Poetic Shifts Studio is a thoughtful space for gender-affirming haircuts and organic conversation. The private art studio offers an alternative barbershop experience with artists, allies and queer professionals in mind.

Poetic Shifts is tucked away inside the historic tobacco warehouse at ArtHouse in Southside Richmond. Barber services are by appointment only and performed with care by licensed barber dana washington-queen.

Short clipper cuts and style with complimentary scalp massage. Services include consultation, precision shear work, and finishing details.

Skin care treatments with full hot towel service, face cleanse, and massage with select products based on your skin care needs.

“Have you thought about where you want to work after this?” the barber school owner asked.

Of course, I had.

And I was clear about not working at any barbershop with an open booth to rent. I’d had enough experiences as a customer to want more for myself than as a new barber: a private studio.

“Yeah,” I responded matter of factly. “I want a studio where I can do my art and cut hair.”

Nowadays, people want curated experiences, sensory-sensitive options, and safe spaces.  The idea of creating barber space brought me so much joy. I sought to strike a balance between my appreciation for black art,  minimalism and earth tones--natural woods, warm colors, leading lines.

“I forgot, you are an artist huh. A private studio might be hard to do starting out. You won’t get walk-ins,” the owner replied.

Every decision has a potential drawback but finding the studio came way too easy. It was exactly what I called into being and what I worked so hard for.  

Poetic Shifts Studio is special because it’s the result of commitment. The space represents what I struggled for and haircutting reminds to remain open to a world of people that’s constantly changing.

The studio is a creative place to think differently about research, art production, community collaboration, and barbering as an artform. It’s a place to be loving and caring to yourself, and that through process things become more clear, fully formed.

I look forward to sharing my journey from church secretary, video artist, barber school. and to professional licensure through my experiences behind the chair and running a black-owned business. My story is about curiosity, learning curves and accomplishing goals... all the things that come with trying new things like other ways of being, living and working.

Gallery Wall at Poetic Shifts Studio, 2024.

Fiber Art by Racha Tahani Lawler Queen, 2024.

Haircuts performed as a barber student at Redefine Barber & Beauty Academy and Poetic Shifts Studio in Richmond, VA.

So much thanks to all the licensed barbers, master barbers and cosmetologists who are generous with their knowledge and techniques. I have gratitude for the power of affirmative language used by teachers and peers in barber school. We know that language is often a tool used to destroy, exclude and confuse. Kindess travels.

On January 1, 2023, I started barber school with zero experience and no training on how to cut hair. I was determined to create another pathway with a trade (skills) that would support my family and challenge me in exciting ways. With patience and compassion, barbering became a form of meditation that required me to connect with my body (presence) and provide care to others (service).


July 2024, I became a licensed barber 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.