Meet Jonathan “Chop Up Jay” Cole | Barber

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jonathan “Chop Up Jay” Cole and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jonathan “Chop Up Jay”, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I just wanted to remove the glass ceiling from my earning potential. I wanted to know I could make more than what others are willing to pay me. At the time, it was a scary thing to do.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a career barber/hair care specialist and I absolutely love what I do! I’m excited and proud to have branched away from the traditional shops and salons that ultimately place a glass ceiling on your income and a limit to your self expression. Just like any career, you have to put in the time and effort to become good at it and remain coachable. Its not easy, but the hair industry offers dozens of ways to make a living. For example, I started off just doing haircuts and now I’ve added hair braiding, straight razor shaving, hair coloring, and skin care facials to the list of services that I can provide; with more coming because I’m always willing to learn! One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in my career is the learning curve that makes a simple hairstylist into a businessman, I had no formal training in how to handle my finances, protocol, relations, advertisements, and options available to me as a business owner. I still struggle with these things to this day, but I’ve found the best way to maneuver these things is to seek council from someone who knows better. This is how I overcome challenges everyday, and this is also what I’d like people to know about my brand Chop Up Jay LLC. I’ve put in the work, and continue to do so!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I really like to hang out at our large parks, Hermann and Memorial. Nothings better on a good looking day than taking the electronics outside and getting work done while taking in fresh air and scenery. I like to hang out with friends as well, Sam’s Boat, Castle Lounge, and Prospect Park are really good places for hanging out and watching games. They also happen to be on the same side of town!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I owe my stability to the efforts of my wife, who made my business cards, website, and motivates me constantly. Also The Normal Anomaly Initiative and Project Liberate for helping me with the tools that I need to plan my business ventures. And most importantly, the clients.

Website: Chopupjay.com

Instagram: chop_up_jay

Facebook: Chop Up Jay

Other: Tik Tok: Chop_Up_Jay