From Clippers to Craftsmanship: Dewayne Hill Sr.’s Journey to Building a Premium Grooming Brand

Meet Dewayne Hill Sr., a second-generation Master Barber, entrepreneur, and community leader whose dedication to his craft spans more than 35 years. Based in Summerville, SC, Dewayne co-owns Marion’s Barber and Hairstyling Center, a trusted name in the Charleston Metro Area. With deep roots in both barbering and military service, including over two decades supporting the Department of Defense, Dewayne brings discipline, passion, and purpose to everything he does. 

In 2023, he expanded his legacy by launching a premium multicultural haircare line that reflects his commitment to quality and inclusion. We sat down with Dewayne to talk about his journey, his inspiration, and what’s next for this seasoned pro turned beauty brand founder.

Dewayne, being a second-generation barber must come with a strong sense of legacy. What lessons did you learn early on that still guide your approach today?

For as long as I can remember, the hum of clippers and the scent of aftershave were as familiar to me as a heartbeat. My father, Marion Hill, was a Master Barber, cosmetology instructor, and businessman whose hands shaped more than just hair—they shaped a community. For over 55 years, he stood behind his chair with pride, dignity, and unmatched skill, turning a simple barbershop and hair salon into a sanctuary for conversation, mentorship, and tradition. When he transitioned in 2017, he didn’t just leave behind a pair of clippers—he left a legacy. And I was born into it.

Becoming a barber wasn't just a choice; it was a calling. I watched my father every day, not just cutting hair, but building confidence, listening without judgment, and treating every client with respect. I saw how people left his chair not just looking better, but feeling better. He taught me early on that barbering is more than a trade—it’s a trust.

From sweeping hair off the floor as a kid to learning how to hold the clippers just right, I absorbed every lesson. The most important one? Never forget where you come from and who you're serving. He used to say, "Son, if you're only cutting hair, you're missing the point." That wisdom still shapes how I approach every client today.

Now, as a second-generation barber and co-owner of Marion’s Barber and Hairstyling Center, I carry his name and his spirit forward. Every line I carve, every product I create under DK Products, every young barber I mentor—it all ties back to him. I still feel him beside me with every smooth fade and clean shave.

His chair may be empty now, but his presence fills the shop. And through my hands, my heart, and my hustle, his legacy lives on—clip by clip, client by client.

Tell us about Marion’s Barber and Hairstyling Center. What makes it special, and how has it continued to serve the Charleston community so well over the years?

In the heart of Summerville, South Carolina, tucked just off the bustling streets where history and progress meet, stands a shop that has become far more than a place to get a haircut. For 38 years, Marion’s Barber and Hairstyling Center has been a cornerstone of tradition, culture, and community service—not just in Summerville, but throughout the Charleston area.

Founded in April 1987, Marion’s Barber and Hairstyling Center began as a humble barbershop with a powerful mission: to provide quality grooming services with excellence, professionalism, and genuine care for every customer who walked through its doors. What started as a dream quickly evolved into a local institution.

What makes Marion’s special isn’t just the longevity—it’s the heart behind the clippers. The barbers here are not only skilled craftsmen but mentors, listeners, and community leaders. At the center of this legacy as full owners, myself and my sister Jeanette (Hill) Frederick, also a cosmetology Instructor, with over 35 years of experience and our team has cultivated an environment that welcomes everyone—young and old, locals and newcomers, men and women—with the same warmth and respect.

Over the decades, Marion’s has been a place where generations of families have gathered. Fathers bring their sons for their first haircuts. Young men prepare for graduations and weddings in these chairs. Veterans, pastors, businessmen, and everyday working folks share stories, advice, and laughs under the same roof.

But Marion’s isn’t only about hair. It’s about heritage and upliftment. The shop has remained deeply rooted in the community by supporting local schools, sponsoring youth programs, and offering mentorship to aspiring barbers. As a proud member of the Palmetto State Barbers Association Charleston Chapter, Committee Chairman, and an advocate for multicultural grooming, Marion’s helps bridge tradition with innovation through community involvement and entrepreneurship, including the creation of DK Products, a haircare line founded by me to meet the unique needs of multicultural clients.

As the community has grown, so has Marion’s—adapting to modern styles and new technologies while staying true to its core values: consistency, customer service, and connection. In a world of fast trends and big franchises, Marion’s remains a trusted neighborhood barbershop, where every customer is treated like family and every haircut is done with care.

