Community Highlights: Meet AJ Gallegos of Cutthroat Barbers and Anglers

Today we’d like to introduce you to AJ Gallegos .

Hi AJ, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I began Barber college in 2005 at 18 years old after turning down a scholarship to advance my football career after high school. I knew I had to do something with my life and with the support of my parents I chose to follow in my mother’s footsteps and become a Barber. Throughout my 20 year career I have owned several Barbershops in the metro area, I’ve been a Barber instructor and have traveled the country with my clippers. I’ve been featured in music videos, commercials and have built a network in my industry with people across the world. My work was featured in Amsterdam years ago in an architectural magazine after I had been the first Barber to perform a haircut on the rooftop of a downtown Denver high rise building.
One of the most special things about being a Barber is building family relationships with my customers. The same kid that sat in my chair 15 years ago is now a man, leading his family, and I have become his son’s Barber.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Owning a business or being an entrepreneur is never easy. There are a lot of sleepless nights involved. When you have a vision and a hunger to succeed, you have to have the desire to work, even when others around you are resting. Everyday, week, month and year present new challenges. Success is a lifelong journey.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Cutthroat Barbers and Anglers ?
I’ve been a licensed Barber for 20 years and have owned several Barbershops in the metro area. I was forced to close my first business shortly after the pandemic. After going back to the drawing board, I decided to open Cutthroat Barbers & Anglers in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. I wanted to create a unique space that involved all of the things I love which is haircutting, shaving, fly fishing, hunting, and the outdoors. This December marks our 3 year anniversary. Since opening we have teamed up with The Canyon Fly Shop and they have a full service fly shop inside of Cutthroat Barbers & Anglers! We’re one of the most unique Barbershops in the world. Opening this Barbershop has helped me build relationships with anglers from across the globe. We’ve combined the best of both worlds to give you a unique reel Barbershop experience. When you sit in my chair you’ll get authentic and top notch service.

We specialize in traditional and modern Barbering from tapering, fading, shaving and shear work. Our Barbers are all professionally licensed and have graduated from Colorado’s most prestige Barber school at Emily Griffith Technical College. I am also president of the Rios y Sueños foundation, (translates to Rivers and Dreams), which is a non profit that helps underprivileged youth learn about fly fishing. Our Barbershop is a pillar in the community.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
We’re always taking new customers and building relationships with business across the city.

Contact Info:

• Website: CoCutthroat.com
• Instagram: Co_cutthroat_Barbers