Hey Reader,
If you're active on Instagram, you probably saw this massive headline.
Vic Blends opens the first barber school in a California prison.
Located at Valley State Prison in Chowchilla, California, the Vic Blends Academy is the first barber school to be inside a prison.
According to Vic's Instagram post, the idea was sparked after visiting 4 years ago. During the visit they learned that there had never been a barber school that would allow people to get their license while incarcerated. And so Vic and his partners decided to make it happen.
Behind the scenes
A key partner in making this happen was Scott Budnick. Scott Budnick is a former Hollywood producer (The Hangover) turned criminal justice reform advocate. He founded the Anti-Recidivism Coalition and One Community, using his network in film, politics, and sports to create opportunities for incarcerated people. Most recently he was the bridge to connecting Vic to the youth in prison, a link that eventually led to this celebration: the launch of California’s first licensed prison barber school.
Showing up
Beyond Scott's involvement, more of the barber community showed up to make this happen. Barber industry leaders like Chris Bossio , Jay Majors, and Dennis Joseph from Babyliss were in attendance for the grand opening. According to the posts, it sounds like Takara Belmont donated chairs, Babyliss supplied the barber kits (likely featuring the new Tomb45 collab) and Buy Rite Beauty donated supplies for the shop build out. I wouldn't be surprised if we soon found out how Bossio's 6 Figure Barber Mentorship program might be involved in the school's curriculum.
Opening day
The opening day even featured a barber battle where Jay, Bossio and Vic even picked up the clippers. Dennis described the day in his post with this memorable quote:
It was more than just a visit, it was a reminder of the power this craft has to change lives.
Barbering has always been a vehicle for transformation. It can transform the life of the person holding the clippers, just as much as the life of the person sitting in the chair.
The power of community
Not sure about you, but milestones like these make me even more grateful to be part of this community. And it's also a reminder of the power of community.
From individuals with influence like Scott, Vic, Jay and Chris. To brands with influence like Tomb45, Babyliss, Takara Belmont and Buy Rite. To organizations with this influence like Anti-Recidivism Coalition, One Community, the Valley State Prison, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Board and the California State Board of Barbering & Cosmetology.
A compelling vision often brings people together. I can't think of a better example than this one. Congrats to everyone involved.
Alright, finished with No.103. See you next week!
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Written by: Matthew Mendoza
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