WEST JORDAN, Utah – Principal Eric Price said part of the inspiration to open an on-campus barbershop was catching students cutting hair in the bathroom.
“We thought, ‘we gotta figure something out. There’s gotta be something we could do to help the community.'”
Thinking deeper, Price saw this as a sign that some students and families can’t always afford a cut. That’s when he called the Jordan Academy for Technology and Careers and enlisted the help of their student barbering program.
Price offered a space inside for the high schoolers in the program to gain precious hours that go toward their 1,000 hours licensing requirement. In return, they’d offer low-cost cuts to anyone in the West Jordan community that needs it.
West Jordan Middle School Principal Eric Price at the grand opening of the Lion’s Mane. (Eric Cabrera, KSL NewsRadio)
“They loved the idea and so we decided hey, let’s work together,” Price shared.
The Lion’s Mane shop: A united effort
It wasn’t just JATC who made this happen. Lindsay Auld, who manages B Space Salon, donated chairs, sinks and various equipment to the Lion’s Mane shop.
“Since they know I work at a salon, I jumped at the opportunity to help.” Auld once roamed the halls of Jordan Middle School herself.
Among the five student barbers offering their services is Herriman High Senior Jorge Velasco. He was cutting in the letters “W” and “J” for the middle schooler in his chair when he said how nice it is to practice on-trend designs to the age groups who want them.
“This gives you the perfect opportunity to practice your skills,” Velasco said.
Second-year barbering student Jorge Velasco cuts in the letters W and J with his clippers. (Eric Cabrera, KSL NewsRadio)
Principal Price hopes as students come and see their upperclassman working towards their career goals that it will inspire their students to do the same. The Lion’s Mane is currently open on Wednesdays, with updated hours on their socials.