A Cut Above: The Evolution of World A Cuts Barber Institute

The impact of Patrick Winters on the barbering industry, from York and beyond

By Sully Pinos | Executive Director, BLOOM Business Empowerment Center

For nearly two decades, Patrick Winters, owner of World A Cuts Barber Institute in Downtown York, has been a cornerstone of the local barber and personal care industry. Immigrating from Jamaica at age 11, Winters began his journey with his first establishment, World A Cuts Barber Shop, in 1996. Building on that foundation, he launched the city’s first barber school in 2007, marking a new chapter in both his career and Downtown York’s evolving business landscape.

Winters deliberately chose Downtown York for its vibrant community spirit and rich history. "I chose the location downtown because it fit my desired space needs for my barber school and for its future growth plans,” shared Patrick. “Being downtown gives me great visibility and ties to the local community.”

The establishment of the World A Cuts Barber Institute was not without its challenges. Bureaucratic hurdles, particularly with city permitting and planning, threatened to stall his vision. “It took me two years to be able to open up...after we finished the renovation, we had the blueprint done,” recalls Winters. During this critical period, he credits former Mayor C. Kim Bracey, in her role at the city’s economic development office, with providing invaluable assistance.

The Institute now operates from a fully renovated building that houses a welcoming waiting area, a dedicated clinic floor for haircuts, several classrooms, a lunchroom, and administrative offices. With the support of a loan from the BLOOM Business Empowerment Center in 2024, the barber school’s basement space is now being renovated to expand the school, with plans including a cosmetology program in the renovated basement space, potentially accommodating 20-40 students across double shifts.

 “BLOOM has made a real difference by opening doors that would otherwise remain closed,” Winters emphasizes, highlighting the transformative impact of community support on his business and the support that BLOOM provides to minority-owned businesses.

Over the years, the Institute has graduated more than 400 barbers, many of whom have gone on to launch their own successful salons in York, Hanover, and even Las Vegas. “My first student graduated and expanded her business from Hanover back to York – she now runs a thriving salon here,” he proudly shares.

The support from the BLOOM Business Empowerment Center has not only reinforced the financial and educational foundation of the Institute but continues to empower future generations of barbers, ensuring that the spirit of skilled craftsmanship and community investment in Downtown York continues for more milestones to come.

To learn how BLOOM can help your business, visit BLOOMYork.org

World A Cuts Barber Institute | 121 N. George St. | 717.846.8711 | worldacuts.com