About 33 years ago, out of pure boredom in our Bronx apartment, I picked up a pair of clippers and gave my brother a haircut. From that moment, I knew I wanted to become a master barber. I started cutting friends and family, but the pull of the streets was stronger. I made bad choices, left the clippers behind, and eventually ended up in prison.
While serving my time, I found my way back to the clippers. The more I cut, the better I became, and the more I realized this was my true calling.
When I was released in 2017, I went to a work shelter called Ready, Willing and Able. I earned a cooking certification to reintegrate into society, but cutting hair never left my hands or my heart.
A year later, I met a woman who became my wife, and she encouraged me to pursue my passion seriously. With help from my friend Bruce, I earned my apprentice license and started working at a barbershop. Things were going well until COVID-19 shut down every barbershop in New York.
I tried mobile barbering, then briefly worked at another barbershop, but the long commute made it unsustainable. One day on Instagram, I came across Deo and Corona Barbershop Plus. I applied, interviewed, and started temporarily during the holiday season to see if it was a good fit.
It turned out to be more than a good fit it became home. The crew became friends as well as coworkers.
And this is only the beginning.
