For Oscar West, of Oscar’s Unisex Kutz, owning his own successful, popular barbershop is not the result of just good luck or fortunate circumstances, it’s exactly where he planned to be.
“Anything you commit to, you will be successful at,” West said.
West has committed to the profession of cosmetology for the last 19 years, from the day he entered the Gordon Phillips Beauty School to the day he opened his own shop in May 1997 after taking over Tony’s Barbershop from former employer John Andrews.
Oscar’s Unisex Kutz offers haircuts for men, women and kids, hair coloring, hair relaxers, natural hair care, including twists, braiding and hair care products.
The shop has four barbers, who can also style hair, and two hair stylists.
West doesn’t come from a family that has a history in the hair industry. One aunt was a cosmetologist and West remembers being interested in cutting hair at an early age. He began practicing on family members, including cousins, as early as age 12. He almost took a different path. West was an aspiring law student at The College of New Jersey prior to enrolling in beauty school. But he stuck with his first passion.
“This was more profitable for me and I love what I’m doing,” he said.
Part of the reason he loves his job is that he sees styling hair as an artistic craft, he said. “It’s an art form,” he said. “I like making people look nice.”
He also enjoys meeting people from all different walks of life, he said. Troy Vincent, the Trenton native and former Philadelphia Eagles NFL star, was once a regular at the shop.
Another aspect of owning a business that he enjoys is the opportunity to teach kids in the community how to do what he does and help them shape their talent.
West, originally from Jersey City, lives in Hamilton. He has a daughter, 15, and a son, 9, and son on the way. Oscar’s supports different leagues in basketball, baseball and football as well.
“I’m giving back to the community,” he said. “I played recreational sports as a kid.”
West said he tries to keep the atmosphere of the shop lighthearted, welcoming and kid-friendly.
The shop runs frequent specials on haircuts and also offers discounts for college students and seniors. “Quality service, great atmosphere, safe environment, that’s Oscar’s,” West said.
Mike Riley, a customer who has frequented the shop for a couple of years, said what keeps him coming back is the fact that “it’s a good haircut.”
“There’s a warm atmosphere, good conversation and good service,” he said.
For more information, call (609) 882-1037. The shop is located at 1612 Pennington Road.
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