Jeff Wittek has built a diverse career as a celebrity barber, content creator, and entrepreneur. From cutting hair in his hometown of Staten Island to becoming a social media sensation, Wittek’s journey to success has been unconventional yet impressive. In an exclusive interview with What’s Trending, the multifaceted entrepreneur opened up about how his career evolved, the story behind his popular podcast JEFF FM, and his latest ventures, including his flagship barbershop and a collaboration with Tana Mongeau.
From Staten Island to Hollywood: How It All Started
Wittek’s journey in the world of hair styling began in the garage of his Staten Island home, where he first honed his craft by cutting friends’ hair. “I started cutting hair in Staten Island, just hustling,” he recalls. After moving to Los Angeles, his skills caught the attention of celebrities, and he began working with high-profile clients like DJ Pauly D and Big Sean. His entry into the world of social media, however, was unplanned. “Social media kinda happened by accident,” he admits. “I was just posting stuff, and people liked my dry humor, good hair, and near-death experiences. Boom—career.”
The Rise of JEFF FM Podcast
One of the biggest aspects of Wittek’s career today is his podcast JEFF FM, which has gained widespread attention for its raw and unfiltered content. “I never planned to be a podcaster,” he says. “But after some ‘mishaps’ (like nearly dying while swinging from a crane), I thought, ‘Let’s just sit down and talk instead of risking my life for views.'” The podcast’s success can be attributed to its authenticity. “People like the raw, unfiltered stuff,” he adds. “And it helps that I have great guests, a solid team, and fans who love chaos.”
Recently, Wittek sold out his first live podcast show, marking a major milestone in his career. “Seeing fans show up and support is insane,” he says. “Expect absolute madness on tour—live haircuts, unhinged stories, special guests, and me probably making fun of myself.”
Celebrity Barbering and Personal Style
As a barber to the stars, Wittek has worked with clients who know exactly what they want. “Some know exactly what they want,” he explains. “Pauly D always wants to look like an Italian superhero. Others just say, ‘Make me look good,’ which, let’s be honest, is easy when I’m the one cutting.”
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Wittek’s personal touch and attention to detail have made him a go-to barber for many celebrities, but he maintains a down-to-earth perspective. “At the end of the day, they’re just guys who need a haircut,” he says. His ability to create unique styles for each client speaks to his skill and versatility in the industry.
Creating Grooming Products with Tana Mongeau
Wittek’s entrepreneurial spirit doesn’t stop with barbering. He recently launched a dry shampoo in collaboration with YouTuber Tana Mongeau. “Tana and I teaming up on a hair product? Feels like a joke, but somehow, we made it happen,” Wittek says with a laugh. The product is designed for those who want a quick and effective solution without the need for a shower. “It’s a dry shampoo that actually works,” he explains. “Good for people who don’t shower (a shower in a can). Also, it smells good, so you won’t stink up the room.”
The product is just one example of how Wittek is tapping into the beauty and grooming industry, creating items that are both practical and high-quality.
Fitness, Balance, and Personal Branding
In addition to his success in barbering and podcasting, Wittek maintains a rigorous fitness routine. “If I don’t work out, I feel like garbage,” he admits. “Lifting weights, boxing, and eating clean keeps me sane.” He sees fitness as integral not only to his physical health but also to his professional life. “If you look good, you feel good,” he says. “And if you feel good, you make better content.”
With millions of followers across multiple platforms, Wittek has learned to balance creating content and maintaining authenticity. “I just keep it real,” he says. “I film stuff that’s actually happening in my life and not just only show faked good times.” His connection with his audience is built on trust and relatability, which he believes are key to maintaining a strong personal brand.
Building His Business Empire
As the CEO of Jeff’s Barbershop, Wittek is also navigating the challenges of running a business. “Managing employees, keeping everything running smoothly—it’s like cutting hair, but instead of one guy in the chair, it’s a whole team,” he says. The biggest challenge, he notes, is scaling up while preserving the quality and authenticity that helped him gain a loyal following. “The challenge is scaling up without losing what made people care in the first place.”
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Recently, Wittek opened his first flagship barbershop, which reflects his personal style and brand. “I wanted a place where people could get a good cut, hang out, and maybe even be part of the content,” he says. “It’s not just a barbershop, it comes with a whole experience. Think classic NYC barbershop but with the LA chaos.”
Wittek has big plans for the future, including new products, a tour for JEFF FM, and more business ventures. “2025 is gonna be big,” he says. While he’s keeping details under wraps, it’s clear that his entrepreneurial spirit is only getting stronger.
Reflecting on his journey, Wittek offers advice to aspiring creators and entrepreneurs: “Find what makes you unique and double down on it. Be real, work hard, and don’t be afraid to fail—because trust me, I’ve failed a bunch of times, and I’m still here.”
As for his next steps, Wittek is excited about continuing to grow his brand, expand his business, and perhaps find a special someone to share his journey with. “Whatever happens, I’m just grateful for my team and the endless love and support from the fans,” he says. “I’m excited to see where this goes.”