I first came across "Street Service" a few years ago when I was walking with a barber friend of mine through the Lower East Side. We saw people handing out food, clothes, hygiene kits and everything in between. My friend asked if they ever did anything in regards to cutting hair and if they would like that as a service. Street Service said that would be a wonderful idea and asked us if we would like to oversee something like that - we said sure we’ll give it a try.

A lot of the time, clients who come to me on the street haven’t had an outlet to talk for a while—so when they do, they often have a lot to say. I try to be mindful of that. Talking is very cathartic.

When people cut hair in hospitals they tend to dig right it in, get straight to the scalp. I don’t like to do that, I prefer to take my time - calm and steady. It pays to have a gentle touch.

I feel transformative myself when I get a haircut - I like to give that feeling away to people.