About Me
Craig Whitely, professionally known as Craig the Barber®, is a respected leader in men’s grooming, blending over 15 years of barbering mastery with a vision for creating innovative, high-performance grooming tools and products.
His career began behind the chair, where his commitment to education and barbershop tradition inspired him to launch TheMensRoom.com (2009–2017), one of the earliest and most trusted blogs delivering grooming insights from a barber’s perspective.
Driven by real conversations with clients and thousands of readers, Craig launched Burke Avenue® in 2017 — a men’s skincare and shaving line rooted in quality, comfort, and craftsmanship. His signature Moisturizing Shave Cream went on to be named Best Shave Cream by Men’s Health Magazine, solidifying the brand’s reputation for excellence.
A trusted authority, Craig has been sought after by beauty schools, Fortune 500 companies, grooming educators, and global brands looking to enhance their training, product development, and consumer experience. His collaborations include partnerships with Lab Series Skincare for Men, Philips Norelco, and major media outlets nationwide.
Today, Craig is the Founder & CEO of Burke Avenue and the President of My-Blades USA, the exclusive U.S. supplier of a German-engineered line of premium shaving and barber tools. Under his leadership, My-Blades USA is gaining national attention, especially with the launch of the Tensor 1, an AI-powered clipper designed for professional performance, technical precision, and the evolving needs of modern barbers.
Whether educating, innovating, or collaborating, Craig continues to elevate the grooming experience for barbers and consumers alike — offering tools and products that honor the artistry, heritage, and future of the craft.
Craig’s star-studded customer list over the years include:
David Beckham, Chris Tucker, Jermaine Dupri, Bruce Willis, Jason Mitchell, Kiersey Clemons, Lance Gross, Neil Patrick Harris, Lecrae, The Crown Prince or Dubai, Jeremy Piven, William Shatner, Usher, Iman Shumpert, Bryshere Gray, Zach de la Rocha, Rodrigo Santoro, Tim Tebow, Ray Allen, and Dr. J