Daily Inspiration: Meet Joey Thomas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joey Thomas.

Hi Joey, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Well, my journey began many, many moons ago… lol! Back at the age of 12 ks when I knew Barbering was a career that I would pursue and take seriously. Back then, cutting hair was something that sort of chose me.
It was the summer before starting middle school, our family ran into some financial hardships, and the results were that our bi-weekly appointment to the Barber Shop had came to a halt and my twonolder Brothers and I had to learn how to cut each other hair immediately – or, at least within a couple of weeks before school began. And we all should have an idea of how important a haircut is to a young man, especially your “back to school” cut. And did I forget to mention, I was about to start middle school!? I mean, come on, I have to be fresh for the ladies, lol!
Well, my oldest Brother went first with the clippers on my head. It was his first time ever cutting a head. I mean, do I really have to elaborate more..? When he finally finished, I couldn’t understand how someone could have such inconsistent accuracy! You would have thought he cut my hair on a roller-coaster, lol!
Now it’s my turn… as bad as I wanted to return the favor, all those years of being raised inside of Beauty and Barber Shops and watching hours upon hours of how the art was done, here’s my moment! I cut my Brothers hair… nervousness, anxiety, excitement, and a few other emotions got the best of me as I couldn’t wait to see the final product. Keep in mind it was my first time cutting hair as well. Moment of truth… it wasn’t the best of a haircut but to me, it was the start of something new! It was almost as if a new level was unlocked, lol!
Next thing I know my Great-Grandfather and Uncle became my first bi-weekly customers. “Caps” is what they called my haircuts, mainly because they came out looking like I gave them chili-bowl.
Few years later, I found myself with a weekly clientele, cutting either in the restroom, basement, or garage of my Mother’s home. Operating completely off of scheduled appointments, mainly because I wanted everyone to take me a serious as I took myself.
Fast forward to my Senior year in high school, I graduated after 1st semester and enrolled as a full-time Barber student at Ea LA Mars Barber College. Attending that school was definitely a culture shock as well as a fast-track program that forced me into adulthood, which at the time, I didn’t know thay I needed.
There I learned not only skill development but character development. I was able to hone in on (industry) survival skills while discovering myself. I was 17 when I began and I think the person closes to me in age was in their 30’s. A few times I thought someone entered me into the twilight zone, lol!
After 11 Months, I completed the program and took off running!!! I began my Professional career at Leenaj Beauty & Barber Designs and learned so much! In particular, there was a young lady by the name of LaSean who I admired. I never seen anyone with so much clientele. She gave me so much game on how to conquer my goals and I did my best to execute. Next thing you know, the goals that I set were in my rear view mirror.
By age 25, I found myself opening my first Shop – JoeyCuts Barber Salon! It was like a dream come true! Throughout the years of ownership, we did so much for the community! It earned us a special spot in the heart of thousands! 5 years later, we were able to open 180V Barber Salon on the corner of 18th & Vine!
For me, that was extremely special because I can remember writing book reports in school about the area and now, here I have a chance to add to the rich history of that area!
Now, as I wait for the Historic Lincoln Building to finish renovations, I’ve relocated temporarily back to where it all started – Leenaj Beauty & Barber Designs.
I’m also in the process of opening our Family business – Frosty Frogs Water Ice, which will be located at 12th & Brooklyn, next door to Gates BBQ. We’re so excited for this opportunity, as we will serve as the official dessert for Gates!!!
Lord Willing, we will be open Spring 2025.
In the meantime, I just ask for everyone to continue to send those Prayers our way and to keep supporting the JoeyCuts Brand, 180V Brand, the Know Joey? Foundation and Frosty Frogs Water Ice when and how you can!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Nothing about my life has been easy.
Every milestone has been a journey but the resluts have been triumphant!
I thank God above for all he has guided me through, protected me from, and gave me favor during. Without God, I wouldn’t be anyhring nor would I have anything.

As challenging as things have been and still are, I always focus on the other side of the finish line! I keep that image and thought first!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
So, at the very core, I’m a Licensed Barber. Have been for 22 years now. However, that doesn’t define me. I’d like to believe that I’m a Philanthropist, a serial Entrepreneur, Business Developer, Consultant and potentially Kansas City’s next 3rd In-District City Councilman.
Whatever label that makes most comfortable, I’m ok with that. But one label that I refuse to succumb to is complacent. I’m on the move! With all things mentioned that I’ve done, accomplished or yet to do, I still dont feel as if I’ve scratched the surface of my full potential!
So, STAY TUNED!!!

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I’m able to be reached…
My primary email is [email protected] . I already know that someone will laugh that I still use Hotmail, but I’d like to think of it as a badge of trustworthiness.
I’ve neen doing business for a long time and have changed contacts very few times.
As for Socials:
• Facebook – Joseph Thomas
• Instagram – @JoeyCuts

Talk to me… I talk back.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @JoeyCuts
• Facebook: Joseph Thomas