JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville barber plans to share his skills for free to help the next generation of hairstylists.
Imsety Aten-Re is hosting a barber training event, called the “Top Tier for Life Youth Barber Bootcamp,” at Neighborhood Heroes Barbershop at 586 Edgewood Ave. S from Aug. 3-5. The clinics intends to equip middle school and high school students with what it takes to be a professional barber.
“Be the change that you want to see,” Aten-Re said. “If I can help somebody out of a situation by becoming a barber, alleviating maybe some of the situations in our community, I feel like I am living on purpose.”
Aten-Re says he and other volunteers plan to teach attendees about the fundamentals of sanitation, using barber tools, techniques, terminology, and even money management.
Each person who shows up will receive some accessories to help get them started on their journeys.
“They’ll get a cape so they can start cutting hair,” Aten-Re said. They’ll get clippers, trimmers, sanitation tools, brushes, combs, and guards.”
Aten-Re, who has been cutting hair for 11 years, says his uncle inspired him to become a barber.
“I saw freedom as a barber,” he said. “I also enjoy the community aspect in the barbershop. The conversations they have, the family. It’s like a second home.”
The boot camp also won’t be his first time teaching people how to cut hair. In 2022, he conducted a clinic in Nigeria.
He says his ultimate mission is to leave students with a skill they’ll possess for the rest of their lives.
“I want to plant that seed that they can do anything they put their mind to,” Aten-Re said. “If barbering is for them, I hope they will pursue a career and barbering and take it seriously.”
If you are interested in going to the barber bootcamp, you can find Imsety on his Instagram account here. In his bio, you’ll find this sign-up form.
For those considering donating, here are some options to do that:
https://cash.app/$Imsety, https://www.paypal.me/PointblankkThaBarber
and via Zelle-- imsetyatenre1@gmail.com.
