At 14, Zane Keys picked up his first pair of clippers out of necessity. Growing up in a single-parent household, regular barbershop visits weren’t always an option—so he started cutting his own hair. What began as a personal fix quickly turned into a passion. By college, he was shaping up future NFL players in his dorm room at Rutgers. Today, at 31, he owns Key Cuts, a thriving barbershop on Montclair’s iconic Church Street. Which Keyes says is the first black to own a business on Church Street and our research hasn’t found a prior claim.
But for Zane, besides being a top-tier barbershop, his shop is a space for culture, connection, and mental wellness—offering community events, music, and even a free monthly men’s mental health group. “A barbershop isn’t just a place for haircuts, “It’s a place where people feel seen.”
From the historic Black barbershop legacy of Montclair’s South End to his journey of breaking barriers in business, Zane’s story is one of care for the community, vision, and purpose.
🎧 Tune in to Lost in Jersey for an inspiring conversation with Zane Keys on community, culture, and the power of the barbershop!
Lost in Jersey Interview Summary
Zane Keyes: A Barber, Mentor, and Community Leader
Meet Zane Keyes
Zane Keyes is more than a barber—he’s a mentor, a community leader, and a cultural connector. Born and raised in Seattle before moving to Montclair, Zane’s journey is one of resilience, creativity, and passion. Raised by his mother, Tammy Keyes, he learned the value of hard work and independence early on. His love for barbering began out of necessity in middle school, when he started cutting his own hair to save money. What began as a practical skill quickly became an art form, evolving into a lifelong passion that he honed by cutting friends’ hair and learning from seasoned barbers.
A Passion for Community
For Zane, being a barber is about much more than hair—it’s about people. He sees barbering as a way to uplift others, create connections, and provide a space where people feel heard and valued. The relationships he builds with clients go far beyond the chair, fostering trust and genuine camaraderie. His role extends from shaping fades to shaping conversations that matter, from casual laughs to deep discussions about life, culture, and personal growth.
Advocate for Mental Health
Zane’s commitment to his community goes even further with his dedication to mental health advocacy. Having faced his own challenges, he understands the importance of creating safe spaces where people—especially men—can open up. Every first Sunday of the month, he hosts a men’s mental health group, offering a space for honest conversations and mutual support. His goal is to break stigmas and encourage emotional well-being, using his platform to remind people that they are not alone in their struggles.
Championing Inclusivity and Cultural Representation
As the first Black business owner on Church Street, Zane recognizes the significance of representation. He is passionate about keeping culture alive and ensuring that people from all backgrounds feel seen and valued. His leadership goes beyond business—he actively works to uplift others, mentoring young barbers, collaborating with local creatives, and fostering an inclusive atmosphere that celebrates diversity.
Bringing People Together
Zane is always looking for ways to bring the community closer. Whether through organizing live music events, hosting whiskey tastings, or collaborating with local artists, he creates experiences that encourage connection. His ability to merge barbering with culture, wellness, and entertainment makes him a unique force in Montclair’s social fabric.
More Than a Barber
Zane Keyes is not just shaping hairstyles—he’s shaping a movement. His journey from a kid teaching himself to cut hair to a respected business owner and community leader is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. His impact stretches far beyond the walls of his barbershop, leaving a lasting imprint on the lives of those he meets.
If you haven’t met Zane yet, take the time to experience his warmth, wisdom, and talent. His story is a reminder that leadership isn’t just about what you build—it’s about who you uplift along the way.
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