After 38 years, Marion’s Barber and Hairstyling Center stands as a living legacy—proof that when a business invests in its people, uplifts its community, and stays grounded in purpose, it doesn’t just survive; it thrives.

Your background includes more than two decades of work with the Department of Defense in naval communications. That’s quite the transition from barbering! What skills or mindset did you carry over from that experience into your work behind the chair?

I attended Neilson Electronics Institute in Charleston, South Carolina, where I studied electronics with a deep curiosity and hands-on determination. At Neilsons, I found a love for troubleshooting, learning the inner workings of electrical components and electronic systems.

I took these talents into high-stakes work as a Department of Defense contractor, focusing on electronics and naval communications. I worked in cutting-edge testing labs, systems onboard navy vessels, contributing to national defense by ensuring communication systems were fully operational and secure. The job demanded focus, detail, and technical excellence — traits I naturally carried.

During those years, I also developed a knack for repairing and maintaining tools, often fixing complex equipment myself rather than relying on outside help. This self-sufficiency became a point of pride and skill that would serve me in an unexpected way.

Even as I thrived in electronics, I never lost my passion for barbering, a craft I honed since my youth. While transitioning fully into the barbering world, I didn’t leave my electronics knowledge behind. Instead, I brought it with me into the shop. Clippers, trimmers, dryers — if it had a motor or wiring, I could fix it. While others sent their tools out for repair, I kept mine running with expert-level diagnostics and a steady hand.

My background gave me an edge, not just in equipment maintenance, but in understanding the mechanics behind the tools of my trade, making work as a barber more efficient and dependable. Clients not only trusted my cuts but respected the depth of knowledge I brought into the shop.

I’ve always enjoyed working with electronics,” And being able to carry those skills over into my barbering career has kept me sharp in more ways than one.

Congratulations on launching your own line of multicultural hair care products! What inspired this new chapter, and how did you go about creating something that truly stands out?

Over the years, I’ve stood behind the barber’s chair, clippers in hand, listening to stories, shaping styles. I’ve always believed that a haircut is more than grooming—it’s an experience rooted in pride, identity, and care.

But I noticed a recurring problem: the lack of quality, affordable, and culturally mindful hair and skincare products tailored to the unique needs of my community. Time after time, clients—especially men and women of color—would ask, “What do you recommend for dry skin?”, “What’s the best oil for my beard?”, or “Is there anything that works without the harsh chemicals?” That’s when the vision for a product line took root.

This new chapter began not in a boardroom but in the barber’s chair—through conversation, trust, and the real needs of real people. I wanted to create a brand that wasn’t just another name on the shelf. DK Products had to stand out because it was born from experience, passion, and a deep connection to the culture. Every formula was developed with intention—beard oil treatments that moisturize without clogging pores, facial creams that hydrate and protect for both men and women, and products that honor the beauty of multicultural hair and skin.

What makes DK Products truly different isn’t just what’s inside the bottle. It’s the story behind it. It’s a brand grounded in tradition, elevated by professional experience, and inspired by everyday people. This is more than a product line—it’s a legacy in the making.

Your line focuses on beard oil and facial cream. What made you want to specialize in those products, and how are they designed to be inclusive for all?

After more than three decades as a master barber, I’ve serviced just about every hair texture and skin type. Over the years, I began to notice a common thread—people from all walks of life, genders, and cultures struggled to find grooming products that truly worked for them. Whether it was a man trying to tame a wiry beard, a woman seeking something gentle yet effective for her skin, or someone looking for a product that didn’t feel too “masculine” or “feminine,” there was a gap in the market. That gap is what drove me to create DK Products.

What sparked the focus on beard oil and facial cream was more than just a trend. It was the everyday conversations I had with clients about dry skin, razor bumps, ingrown hairs, uneven texture, and a lack of products that made them feel confident, without compromising their identity. I realized I wasn’t just cutting hair; I was in a position to help people feel good in their own skin.

Our beard oil was designed not only to soften and nourish facial hair, but also to treat the skin underneath—a concern many overlook. It hydrates, reduces irritation, and leaves a clean, natural finish. Meanwhile, our facial cream is lightweight but powerful, using ingredients that hydrate, smooth, and even out skin tone. I intentionally kept the formula gender-inclusive: no overpowering fragrances, no overly “macho” branding, and no exclusionary marketing. Just high-quality, effective skincare for anyone who wants to take care of themselves.

