KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL)—A 28-year-old student barber in Kingsport, affectionately known as Turf, is passionate about providing haircuts to everyone.
Turf aspires to be known as “The Special Needs Barber” at the future Helping Hands Barbershop, where “Everyone is family at Turf’s.” He brainstormed the motto with his friend and fellow student barber, Bryson Gilliam, and it turned into a dream.
“I want these kids to know I’m not trying to heal them — I am trying to help them understand that they’re just as normal as everyone else,” he said.
As the brother of a sibling with special needs, Turf understands the challenges that can arise when encouraging them to step outside their comfort zone to get a haircut.
“Parents feel like they won’t have someone patient enough to show them, to say, ‘Hey, I love your kid.’ And ‘Yes, I have the patience to do it.’ ‘Yes, it might take more time or it might take more ways of learning, but I do have the patience and am willing to put in the work,'” Turf said.
“Putting in the work” extends beyond Turf’s classroom at Crown Cutz Academy. He stays connected with Johnson City Schools and the director of Access ETSU to be involved in the community.
He also shadowed Vernon Jackson (@thebest1period) at his shop, Noble Barber and Beauty in Cincinnati, Ohio, to learn from a professional. Jackson’s “The Gifted Event” haircuts are popular on TikTok and Instagram.
Turf observed Jackson teaching his clients and their families the significance of “tough love” and independence, which he noted aligned with what viewers see on camera.
“He’s helping these kids, but he’s also helping their parents.”
Turf said Jackson taught him the importance of creating a safe environment for children with special needs while in the barber chair.
“There are neurodivergent kids in this world,” he said. “There is no reason to treat them differently just because they learn differently, think differently, or look differently. They are just as human as anybody else.”
Turf is projected to graduate by the end of 2025.
