Today we’d like to introduce you to Jean Carlos Cruz.
Hi Jean Carlos, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started my journey as a barber in Puerto Rico, never imagining how far a simple passion for grooming would take me. When I moved to Miami, I built Òleo Men’s Salon from the ground up with a vision to elevate men’s grooming and create a space that felt personal, modern, and community-centered.
Along the way, I launched Cortando Fronteras, a nonprofit that provides free grooming and wellness services to underserved communities. What began as a hobby turned into a mission to restore confidence and dignity through the power of a haircut.
Today, I continue growing Òleo as a brand, creating opportunities for other barbers, and using my craft to make a positive impact wherever I can.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road definitely hasn’t been smooth. When I moved to Miami, I had to start from zero — no client base, limited resources, and the pressure of providing for my family while trying to build a brand. Opening Òleo meant long nights, financial challenges, and learning how to run a business on my own.
With Cortando Fronteras, the biggest challenge has been finding consistent support and funding to serve the communities that need it most. But every obstacle has pushed me to grow, stay disciplined, and keep my purpose at the center of everything I do.
Those challenges shaped my resilience
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Òleo Men’s Salon / (Non-Profit) Cortando Fronteras Inc.?
Òleo Men’s Salon is a men’s grooming brand built around precision, experience, and identity. We specialize in modern barbering, male image consulting, and high-end grooming services in Miami. What sets Òleo apart is the combination of craftsmanship, hospitality, and a culture-driven brand experience — something that goes beyond a haircut and becomes a lifestyle.
Our clients know us for our attention to detail, our commitment to excellence, and the unique atmosphere we’ve created. Òleo isn’t just a barbershop; it’s a place where men feel confident, valued, and understood.
Alongside the salon, I founded Cortando Fronteras Inc., a nonprofit that provides free grooming and wellness services to underserved communities. It’s one of the things I’m most proud of — being able to use my craft to restore dignity, hope, and confidence to people who truly need it.
What makes my work unique is the blend of entrepreneurship and purpose. Òleo is growing into a full lifestyle brand, and Cortando Fronteras represents the heart behind everything I do. I want readers to know that our mission is bigger than a service — it’s about transforming lives, one cut at a time.
What’s next?
Looking ahead, I’m focused on expanding Òleo into a full lifestyle brand. We are currently developing a line of signature grooming products under the Òleo name — high-quality formulas designed specifically for men who value style, confidence, and self-care. My goal is for Òleo products to become a trusted part of every client’s daily routine.
I’m also working on launching Òleo Beauty Academy, a night-school program designed to help aspiring barbers earn their professional licenses while still managing their jobs and personal responsibilities. This academy will create opportunities for people who want to build a career in the grooming industry but need a flexible schedule and real guidance.
My future plans center around growth with purpose: expanding the brand, elevating the industry, and giving more people the skills and confidence to transform their lives through barbering.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://OLEOSALON.COM
- Instagram: @oleomenssalon
- Facebook: @oleomenssalon
- Youtube: @oleomenssalon
Image Credits
@ljcolina
