Rising Stars: Meet Qiana Rodgers of Downtown Ypsilanti, Michigan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Qiana Rodgers.

Hi Qiana, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My roots are deeply connected to Detroit, where most of my family is from.

When I was about 12, my family moved to Taylor, Michigan. I would spend hours watching my cousin, Tiger, cut hair — trimming my brothers and our other cousins with skill and ease. When circumstances called Tiger back to Detroit, he left his clippers behind. I picked them up, feeling like I had watched him enough to carry on where he left off. That’s where my journey as a barber truly began.

Fast forward a few years and several dead-end jobs later, I was working at Hertz when a close friend decided to return to school. Their leap of faith inspired me to do the same, and I enrolled in barber college while still working full-time. It wasn’t easy — balancing work and school — but I pushed through.

Near the end of my training, I was given the chance to work alongside a highly respected barber and stylist in Ypsilanti named Cleveland Washington. Looking back, I wish I had fully understood the value of that experience in the moment. Cleve had traveled, seen the world, and his mentorship shaped me not just as a barber but as a professional.

In 2013, I moved to Atlanta — the second most pivotal chapter of my journey. Atlanta sharpened my skills, both in speed and precision. It was a melting pot of cultures, especially rich with Caribbean influence. The community there was full of hustle, heart, and love, and I learned the true meaning of hard work and versatility behind the chair.

One of the unique things about being a barber is that every move means starting over — rebuilding your clientele, your name, your foundation. In March 2018, I felt a deep pull to return to Michigan. I ended up purchasing a barbershop in Ypsilanti — the very same shop once owned by Cleve, who had passed away a few years prior. When the opportunity came, I didn’t hesitate.

Taking ownership of that shop was a milestone, but the year was bittersweet. I moved back, became a first-time business owner, and lost my mother — all in the same year. Losing her lit a fire in me to work harder than ever. I know she was proud then, and I know she’d be even prouder now.

Over the years, I’ve built more than a business; I’ve built a life I’m proud of. I’ve been sober for five years, won barber competitions across Michigan and other states, and I continue to give back to my community with love and intention.

One of my greatest missions is to show people that they are worthy — that they are Quality and deserve only the best. That mission inspired us to launch a natural care line for hair and body, created from earth-sourced ingredients. Our vision is to share these products nationwide and beyond.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This road hasn’t always been smooth. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you don’t know what you don’t know — until you run right into it. I was lucky to have a great mentor who prepared me for a lot of what I might face, but no matter how prepared you are, life always has a way of throwing something unexpected your way.

Being a Black, lesbian woman in a male-dominated profession comes with its own unique set of challenges. The barbering world has long been shaped by traditional ideas of masculinity. I don’t always fit the mold that some clients or even fellow barbers expect, which can lead to assumptions — about my skills, my credibility, and even whether I belong in the space at all. The reality is, you often have to work twice as hard just to be seen and respected.

But being from Detroit gave me something special — a kind of grit, a built-in toughness, and the confidence to stand firm in who I am. That “unbothered” spirit and sense of individuality have carried me through, especially as I’ve worked in different cities and environments. It’s helped me stay grounded, push past obstacles, and carve out a space of my own, no matter where I go.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I was “raised” in an old-school barbershop — the kind where razor shaves and hot towel treatments were just part of the experience. That kind of care feels like a dying art these days.

Now it’s all about speed — get them in, get them out, and move on to the next. Don’t get me wrong, I can move fast when the moment calls for it. I even took first place in a fast fade competition. But there’s something special, almost sacred, about slowing down and offering a service that feels more like self-care than just a haircut.

A hot towel shave isn’t just a shave — it’s an experience, one that makes people feel seen, relaxed, and cared for. And if I can toot my own horn for a second… I’m a beast with a razor.

Also, I’ve got a real soft spot for the kids. Especially for those with different abilities — with them, it’s not just about cutting hair, it’s about earning trust. Patience is everything. They can feel when someone truly sees them and respects their space, and that connection makes all the difference. I’m proud of the way they settle in and get comfortable with me, and I don’t take earning that right lightly.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I’m at a point in my life where I’m learning — and defining — what happiness truly means for me. I’m on a journey of self-love, healing, and forgiveness, and it’s been one of the most meaningful paths I’ve ever walked.

One thing I can say for sure: I love my family. Around here, we’re surrounded by kids — a niece, six nephews, and three grands. They keep me grounded and constantly push me to look forward. They’re the reason I work toward building generational wealth — not just financial wealth, but wealth of life, love, knowledge, and self-worth.

I’m genuinely excited for the future, because I know the work we’re doing today helps make sure they learn these lessons — and hopefully find happiness — much sooner than I did.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Qualitycutlifestyle.com
• Instagram: @qualitycutlifestyle
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/qualitycutzz

Image Credits
FB:Destyned Visualz