Anthony Cano (@uppercuts_cano) is one SalonCentric Beauty Blazer and L’Oréal USA Inclusive Beauty Fund Grant recipient who understands what it takes to make your business dreams a reality. As the founder of Texas-based barbershop Uppercuts Barbershop (@uppercutsgrandprairie), Anthony (a.k.a “Cano”) has successfully navigated the highs and lows of entrepreneurship to make his business stand out amongst the competition.
Read on to learn more about Anthony’s journey from barber to inspiring business owner and discover some of the top tips and lessons he's learned along the way.
About Anthony Cano
Anthony is a master barber and the owner of Uppercuts, one of the most sought-after barbershops in the Grand Prairie area. He says that some of his most fulfilling moments at the shop are when he sees his toughest clients fighting back a smile. According to Anthony, “there’s nothing like the feeling of a fresh cut,” and he’s inspired by the many lives he’s touched over the years with his art and work.
When he’s not at the barbershop, Anthony loves to travel with friends and family and can often be found at mixed martial arts (MMA) events. He’s been practicing Brazilian jiu jitsu since 2010 and also enjoys kickboxing and boxing. Anthony describes MMA as his second love after barbering, which is where he got the idea for the name “uppercuts.”
Anthony’s Early Life
Anthony was born and raised in Grand Prairie, a suburb of Dallas, Texas. As a kid, he says that he was the class clown who got along with everyone but didn’t particularly enjoy being told what to do. He had an entrepreneurial spirit from an early age and remembers being drawn to the natural swagger and authority of business owners—including his father and grandfather.
He recalls a particular moment in his childhood when he came across an old binder filled with blank checks from one of his grandfather’s businesses, a construction company called “Cano Construction Co.” It was at that moment that Anthony knew he wanted to be his own boss one day. In fact, those exact business checks can now be found hanging in his barbershop as a source of daily motivation and inspiration.
Anthony’s interest in cutting hair was also inspired by experiences shared with his family. His father would cut his hair at home, and eventually, he began helping out with his dad’s fade. Before long, his cousins and friends also began asking Anthony to cut their hair, and he quickly discovered his talent and passion for barbering. The kids at school would even line up during their lunch periods for a quick edge up with Anthony.
“I started cutting hair at 12 years old right across the street from where my shop is located today,” he says. By the time Anthony was 16 years old, he realized that barbering wasn’t just a side hustle: It was his main passion and he was confident that he could make a living barbering full-time. So, he enrolled in barber school and committed himself to going to school full-time despite any personal challenges in his life. He remembers nights where he would have to sleep in his car at a nearby parking lot in order to make it to his classes.
Anthony graduated barber school at 18 years old with the help of a strong support network that believed in him and his talent. He went on to work at a barbershop named Kaliburcuts and, when the right opportunity presented itself, Anthony decided to open his own barbershop.
About Uppercuts Barbershop
“I opened Uppercuts Barbershop to fulfill a dream I’ve had since I was a kid,” says Anthony. His vision was to create an urban barbershop with a professional image and top-notch service. Uppercuts Barbershop opened its doors in January 2013 when Anthony was just 23 years old. He describes the shop as “a barbershop for the modern man”—accessible, versatile, and “so much more than clean fades.”
When asked what he thinks sets Uppercuts apart from its competitors, Anthony says that their collective talent as a team is unparalleled. He takes pride in his carefully-selected staff of talented barbers, all of whom treat each other (and their clients) like family. Things tend to get quite busy at Uppercuts, but Anthony emphasizes the importance of building trust and relationships with all clients, whether it’s a walk-in or a long-time client.
According to Anthony, some barbers make the mistake of losing their humility when success hits. He says that, at Uppercuts, they never forget one essential rule: They’re in the business to serve. Their loyal clients agree, with raving reviews like: “I am super picky, so that's why I go here for my haircut. They are simply the best at what they do.”
Instagram/@uppercutsgrandprairie
Anthony Cano’s Tips for Aspiring Barber-Business Owners
Ahead, we’re sharing some of the lessons that Anthony says helped him find success as a pro barber and barbershop owner.
