In the Chair With Cami Cutz: Barber, Business Owner, and Keeper of Stories
By Jaff Joseph
The door to Cami's private barber studio in Lancaster swings open and I step into a space that feels less like a barbershop and more like a sanctuary. Tucked away on the third floor, Suite 354 of the Liberty Place building, her studio feels personal, intentional, lived-in. A basket of snacks and candy lies near the door for visitors while she indulges in a little boy’s curiosity about when he’d be done with his haircut. The air smells faintly of hairspray, and there are crayon drawings on the walls signed in wobbly toddler handwriting. Cami greets me with a bright smile and tells me to come on in as she dusts the hair off of her tiny customer.
We’re setting up for a shoot with her family later, but first, we talk. She works her magic while I take in the room. When she starts sharing her story, it becomes clear that this isn’t just about haircuts, but about community.
So, who is Cami?
“My name is Cami, I’m 30 years old and a mother to a beautiful nine month old and four bonus kids! I’ve been cutting hair for eight years and I currently have my own private barber studio in Lancaster, PA. Before becoming a barber I was a missionary in India, China, and a few other countries in Asia. I grew up in the mission field working with the homeless, volunteering in orphanages, and clinics. As I got older, I knew I wanted to continue doing more than just a regular 9-5 job. I’ve always loved helping people, and being able to listen to others tell their story, or sometimes just vent. Everybody has a story, but not everybody has someone that genuinely wants to listen to their story.”
Cami says that when she became a barber, she knew she’d be dealing with people, but she didn’t realize how many people really just needed a listening ear in addition to a haircut.
“I’ve had so many clients, majority men, sit down in my chair and instantly let out a sigh of relief. Then proceed to talk to me about their life, whether it's work issues, relationship problems or even childhood trauma. Many have even told me they’ve never shared some of those secrets with anyone else. And that truly makes me feel so honored.”
She values the intimacy barbering brings with her customers. Quite often, these spaces are one in a few that offers it. Being a woman in such a male-dominated field brings a whole lot of nuance to what she does and the relationship-building process with customers.
“I believe a lot of men were raised with the mentality that you should keep your emotions bottled up, be a strong man, and don’t ever let anyone see you cry. When they sit in my chair, all of that goes out the window, not only do they choose to trust me with their hair but also with their secrets and raw emotions.” On the topic of being asked if she’d choose a different career path, she says “Honestly, NO. The friendships I’ve made in the shop I genuinely cherish, and could not see myself doing anything different.”
What impact do you want your business to have on your community?
“I want every man and woman who sits in my chair or steps foot in my shop to feel comfortable and have a sense of trust and freedom to be who they are. To feel welcome to share whatever they may be experiencing at that moment. If they just need to vent, need a hug or a prayer, I’m willing to be that listening ear.”
What drives you to continue, even on the toughest days?
Her answer is short and simple; it reflects those she values the most.
“My sons– the ones who look up to me to take care of them– they keep me going.” In speaking about her life as a mother and business owner, she’s honest about the triumphs as well as the tribulations. “I'm definitely still learning to balance life as a business owner and a mom! I went from owning my business and having my dog Nipsey, just the two of us, to being a mom of 5 real quick. I love it though, they keep me on my toes. And they’ve also helped decorate my walls with the drawings they make for me at daycare.” She describes one of her proudest moments within this journey as graduating from barber college. “School was always a challenge for me so I wasn’t sure I would be able to stick it out. I doubted myself. I graduated from the Albuquerque Barber College in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I worked my way through school, 7 months of school full time, then straight to work after class. 7 months straight and never missed a day. I was the only female in the school who graduated and who graduated with a perfect attendance.”
What message would you like to give your future and younger self?
“Value yourself and love yourself more.”
She acknowledges her past struggles with self-love and confidence, and believes she owes herself an apology. What might’ve taken her years to do, she tries instilling in every customer who chooses to leave a piece of themselves on her chair.
Beyond the studio, her missionary roots influence the deeds she has planned for the future, such as barbering without cost for the unhoused in the summer. To another customer, she explains that this has been a goal of hers for a long time– not for documentation, but for the honest human connections it shepherds. That being said, what lies ahead for Cami is watering her ability to foster community. Whether it's behind the clippers or offering a quiet moment of compassion, Cami is carving out something rare— a place where care cuts deeper than a razor.
“This right here is a win for me! To be featured on a blog as one of the many Women Business Owners in Lancaster.”
We had the greatest honor getting to know Cami and her family in this process. Don’t just look, but book with CamiCutz before all slots are taken this summer!
Address: 313 Liberty Street in Lancaster, PA,
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