A cut above

By Andres Diaz -

Ever since he was in school, Jasu Diaz has dreamed of opening up his own barbershop; and now that big dream has come into full fruition taking up shop in Santa Monica, California.

“It’s something I feel God called me to do,” he says. “I wanted to learn and I thought I would like it while also being able to make others feel good about their haircut and ultimately making them feel more confident in their own skin.”

Growing up coming from Oaxaca, Mexico to Los Angeles, California, Jasu always had big dreams and accomplishments ahead of him. He was primarily raised by his grandmother who would raise pigs and butcher in order to sell chicharones and provide for her family.

At around 9 years old, Jasu made his daring journey to America to live with his mom and step-dad. He recalls his first ever American movie he saw while on the plane was “Blank Check” (1994). He attended John Adams Middle School and graduated from Santa Monica High School in 2005.

He started out working for the Coca-Cola company soon after graduating, working several graveyard shifts to make some money in order to provide for his wife and kids.

He wasn’t happy with this career though and decided to leave behind his controlling corporate job in order to take that risk to achieve his dream.

While his mom wasn’t fully on board about him deciding to change his career so suddenly, he found immense support from his loving wife who he says supported him every step of the way, road bumps and all.

The two met while attending the same class at Santa Monica High School to which he describes to me was the shared feeling of “love at first sight”.

Just like achieving anything in life, he too suffered from certain thoughts of doubt. Thoughts questioning whether he would make it or not would plague his mind- but with all glory to God, in the back of his mind he knew that he would make it-

“Even though I knew it was scary to take a leap of action into something (and it still is) I realized that you can do anything in life and as long as you stay committed you will see those results because hard work pays off.”

He started off by going to barber school in 2015 (also the same year he became a U.S. Citizen) and graduating just a year later in 2016. As the years went on he began his barber journey working in The Lounge, Pacific Barbershop, and Oeste Barbershop to gain experience and save up the money for the future shop of his own.

As he gained experience, so too did he gain loyal clients who loved his haircuts so much they would tell their friends and family. These clients would make sure to follow him to whatever barbershop he would end up moving to, never missing out on a quality haircut experience.

In July 2023, his prayers were answered when he officially opened his solo barbershop, Pier 86. Named after the street his shop is located on and his birth year.

Ever since then Jasu has kept the majority of his clients and they have not only been supportive of his barber journey, but they have also been happy with their haircuts, always leaving 5 star reviews on his google-

“So much love for Jasu. He’s been my go to barber for 4 years, and wherever he cuts I follow. When I heard he opened up his own studio I was over the moon excited. Though, not sure why he didn’t do it 10 years ago! The guy has so much talent, seriously the best fade have ever received.” comments a client of Jasu.

His dream is not over just yet though as he has dreams of adding a coffee shop inside. When asked why a coffee shop he replied with-

“Well, more of a brunch place integrated in the barbershop because I’ve always wanted to integrate different things I've experienced as a kid that I haven’t seen over here in America.”

This isn’t his only future goal for his shop though, he also would want to expand to have more barbershops while at the same time having his own brand and being able to give back to his community.

If you’d like to visit Jasu and receive a quality haircut, click the link: book an appointment.

About this reporter: Andres Diaz wrote this article as an assignment for the Lighthouse Christian Academy. Full disclosure: Jasu is his father.