Entrepreneurial UA Student Opens Barbershop in Downtown Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Jack Mauldin, an aspiring entrepreneur and University of Alabama junior, celebrated the grand opening of his new barbershop in downtown Tuscaloosa Friday morning.

The ribbon-cutting for Crimson Cuts was attended by the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama and Lee Busby, who represents the downtown area on the Tuscaloosa City Council.

The event was also was celebrated with entertainment from a live DJ, free food and free haircuts all day long.

Mauldin got the idea to open a local barbershop after competing in a business pitch competition at the University of Alabama. He said he saw a need in the community for a go-to barbershop that everyone could rely on for fresh fades at an affordable price.

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“Crimson Cuts aims to provide a quality, cost-conscious haircut in a convenient location,” Mauldin said.

It’s always been Mauldin’s dream to become an entrepreneur. At the ripe old age of 20, he decided now was the time to take a risk, so he pursued a business he knew nothing about.

“I’ve never actually cut hair before,” Mauldin laughed. “But from a young age, I’ve known I wanted to become an entrepreneur, and I just saw there was demand for a barber shop that catered to the needs of students.”

Mauldin was first in line to receive a haircut at Crimson Cuts' grand opening.

As a child, Mauldin moved every two years for his dad’s job as a diplomat. His dad, and most of his family, are UA alumni, so he always knew he wanted to come back to Tuscaloosa for college.

After noticing his friends didn’t have a barbershop they consistently relied on, it became Mauldin’s goal to be that place that upperclassmen recommended to freshmen as the only place they get their hair cut.

“I didn’t know anything about cutting hair, I just saw an opportunity to help the community, and also to learn how to run a business," he said.

Crimson Cuts is now officially open for business and is located at 2115 University Boulevard, two doors down from World of Beer.

For more on the barbershop check out their website here.