Community Highlights: Meet Jasmine Craig of Smooth Visionary Kutz / SVK Essentials

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmine Craig.

Hi Jasmine, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
When I get this question I typically smile because I feel like my story is kind of unexpected.

In the beginning of 2020, I had moved to Virginia, but unfortunately my time there did not last long, and I moved back to Ohio at the end of 2020.

Being back so soon wasn’t really in my plans, so I had to quickly figure out my next step. I at least knew that I did not want to work for other people and wanted to be my own boss. At that time, I had a friend who suggested I apply for barber school because I was artistic and a people person. So I spoke with my mom and got her opinion and soon after I applied and was accepted.

I always thought my story was different because I didn’t have prior hair experience, and did not grow up wanting to cut hair. Since I am an artist, I figured learning how to cut wouldn’t be hard at all. Painting in my free time was always something I enjoyed and barbering felt like a natural extension of that creativity. I truly believe if you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything in the world. Nonetheless, it took me 11 months to graduate and I became licensed on June 7th, 2022.

I got to where I am today by not only staying determined, but also consistent with my craft. Every cut, detail, and client interaction was a step closer to mastering not just a skill, but a standard. Along the way, I learned that in order to have a successful business, I needed to have patience, humility, and a willingness to keep going. I’m committed to growing, evolving, and raising the bar every step of the way.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Being an entrepreneur is never an easy journey, but it’s totally worth the peace I receive each day knowing I am a successful business owner.

Some of the struggles I’ve dealt with and still do are slow days/weeks. It took me a while to appreciate the slower days because once I am busy I typically don’t get a break. Finding the silver lining has always helped me mentally.

Being a female barber in a male dominated industry has caused me to face a lot of challenges. Rather it be trying to gain trust in my clients so that they feel welcomed and want to come back, passing out business cards in different areas around the city, or gaining a social media presence. I went through a period where I had to change shops and during that process I had lost clients and gained new ones. At the end of the day I will forever be grateful for my journey and where I am today.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Smooth Visionary Kutz / SVK Essentials ?
Since being a licensed barber who specializes in all hair types, I took a leap of faith by putting everything I have into my craft and investing in myself.

In August of 2023, I created my own beard grooming product, which took all of 2.5 years to figure out the right formula. I came up with my own product because I wanted to figure out a way to create a softer life for my future self. It also allows me to have a more creative life and have a more lucrative income.

My proudest moment was In August of 2024, where I created a program called “The Infinity Experience” where I offer free haircuts based on donations for the Neurodivergent community between the ages 2-17. My mission is to transform the barbershop environment into a welcoming haven for neurodivergent children and their families. I am dedicated to fostering a space where every child is met with grace, understanding, and patience. My goal is to soften the world’s perception and response to neurodiversity, ensuring that every interaction is grounded in empathy and respect. Through my commitment, I aim to create a ripple effect of kindness and inclusivity, making a positive impact on how neurodivergent individuals are treated everywhere. I try to do what I can for the community because I understand that it takes nothing to be kind.

In June of 2024, I created and launched my very first website. Within that same month, I was nominated for the best barber award at the BTS Barber & Beauty Expo here in Columbus and took home 3rd place.

I recently celebrated being three years in business, and as a gift to myself, I launch my grooming products on June 29, 2025 which includes beard oils, balm, butter & wash.

Over the years I have done a countless number of back to school events where I have offered free haircuts to grade school kids. I have given free haircuts to the homeless as well. I have given free haircuts to the homeless as well. Other services that I offer include facials, beard treatments and hair coloring.

Discipline made all the difference, and that’s what makes me stand out from the rest, and this is just the beginning.

Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memories are centered around time spent with family and playing sports. Growing up in a loving home, expression and creativity were encouraged. Many experiences were shared with my family, from travels to memorable birthday parties and reunions. Family time is deeply important and each gathering is cherished.

I grew up playing basketball, softball, flag football, and soccer. While basketball remains my favorite sport, I really enjoyed baseball, especially as I was usually the only girl on the team. I faced numerous challenges in baseball, often having my age questioned due to my skill, and coaches/parents from opposing teams sometimes assumed I was cheating. Little did they know, this experience instilled in me powerful grit and determination to achieve everything others claimed I didn’t deserve or couldn’t accomplish.

Pricing:

• Adult Haircut $30 w/Beard $35
• Teen Haircut $25 / Kids Haircut $20
• Facials range $65 – $85
• Hair Color range $80 – $130
• Beard Treatment $10

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.smoothvisionarykutz.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/smoothvisionarykutz & www.instagram.com/svkessentials
• Facebook: smooth visionary kutz
• Other: svk@smoothvisionarykutz.com