In this episode of From Scratch, Gjoko welcomes Elijah Allen, the passionate barber and entrepreneur behind Crucial Cuts Barbershop in Crest Hill/Plainfield, Illinois.

Elijah shares how his journey began with a love for cutting hair, grew into a lifelong craft, and ultimately led him to open his own shop. From long hours perfecting his skills to the real challenges of running a small business, Elijah’s story is about discipline, consistency, and belief in the bigger picture.

More than just cutting hair, Elijah’s vision has been about creating a place where people feel welcome, valued, and part of the community. His journey is a reminder that with determination, resilience, and passion, you can turn your craft into a thriving business — from scratch.

Get in touch with Elijah:

TikTok/Instagram: @Elijahcuttingup

📍 Crucial Cuts Barber Lounge: 2201 Plainfield Rd, Crest Hill, IL 60403

🔥 Real stories. Real people.
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