Bashan “B.G. CUTTA” Gibbs,
Art Director

As a child, you never realize that the people you surround yourself with, even family, may one day inspire you to do great things. At the young impressionable age of 12, I was inspired by my uncle Anthony Brookins. Throughout my childhood, while living in Ohio, he was my barber. He inspired me to try it myself.

In 1989, when I put my curiosity of barbering to the test, the “Free Style Fade Era” was in full effect. Of course, my first client was myself because not many adults would trust a 12 year old cutting their hair. After proving that I had talent, my stepfather became my first adult client. Soon after this, I started my hustle. I charged my friends as well as my stepfather’s friends $2 per haircut.

In 1992, I moved to Southwest Atlanta, GA. This major move didn’t stop my hustle; I continued to cut in middle school and throughout the Allen Temple Projects. 

In March 1994 I was grazed by a bullet passing just above my left ear at a teen night club. It was soon after that experience that I received word that my father had passed away. It was this near fatal event and tragic death that changed my life forever, motivating me to hustle even harder. I learned to never give up because life is too short to settle. I buckled down and became serious about making a career for myself. I started cutting my friends’ hair during lunch towards the end of high school. Due to short lunch breaks, I acquired speed during this time.

In 1997 I graduated Harper Archer High School and during that same summer I worked in my first barber shop. Thanks to Joe and Mr. Shareff, I gained professional experience at Cut Authority Barbershop in Decatur, GA.

Unable to see the potential that I had of becoming a professional barber, I stopped cutting to begin pursuing a career as a graphic artist. In 1999, I graduated from Atlanta Technical Institute with a 2-year degree in Graphic Design. After a short span as a graphic artist, due to being laid off, I started the search for a job that allowed me to do what I love.  I decided that I would no longer let my destiny be controlled by others.

In the fall of 2001, I started cutting hair at Alpha Design Barbershop. This turned out to be the best career move I could have made. While working at Alpha Design, I met two barbers that have had a huge impact on my life. The owner of the shop, Mr. Taper, and a fellow barber, Vinny Barberino, have aided me in perfecting my craft. They also helped me to understand the barber game.

In 2003, I started cutting hair at Natural Blend Barbershop in Marietta, GA. I started  my apprenticeship in 2004 and completed the program and acquired my license in May 2006. Soon after, in May 2007, I was blessed with the opportunity to purchase Natural Blend Barbershop, now known as True Skills Barbershop, from Mark Womble. I am also co-founder of a Barbers Only Magazine.  Throughout this journey I have learned that in this world, it is survival of the fittest; only the strong survive. My ultimate goal is to one day be an inspiration for the youth; I want them to know that anything is truly possible when you stay focused and keep faith in God. Do not allow others to choose your destiny!