Discover
Consistency is the Key
Tight Cut Barber Shop
Story by: LaSheik Calhoun
Edward “Oodie” Crawford (above) is a master barber that has been in the game for about 19 years. Ootie as he is known in the community, started cutting hair in 1995. Edward attended Triad Barber school in WinstonSalem, N.C. in 1996. He attended barber school fulltime and graduated within nine months. Edward had positive role models while he was attending Triad Barber School. Mrs. Mary, who was one of the instructors at the school, was a mother figure to Edward. When Edward graduated from Triad Barber School, he received his first barber position with Ernie Heron at VIP Barbershop. Ernie was originally from Trenton, N.J. Ernie was a mentor to Edward during his beginning stages of cutting hair. VIP Barbershop helped Edward get his name out there. Edward stayed with Ernie for about four years. His clients were growing and he was ready to build his own barbershop. April 1, 2002, Tight Cut Barbershop was born. Edward had his first barbershop on Washington Street in High Point, N.C. Edward’s barbershop was next door to a good friend of his, John Williamson’s, convenience store. John told Edward that he would do well opening Tight Cut next door to him. Historical figures, who have been in the building, include Martin Luther King Jr. and James Brown. Edward saw that the building had history and was a cultural landmark. Within a year, Edward moved Tight Cut to another location on Green Street in High Point, N.C. He leased a building from Leroy McIntyre. Edward stayed in that building for
a couple of years. As business continued to grow, Edward found a bigger space on Greensboro Street in High Point, N.C. He stayed there for about two years. Finally Edward settled at Eastpoint Plaza in High Point, N.C. He started with a five year lease, but extended it for another five years. Tight Cut is well known in High Point, N.C. Edward has also expanded. He opened a second location in Greensboro, N.C. The Greensboro, N.C. location has six chairs and 4 barbers currently. There are a total of ten barbers in both Tight Cut locations. Tight Cut has serviced prominent leaders in North Carolina. Clients include Bruce Davis-County Commissioner. Celebrities have also been serviced by Tight Cut. They include Ricky Roundtree, Ronnie Laws, Christopher Williams and Mary Mary. Tight Cut recently participated in National Night Out at High Point University. There were 500 children in attendance at the event. Tight Cut put in plenty of time and dedication to give the children haircuts. Tight Cut Barbershop received recognition in the High Point Enterprise from participating in National Night Out. Edward and Tight Cut Barbershop are gaining more exposure. A third location in Kernersville, N.C. is in the works for Tight Cut. Edward has words of advice for future entrepreneurs. He says to stay consistent on whatever path you choose to go. Edward also recognizes his wife, Marsha “Juicy” Crawford. She stuck by him when he wanted to give up. A great support system is important to any business owner. Definitely support Edward Crawford at his various Tight Cut locations. He has talent, expertise and longevity. Edward Crawford is the personal barber of Derek Palmer, Coowner of Simply Elevate Magazine. Invest in a quality haircut by Tight Cut Barbershop. The name says it all.
Dream
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Achieve
www.simplyelevate.com
www.simplyelevate.com
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