Poetic Shifts is the barber art practice of dana w-queen. Cutting hair out of RVA Clippers, dana offers gender-affirming haircuts and organic conversation for artists, allies, queer parents and professionals. 

RVA Clippers is a black and queer-run barbershop located at 914 N Arthur Ashe Blvd in Richmond, VA. Book an appointment below or direct messages to Instagram @poeticshifts






Documentation of haircuts performed as a barber student at Redefine Barber & Beauty Academy and licesned barber at Poetic Shifts Studio.

Many thanks to the educators, barbers, and cosmetologists generous enough to show acts of kindness and share their knowledge and techniques with me throughout this journey!
On January 1, 2023, I began barber school with zero experience and training on how to cut hair with intention. I was determined to create another pathway through a trade (skills) that would help support my family and challenge me in exciting ways as an artist and thinker. With patience and compassion, barbering became a form of meditation that requires me to stay connected with my body (presence) to provide a high standard of care for others (service).


July 2024, I secured a barber’s licensed in Virginia after passing the state board exams. The art of barbering is so heavily reliant on your understanding of human anatomy, ability to read hair, fading / cutting methods, and your relationships with the instruments used. I look forward to sharing my journey as a barber.