a Personal Need
The inspiration behind the creation of The Cut app came from a personal need that Obi experienced when he moved to Charlotte, North Carolina. After struggling to find a barber in a new city, Obi realized there was a widespread issue in connecting with skilled barbers beyond just searching on Google. This gap in the market sparked the idea of developing a platform specifically for barber discovery, enabling customers to easily find and book appointments.
Transforming the Barber Industry
Obi’s mission with The Cut app is to bring simplicity and efficiency to the barbershop business. Traditionally, clients would wait hours for a haircut without knowing the barber’s schedule or availability. The Cut app changed this by allowing customers to view a barber’s schedule and book appointments in advance, thus enhancing the experience for both the barber and the customer.
Transitioning to a Digital Platform
Adapting to digital tools can be daunting for some barbers accustomed to the traditional ways of gaining clients through word-of-mouth or Google searches. The Cut app provides features like schedule management, analytics, and digital payments to help barbers streamline operations and focus more on their craft. By digitizing these processes, barbers can grow their business and stand out in a competitive market.
Building a Strong Barber Community
Through a combination of product quality, social media content, and community engagement, The Cut app has successfully cultivated a strong community of barbers. The team emphasizes a product-led growth approach and engages actively with barbers at expos and community events to expand their reach and brand presence.
Setting the App Apart
With many booking apps on the market, The Cut focuses solely on barbers and targeting the men’s grooming sector. This niche focus, combined with a robust social media presence, has helped The Cut carve out a distinctive place in the app marketplace.
Getting into Tech and Entrepreneurship
Reflecting on his own path into tech, Obi shared that problem-solving has always been a passion for him. For young minorities interested in tech, he advises leveraging accessible resources like YouTube and TikTok to learn new skills and start working on personal projects. It’s all about getting those reps in and building a portfolio demonstrating your capabilities.
Long-term Vision for The Cut
Looking to the future, Obi envisions The Cut becoming the number-one brand for all things barbershop. Inspired by beauty industry giants like Sephora, The Cut aims to build a global brand that supports barbers in creating meaningful businesses and allows consumers to access quality grooming services easily. The long-term goal is to transform the traditional barbershop culture with 21st-century technology.
Closing Thoughts
In today’s competitive business landscape, embracing bold and innovative strategies is crucial for sustaining profitability and staying ahead. Whether you’re a barber looking to modernize your business or a consumer seeking a seamless haircut experience, The Cut app is paving the way for a new era in barbershops. To download The Cut app, visit the iOS or Android app stores or head to their website, thecut.co.
