Angel Casanova

Blessings Cuts opened its doors in Aberdeen, South Dakota, in 2021. Originally from Puerto Rico, Casanova "Pochy", had spent eight years cutting hair while also working as a marine mechanic. However, barbering was never just a job to him—it was an extension of his ministry, a means to connect with people. As a pastor, he found joy in guiding others spiritually, and it was this calling that first brought him to Aberdeen. A local church, Iglesia Casa de Adoracion
y Oracion, had discovered him through his radio broadcasts and invited him to speak. During his stay, he discovered Aberdeen's close-knit community and realized it was a place where he could serve both as a pastor and a barber.

Aberdeen was vastly different from Puerto Rico, where barbershops lined the streets, providing a social hub for residents. Here, he saw a gap - Aberdeen did not have an independent barbershop. He decided to open a barbershop that would be more than just a place for haircuts; Blessings Cuts would be a space where people could find community.

The journey to opening Blessings Cuts was far from easy. Reflecting on this experience, he shares that in the U.S., opening a barbershop was vastly different from what he knew in Puerto Rico, and there were many times when he felt alone. Yet, he believed that each challenge was part of God’s plan to make him stronger and more resilient. “God challenged me,” he recalls, “but He also prepared me for this journey.”

To him, Blessings Cuts isn’t separate from his role as a pastor; it’s an extension of his ministry. Whether they attend his Sunday services or visit the barbershop during the week, he wants each person to feel a sense of belonging, no matter their background or struggles. People come to Blessings Cuts from all walks of life—some are new to the area, others are long-time residents, but each leaves feeling welcomed. 

Central to his journey has been the unwavering support of his wife, Sheimarie, who serves as his co-pastor. She understands his dual mission and shares his vision for Blessings Cuts. “It’s a privilege,” he says, “to have someone in your corner who sees your mission and supports it wholeheartedly.”

Looking to the future, he plans on staying dedicated to his goal of expanding Blessings. In a few months, he plans to expand into a larger space. He is excited to offer more to the community and to create an even warmer, more welcoming environment.

Reflecting on his journey, he realizes the importance of community support and resources in starting a business. He acknowledges that there were times he wished he’d known about local resources that might have made his path easier. This is why he wants to be a resource for others who want to start small businesses, especially in the service industry. He hopes to create a network where aspiring barbers and hairstylists can find the guidance and encouragement he needed when starting his business.

Through Blessings Cuts, he aims to inspire everyone he meets—whether they are part of his church, his community, or simply someone who stops in for a haircut. His mission is clear: to help people see that, with faith and determination, they can overcome any obstacle. “No matter where you come from, no matter your economic background,” he says, “you can achieve.”