What started as encouragement has turned into a rite of going back to school in the Village of Lumby.
Local barber Jesse Blades, owner/operator of The Beauty and the Barber, is again offering free back to school haircuts for kids.
"A woman named Deborah Holmes, her and her partner approached me a few years ago about the idea," said Blades, prior to opening up her shop at 1998 Vernon Street. "It's a way of giving back to the community, and this is a pretty awesome community."
What the free cuts also do is help relieve some back-to-school stress, with some families stressed about buying new clothes, backpacks, and supplies.
"It's helping families when finances aren't all that wonderful anymore," said Blades, mom of two sons, aged 14 and 12. The lads get free, albeit forced, haircuts all the time, joked mom.
Blades has been giving the back-to-school freebies for a few years now, and reaction has been very positive. Of course, news of the free cuts does spread beyond the village borders.
"We've kind of opened it up a bit as Cherryville is nearby," said Blades. "I've had kids come from Vernon. Had one kid from Armstrong last year. It's pretty cool."
Reservations are not needed but Blades does have a sign-up sheet in 15-minute increments at the shop. Simply leave a time that you can come back, and things carry on from there. Please keep in mind, Blades still has her regular clients to service as well.
"It's a pretty hectic week," laughed Blades.
You can also reach out to Blades on her Facebook page, The Beauty and the Barber.
The free haircuts will take place Aug. 25-30, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
