A North Carolina woman is making strides to help people feel included.

What You Need To Know

  • 7 Cutz Above caters to individuals with autism

  • It is owned by a mobile hairstylist

  • It provides services throughout North Carolina

JacQuil Leathers is the owner and master stylist behind 7 Cutz Above. She cuts hair for the public but caters to individuals with autism.

“I had a lot of times I went to a barbershop, and they weren’t kind to me,” Leathers said.

Leathers said she decided to start her business after taking part in a walk from Raleigh to Atlanta that made stops in cities along the way to support a hair salon for special needs. She was also pushed by her younger sister Jessica, who also has special needs.

“She is the heartbeat to our family. She’s everything. She definitely inspired me to keep going,” Leathers said.

Leathers felt this was her opportunity to step up and serve those who needed help with grooming, and 7 Cutz Above was established.

“We had a dream and they believed in it with me. And we just took off in hopes that it would just all come together,” Leathers said.

Not only did the hairstylist create a business that helps those who need it most, Leathers then decided to take her teachings on the road.

For two months Leathers has been traveling to different local barbershops to teach other barbers and stylists how to cut hair for a specific demographic.

She calls it a "Sensory Tour."

She said to be a master at this type of cutting it takes understanding love, trust and patience.

“We need people to open their mind and their hearts up and give their skills out to this community,” Leathers said.

Leathers said when someone struggles to get into her chair, she tries to make them feel as comfortable as possible, because some clients have sensory sensitivities and dislike being in unfamiliar environments. And for the kids, she always has a little treat.

“I did put trophies in there just because a lot of the kids that came in today, this was their first time in a barbershop getting their hair cut. And we want to celebrate that and make sure that it's a monumental moment for them,” Leathers said.

Leathers said the best barbers or stylists will make the haircutting experience more manageable and less distressing.

Leathers has used her own car to service many throughout the state.

She said she wants to get a van and convert it into a mobile barbershop so that she can reach those who need her services beyond North Carolina.