Barbers Unite with Purpose to Reach Community

On this episode of The Man Up Club Presents on Holy Culture Radio, host Mr. Dean, also known as Kross, sits down with entrepreneur, dancer, and barber Davonce Ambers—better known as Styles. Their conversation dives deep into resilience, family, creativity, and the transformative power of using your gifts to uplift others.

A Foundation Built on Family and Faith

Davonce grew up in Minneapolis, the oldest of six siblings. Though his family faced challenges, including financial struggles and periods of homelessness, he reflects on his childhood with gratitude. His parents were always present and supportive, instilling in him the values of hard work, creativity, and consistency. His father worked in construction, able to build homes from the ground up, while his mother ran a candle and gift shop. Davonce’s siblings also expressed themselves through artistry and music, creating a household that nurtured talent despite hardship.

That foundation shaped his perspective on life. “Consistency is the hardest thing to learn,” Davonce shared, highlighting how his family’s determination to keep moving forward encouraged him to recognize and cultivate his own gifts.

From Crumping to Community Impact

Dance was Davonce’s first love. He gravitated toward crumping, a style that allowed him to express raw emotion and connect with others. What began as a personal outlet quickly became a movement. His freestyle moments at school performances drew attention, and soon he was competing, posting videos, and building a reputation in Minnesota’s dance scene.

Out of those experiences came the Style Kings, a crump family that later helped shape The Uprising, now one of the largest crump events in America. For Davonce, crumping was more than entertainment—it was a way to help others express themselves, find belonging, and build confidence.

But as his life shifted, he realized that dance alone wasn’t enough. He needed to transition his creativity into something that could sustain him and serve the community in new ways. That turning point led him to barber school.

The Birth of Universoul Barbers

Barbering quickly became more than just a trade for Davonce; it became a ministry. He founded Universoul Barbers, a collective focused on providing haircuts and wellness services while sparking authentic conversations in the community. Historically, barbershops have been safe spaces for dialogue, mentorship, and connection. Davonce has taken that tradition a step further.

Through Universoul Barbers, he offers free and discounted haircuts, works with schools, shelters, and community organizations, and even makes house calls—including visits to hospitals for patients who have been there for weeks or months. “A haircut can change how a person feels about themselves,” he explained. “But the conversations during that haircut can change a life.”

His initiative, Haircuts for a Cause, provides an online platform where people can apply for haircut assistance, connect with barbers, and even take part in incentive programs. For example, students who make the honor roll can earn free haircuts, encouraging academic achievement while promoting self-confidence.

Overcoming Hardship and Finding Purpose

Davonce’s journey hasn’t been without pain. From losing his cousin to gun violence to facing homelessness and career setbacks, he’s had to find ways to cope and push forward. At one point, he realized that cutting hair wasn’t just about the money—it was a coping mechanism that allowed him to process trauma through conversation and service.

He describes his path as a blend of gift and curse: being talented in many areas but struggling at times to focus. Yet, through resilience and faith, he has learned to see his talents as stepping stones to his true purpose. As Mr. Dean reminded listeners, “Your talents lead you to your gift, and your gift leads you to your purpose.”

Carrying the Mission Forward

Today, Davonce is a licensed barber, entrepreneur, dancer, and community leader. He continues to grow Universoul Barbers and envisions expanding it nationwide. His story is a reminder that when gifts are cultivated and paired with vision, they can create movements that change lives.

The episode closes with an invitation for listeners to support The Man Up Club’s mission of mentoring young men and for communities everywhere to invest in initiatives like Universoul Barbers. Davonce’s journey shows that resilience, creativity, and service can turn struggle into strength—and purpose into impact.

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