Zane Keys of Key Cuts: Craft, Community, and Culture on Montclair's Church Street

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Ask anyone to name the cultural heartbeat of downtown Montclair, and Church Street is almost always at the top of the list. With its pedestrian walkways, string lights, and patio dining, it is one of the most recognizable corridors in Essex County.

Right in the center of that bustle sits Key Cuts Barbershop at 20 Church Street.

On this episode of On The Block with The Scotts, Jen sits down with master craftsman and entrepreneur Zane Keys. What started out of necessity as an 11-year-old middle schooler has grown into an inclusive grooming salon and gathering space that caters to every hair texture in town.

The Origin: From Middle School Roasts to South End Apprenticeships

Like many great craftsmen, Zane’s journey started out of necessity. Born in Seattle and moving to Montclair at age 11, he found himself navigating middle school without the crisp shape-up typical of neighborhood barbershops.

"I’m mixed, my mom’s white, and she cut my hair evenly with clippers, but there was no shape-up or line-up," Zane laughs. "Kids in middle school started gunning on each other, saying, 'Oh, your mom gives you a haircut with no shape-up.' That joke hit home for me. I wanted to go more frequently, so I asked my mom to help me invest in clippers."

He began watching local barbers in Montclair's South End, including Doug at Young's World of Beauty and Boo at 3D's. Before his freshman year of college, a high school security guard pointed him toward Mahir at Mahir's Unisex Barbershop. Zane walked in, got laced with a fresh fade, and earned an apprenticeship that taught him the technical discipline of the trade.

Planting the Flag: From Bay Street to Church Street

When Zane branched out on his own, budget constraints meant starting in a compact 492-square-foot storefront on Glen Ridge Avenue by the Bay Street train station[cite: 4].

"Being by the train tracks had strengths—there was plenty of parking even if foot traffic was lower," Zane recalls[cite: 4]. "You have to have the hustle to say, 'Okay, I’m going to invest in tech, Instagram, Google Business Profile, and Google Ads.' But before long, we had four barbers, a receptionist, and a puppy in 492 square feet. We were bursting at the seams."[cite: 4]

When the lease was up, Zane ran into a former haircut client who happened to own the property at 20 Church Street[cite: 4]. After presenting clear financials, an operating plan, and securing investment, Key Cuts claimed its home on Church Street[cite: 4].

More Than a Haircut: Town Hall & Mental Health

A classic barbershop has always served as an informal neighborhood sounding board[cite: 4]. But at Key Cuts, community care is structured[cite: 4].

In addition to serving all hair textures—with full barbering services alongside professional braiders and loctitians—the shop regularly hosts community programs[cite: 4].

"Every first Sunday of the month at 7:00 PM, we have two Black male therapists who come in to host group therapy sessions for men from the community—any race, any walk of life," says Zane[cite: 4]. "What we do is very reflective of how I was raised in this community and the pillars who showed love to me."[cite: 4]

Leadership, Problem-Solving, and Resilience

Behind the clean shop aesthetic and buzzing clippers is a rigorous commitment to operations[cite: 4]. Zane credits his shop managers, CeCe and Charlie, with ensuring patient customer service and hygiene standards remain uncompromised[cite: 4].

"At its root, being a business owner means you are a problem-solver every single day—whether it's someone's hairstyle, a broken pipe, or staffing," Zane shares[cite: 4]. "When things get tough, I remember that every financial or physical obstacle we've faced has been figured out. Have an undying confidence in what you've already survived. This too shall pass."[cite: 4]

Zane's Montclair Favorites

When the cape comes off, here is where you will find Zane across town[cite: 4]:

• 🍽️ Dinner Tradition: Mesob for authentic Ethiopian cuisine[cite: 4]. "My family has gone there for decades. Sitting, eating with your hands, and breaking bread with people is beautiful."[cite: 4]
• 🍔 Classic Burger & Game: Tierney's Tavern for one of their famous grilled burgers[cite: 4].
• 🍕 Quick Neighborhood Bite: DiNovo's Pizzeria[cite: 4].
• 🌿 Fresh Air & Reset: Walking through the grounds of Van Vleck House & Gardens or walking around the fountains at Edgemont Memorial Park[cite: 4].

Connect with Key Cuts Barbershop

Whether you are looking for a precision fade, professional braids, loc maintenance, or children's grooming, visit Key Cuts on Church Street[cite: 4]:

• 📍 Address: 20 Church St, Montclair, NJ 07042[cite: 4]
• 🌐 Website & Booking: www.keycuts.co[cite: 4]
• 📸 Instagram: @keycutz[cite: 4]

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