Being multi-talented is a gift, and profiting from those talents is a blessing. There was a time when working a 9-to-5 job that may or may not be fulfilling was the norm and an accepted lifestyle. Over the decades, that has changed, with each generation inching out of the traditional work environment.
According to The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, entrepreneurship has been at an all-time high in the United States since 2022. Fayetteville is a hub for small businesses ranging from doctor's offices to restaurants, to hair and nail salons. The area supports small businesses.
One local woman is carving out her piece of the American pie and setting a new standard for what it means to be a black female entrepreneur in 2024 and beyond. If Hasani J is a name you are not familiar with, prepare to be acquainted. Barber, R&B recording artist, and podcast host, Hasani J is raking up the titles and has the education to back it up. She’s no stranger to the hair world, growing up the daughter of a master barber and shop owner.
“I grew up in the hair world. I learned in the barbershop. [I] started out sweeping the floor for my stepdad, Mac, who is the owner of Skibo Barbershop on George Owen Drive. Both of my brothers fix hair. My birth father cuts hair as well, but hairstylists and barbers are something that my family does,” Hasani explained.
During the week she holds a seat down as the only female barber at Barber Kings located off Hope Mills Road. During her time at the shop, she’s grown her skills and added some degrees to her walls.
“I am a Master Cosmetologist. I’m a Master Barber. I am getting my doctorate in the barber field. I’m certified and right now I’m also about to go take my instructor's class to get my instructor's license. We have a classroom here, so I’ll be doing some classes here,” she said.
In what has been a male-dominated field, Hasani J has made her mark and earned the respect of her counterparts without much pushback.
She said, “It’s actually easier when you are a woman because we know what WE like to look at. So I learned from looking. I’m a cosmetologist first, so I learned from my peers in the industry and I was taught well. Everybody wanted to help me. So then being female in the industry it’s a plus.” To book an appointment visit her booking site at https://hasanijcutzllc.as.me/schedule/cbbef6cd.
Hasani J’s talent doesn’t stop at her skills with the sheers and clippers, she’s also a talented R&B artist. Her music can be found on several streaming platforms including Apple Music. She’s performed her music live at several local events around the city, most recently the boxing match held at the Crown Complex.
Her smooth voice, spicy lyrical wordplay, and island-flavored sound are perfect additions to any playlist.
“I do R&B music, love music, grown music, for grown folks. Right now I’m working on my first EP, but I do have a nice catalog right now. They are out on all musical platforms so you can go check that out. And I do have my latest single which came out about a month ago. That’s for the ladies,” she said.
She also uses her voice to host her podcast, Ova Ya Head, where she discusses weekly topics ranging from marrying a narcissist to marketing your small business. To watch an episode or subscribe visit the YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@ovayaheadhasanij.
While her accolades and talents are many, she has never stopped giving back to the community that raised her. She is the secretary of Cut My City, a nonprofit founded by Barbadian natives and Barber Kings owners Dr. Sundiata Morris and Dr. Lumumba Quow.
Cut My City brings haircuts to the neighborhoods in need here in Cumberland County and surrounding areas. Their famous cut bus (equipped with a generator, barber chairs, and a small waiting area) can be found at community events and supporting nonprofits.
They also host an annual Christmas toy drive to support local nonprofits in their efforts and have a year-round partnership with the Cumberland County Health Department. Through these continuous efforts and her donations to a single mother once a year, Hasani J proves her love for the city that made her and supports her. With all her success in her many endeavors, Hasani admits that she couldn’t and cannot continue to do it without the people around her, saying, “All my family. All of my fans with my music from day one, who come to my shows, that stream my music. Shout out to my kids. My grandkids. I would like to shout out my Barber King fellas. My mother and my stepfather, my father, my brothers and sisters. Just family and friends and everybody that supports all of my businesses as far as music and as far as cutting hair.” To stay up to date on all things Hasani J, follow her on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028020619162.

(Photo courtesy of Hasani J)