OUR HISTORY
OUR HISTORY
LET’S TAKE A TRIP BACK TO 1999.
With the merging of artistic passion and a deep rooted commitment to humanitarianism, unity, and cultural collaboration — Khayyam Mahdi (Founder) brought to life a vision filled with purpose once the doors of “Global Cuts International World of Barber Styling” opened on May 5th of 1999. A dream blossomed and a place became a home — but only in the heart of teamwork. Just nine months after opening the doors of the shop, fate intervend with the arrival of two extraordinary individuals: Quinn Askew and Leslie Williams. Exceptional Barber-Stylists and Artists, but even better people.
Khayyam, Leslie, and Quinn became the heartbeat of Amherst, Massachusetts and the Pioneer Valley — and a light to out-of-state and international visitors. The team’s dynamic inspired love and grace for generations of family and friends who frequently spent time at the shop for a clean up or simply a positive conversation. The shop’s atmosphere since 1999 has been inviting, warm, and true to its family-oriented principles.
Leslie decided to retire in 2021. However, the spirit and graceful presence she devoted to the shop and community for 20+ years is still felt today.
Khayyam (@thekhayyammahdi) and Quinn (@cuts.by.que) remain in steady flow at Global Cuts, styling people from across the state and globe at all ages. They’ve more recently welcomed a new barber to the floor — an artist whose passion for the game emulates much of what the shop’s original crew exemplified day-in day-out.
WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO SHARE YOUR MEMORIES OF THE TEAM (BELOW) AND THEN READ SOME MORE.
Take a few minutes to share with us your fondest memory at the shop. It can be an interaction, a joke, a haircut, a story, a moment. For you to share with us a joyful time you experienced here at the barbershop at 460 West Street means the world to us. If you’ve been with us since 1999 or more recently joined the Global family — you know how much we value each other’s word. Let’s reminince on the good times, and then let’s create some more!
SHARE YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY
A FAMILY BUSINESS
The Global Cuts team has been a leverage point for the community to feel safe, feel at home, meet new people, build confidence, enjoy conversation, and learn about what’s right here in the Pioneer Valley. Since 1999 — the shop has played a pivotal role in establishing community, love, and respect. For anything of quality to be accomplished, it takes a collective of the right people moving with the right intent. The team has always been rooted in selflessness, good energy, and positive action. To many, Global Cuts is more than a barbershop — it’s home.
The shop has certainly been home to its new Co-Owners — Tikori and Khaylen. Khayyam welcomes his sons as equal-owners with pride and joy — knowing that with the support of trusted business partners — the vision he birthed will remain steadfast and continue to expand.
Tikori and Khaylen joined him in business partnership as Co-Owners of the barbershop in 2025 as added leverage to the ambition of building the brand, connecting with community, and taking vision to new heights. Tikori (not a barber in the shop) adds back-office expertise from an operational perspective to the picture. His background in project management brings invaluable direction and brevity to execution. Khaylen ( @km.cuts ) has cut hair for close to 10 years starting as his college campus barber in Ohio. He now adds energy and flavor to the space both with his craft on the shop floor and his business-creative acumen. Both individuals add unique creative-storytelling and strategy building ingredients to the team.
It’s a family business. A black-owned barbershop right here in Western Massachusetts. It’s been grooving since 1999 and does not plan to stop dancing to the sound of good conversation, music, and clippers buzzing anytime soon. Come visit us at 460 West Street, Amherst MA and add some of your love to the story we’re telling.
FUTURE AMBITIONS
Global Cuts Barbershop has always been rooted in principle and taking the next right step. We have an exciting vision for the future of the shop that connects to the essence of what you know the shop to be. Come visit us at 460 West Street Amherst, MA and be apart of the ever-evolving love we have for people and the art of barbering.