Gentlemen Cuts Barbershop

Terrell Smith, aka Mr. Red, always knew he wanted to be his own boss. With a flair for styling, he earned his barber’s license in 2002 and spent years honing his craft in shops around St. Paul, Minnesota. But in 2014, he made a bold move—opening Gentlemen Cuts, a barbershop that would be more than just a place for a trim.

Located in the heart of St. Paul’s East Side, Gentlemen Cuts quickly became a neighborhood institution. For Terrell, cutting hair was never just about fades and lineups—it was about building connections. His shop became a safe space where locals of all ages could gather, talk sports, debate current events, or just catch up on life. More than a barbershop, it was a hub of mentorship, laughter, and community.

Terrell’s dedication to his craft and his neighborhood runs deep. Whether it’s giving young barbers a chance to learn the trade, offering free back-to-school haircuts for kids, or simply lending an ear to those who need it, he remains committed to the people he serves. For him, Gentlemen Cuts isn’t just a business—it’s home..

For Season 6, Small Business Revolution visited Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, to celebrate and share the stories of Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs in some of the most important neighborhoods in the community. Among them is Gentlemen Cuts, a true East Side institution founded by Terrell Smith, aka Mr. Red. More than just a barbershop, Gentlemen Cuts is a place where conversation flows as freely as the clippers, where mentorship happens in the barber’s chair, and where community is at the heart of every cut. Terrell’s dedication to his craft and his neighborhood embodies the spirit of resilience and entrepreneurship that Small Business Revolution is all about.

Customer Reviews

"Convinced my autistic son to get a haircut since his hair was long. I googled haircuts and Gentleman haircuts came up. Walked in and the owner Red cut my son’s hair. First time my son liked his haircut and I was happy as well. Thank you for taking us as a walk in and doing an amazing job on my son’s haircut."

Ms. Sanchez
"The staff here was great! I received a cut by Terrell and he did a great job with my hair cut. Much appreciate the time and effort he puts into his cuts for customer satisfaction."

Mr. Murray
"When you are looking for a barber, you are looking for consistency. Two haircuts down, and the same high quality cut on both occasions. The owners and barbers are top quality in a down to earth environment. Their cuts are art. You won’t be disappointed."

Mr. Shorter

Gentlemen Cuts Barbershop

"The staff here was great! I received a cut by Terrell and he did a great job with my hair cut. Much appreciate the time and effort he puts into his cuts for customer satisfaction."

"When you are looking for a barber, you are looking for consistency. Two haircuts down, and the same high quality cut on both occasions. The owners and barbers are top quality in a down to earth environment. Their cuts are art. You won’t be disappointed."

Gentlemen Cuts