Lead with value
In an Instagram post, Anthony says that he’s always led with value and focused on being a resource to anyone seeking advice, tools, or direction in the barbering industry. He explains that making value a priority has led to many long-lasting relationships for him and his barbers. In fact, many of his connections now work at Uppercuts Barbershop or end up transitioning into owning their own shop.
Stay true to your passion
“It’s very simple for me: If I don’t love it, I won’t do it,” says Anthony. He believes that much of his success comes from staying committed to leading a life that aligns with his personal passions. “Everything is done through love with passion and nothing is forced. Life’s too short to do things your soul doesn’t crave.”
Push through the chaotic moments
Over his career, Anthony has learned that you can only prepare yourself for so much as a business owner—there will always be unexpected surprises and setbacks. His advice when things get tough is to remain calm, keep your confidence up, and never quit. He believes that the best thing you can do as an entrepreneur is to just keep going, facing one day at a time and gaining as much experience as possible along the way.
Take action
Anthony has learned throughout his journey as an entrepreneur that you will never be completely comfortable and it will never be the perfect time. “It took me seeing a vision and ultimately finding the right people who had the roadmap that I felt I could replicate to be ‘comfortable,’ but ultimately, it was just taking action,” he says.
Build a community
“Alongside me are family and friends who have helped to make Uppercuts more than just a barbershop—it’s a community,” explains Anthony. “Beyond just offering haircuts, we give back through toy drives, food drives, giveaways, and teaching young kids how to cut hair and supplying them with tools.” He says that he’s proud to be a hub for his neighborhood, creating a space where people feel like they belong. “For me, it’s not just about running a business, it’s about inspiring and growing with those around me.”
SalonCentric: What do you think have been the key contributors to your success?
Anthony Cano: A relentless focus on building genuine connections and always putting the client experience first. I realized early on that it's not just about giving a great haircut—it’s about making clients feel valued, heard, and comfortable. Another big factor is consistency. Whether it’s in service quality, cleanliness, or atmosphere, clients notice when you take pride in your work.
Lastly, giving back to the community has been huge, and I believe that overall servitude is what you should lead with. You’ll notice I don’t mention anything about haircutting. While it's important to constantly work and perfect your craft, your success will more heavily depend on the person you are and work to become.
SC: What's one hair secret or tip you think every barber should know?
AC: One tip I believe every barber should know is the importance of communication. Before you even pick up your clippers, make sure you fully understand what the client wants. Sometimes, it’s not just about the haircut, but how it makes them feel. A clear and open conversation about their expectations goes a long way when it comes to ensuring they leave happy. Also, always educate your clients on aftercare, show them how to maintain the look so they feel confident until their next visit.
What's your favorite and least favorite barbering trend at the moment?
Anthony: My favorite trends right now are the styles with heavy scissor work. There's something satisfying about crafting a sharp, detailed fade and finishing it off with next level shape, flow, and style with advanced scissor techniques. On the flip side, my least favorite trend is when barbers rush into the profession, treating it as if it’s a “get rich quick” scheme.
I’ve seen accelerated success and have witnessed new barbers become exceptional haircutters very quickly through social media. However, for every one person that’s able to achieve this, there’s a thousand more rushing to mimic what they see while lacking the necessary foundational skills, values, and business acumen. I can see this damaging how the profession is viewed by the general public in the future.
As far as trends go, I’m going to say that I’m over “The Edgar”—a modern variation of the “Caesar cut” or “French crop” haircut, which features a blunt fringe and a high taper fade.
SC: What's one thing you can’t live without when working?
AC: I couldn't live without a powerful cordless clipper. Power ensures less hangups, so that I can keep a good pace and get into a good flow state. Cordless clippers give me the freedom to move around the client and create a seamless cut without worrying about cords getting in the way. As for products, I love using Uppercuts’ own hair products for styling. They were developed specifically for our shop, and I trust them to deliver the hold and finish that clients love.
Next Up: Follow the journey of another SalonCentric Beauty Blazer and L’Oréal USA Inclusive Beauty Fund Grant recipient—Dominican American social entrepreneur and Miss Rizos founder Carolina Contreras.
Header image credit: Instagram/@uppercutsgrandprairie
