Alen Yousif is a talented and passionate third-generation barber who has been making waves in the industry since his graduation in 2010.  Alen’s father immigrated from Iraq in 1993.  Facing the language barriers of a new country, Alen’s father made sure his son knew the importance of clear communication with clients and instilled a strong work ethic.

Alen’s King Cut Barbershop had been a dream for him for the past 15 years.  Why King Cut? Alen wanted to infuse a modern twist into traditional barbering, blending the old and the new. The gorilla in his logo stemmed from the furniture he acquired for his shop, featuring gold and brown colors. Alen realized that these colors represented a throne, evoking a sense of regality, confidence, and strength. The gorilla symbolized the King of the Jungle, a wordplay on “King Kong”, showcasing power.

Alen’s journey began by cutting hair for friends and family, discovering his love for hairstyling along the way. This passion led him to pursue a cosmetology licenseand work at several salons where he honed his skills and explored different avenues in the industry.

After much contemplation about whether he wanted his career to focus on men, women, or both, Alen embarked on a career that allowed him to serve all clients. He worked at two salons before renting his own chair, which he successfully managed for five years.­­ During this time, Alen also worked on various business plans but it was during the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic that he finalized his vision and opened his salon.

With over a year of operation under his belt, Alen is continually working on expanding his business. He is currently developing a product line and exploring potential franchising opportunities within the city. Alen seizes any opportunity to teach and learn, staying humble and keeping an open mind to facilitate his personal growth and that of his business.

Alen Yousif’s journey in the barbering industry is a testament to his dedication, creativity, and perseverance. From cutting hair for loved ones to owning his own barbershop, he has found fulfillment in transforming his dreams into reality. With its commitment to excellence, Alen’s King Cut Barbershop is poised for even greater success in the future.