At the heart of DK Products is the belief that grooming is for everyone. Whether you rock a full beard, a clean shave, or you’re simply looking for something to elevate your skincare game, these products were made with you in mind. Inclusive. Authentic. Professional. That’s the DK promise.

You’ve emphasized that your products are crafted right here in the U.S. with top-tier quality. Why was that important to you, and how do you ensure each batch meets your standards?

When I started DK Products, I knew from day one that every bottle, every ingredient, and every blend had to represent more than just grooming—it had to reflect values I’ve stood by my whole life: quality, integrity, and pride in where I come from.

As a master barber with over 35 years of hands-on experience, I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t for multicultural hair and skin. I’ve also seen customers frustrated with mass-produced products made overseas with questionable ingredients and inconsistent results. That’s why I made a firm decision: DK Products would be made right here in the USA—and not just in name, but in practice and purpose.

Why does that matter? Because it means I have a direct line of sight to every part of the process. From sourcing high-quality ingredients to working with U.S.-based labs and small-batch manufacturers, I ensure each product meets the standard I demand behind the barber chair. It also supports American jobs and keeps our production ethical, clean, and close to home.

Every batch of beard oil, facial cream, and hair treatment gets tested—not just in labs, but right here in real barbershops, on real people, with real feedback. If it doesn’t meet the bar, it doesn’t get on the shelf. Period.

This isn’t just a business—it’s personal. My name, my roots in Summerville, South Carolina, and my reputation as a barber are on every label. That’s why I go the extra mile to make sure each product reflects the kind of quality you can trust—and the kind of pride you can feel.

Because when you choose DK Products, you’re not just buying a grooming product—you’re investing in something that’s been crafted with heart, hands, and heritage.

You’ve built a lasting career and brand. What advice would you give to the next generation of barbers or entrepreneurs who want to follow a similar path?

I picked up my first pair of clippers with determination and purpose. What started as a skill turned into a lifelong calling. For decades, I have carved out not only a successful career as a master barber, but also built a legacy rooted in service, excellence, and community.

From co-owning Marion’s Barber and Hairstyling Center to founding my own brand, DK Products, I’ve become a symbol of consistency and innovation in the multicultural hair care industry. My products, ranging from men’s beard oils to skincare solutions, reflect the commitment to quality and my deep understanding of my clients’ needs.

But the journey wasn't just about building a business—it was about building people. Every cut, every conversation in the barber chair, was an opportunity to uplift someone. The shop turned into a safe haven where young men found mentorship, and professionals found motivation.

The success didn’t come overnight. It was built on late nights, early mornings, and the daily grind of doing the small things right. And now, as it reflects on my path, I’m ready to pass the torch to the next generation.

Advice to Future Barbers and Entrepreneurs:

Master Your Craft First

 “Don’t chase the money—chase excellence. The money will follow. If you can perfect your skills, people will seek you out.”

Be Consistent and Professional

 “Show up early. Be dependable. Keep your space clean. Your work ethic speaks louder than your words.”

Invest in Yourself

 “Never stop learning. Attend trade shows, watch tutorials, ask questions, and surround yourself with people who know more than you do.”

Build Relationships, Not Just Clients

 “Your clients are your extended family. Listen to them. Encourage them. Be a light in their lives.”

Think Beyond the Chair

 “Use your talents as a launchpad. Start a product line. Mentor others. Expand your vision—your brand should outlive your career.”

Give Back

 “What you build should bless others. Support your community, mentor the youth, and lift as you climb.”

What’s next for you? Any upcoming goals, expansions, or dreams you’re excited to share with us?

With Decades of dedication to the craft of grooming, I’ve reached a point in my journey where purpose and passion are guiding me toward even greater goals. DK Products was born from a desire to provide quality multicultural hair care that reflects the needs and heritage of our community, and that journey is just getting started.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to share that I plan to expand the DK Products line. This next chapter includes developing new products like shampoos, body scrubs, and other essential grooming solutions designed to nourish, refresh, and elevate your daily routine. Each product will carry the same standard of care and authenticity that my clients have come to trust in my barbershop.

This expansion isn't just about adding items to a shelf—it’s about deepening the connection with my customers and continuing to serve a broader audience with products that are crafted with intention. I dream of DK Products being on store shelves nationwide and becoming a trusted name in households, salons, and barbershops across the country.