Photography: Courtesy of Brennon Jones
For barbers Mark Bustos (@markbustos), Brennon Jones (@haircutz4homelesss), and Katie Stellar (@katiesteller), success transcends financial gain or social media followers. These artists believe in giving back authentically, using their platforms to uplift those in need and create meaningful change within their communities.
From raising awareness to providing free haircuts for the homeless, these three barbers embody what it means to lead by example. Ahead, learn more about their inspiring work and discover why philanthropy and community service are an integral part of their brand identity.
Photography: Courtesy of Mark Bustos
Mark Bustos, Founder of #BeAwesomeToSomebody
During a trip to the Philippines in 2013, everything changed for Mark Bustos, who was based at a high-end salon in New York at the time. While visiting his family’s hometown, he found himself surrounded by poverty and became inspired to make a difference. “The best way for me to give back was to do what I do best—cut hair,” says Bustos. “I rented a chair at a tiny, outdoor streetside barbershop where I invited the homeless kids for free haircuts for the day. I knew right then and there that I found the true meaning of my passion, and I could take this anywhere on the road.”
Photography: Courtesy of Mark Bustos
On the first Sunday after returning to New York, Bustos filled a backpack with cordless clippers, scissors, and all the basics for a haircut. He began approaching the homeless and didn’t miss a single Sunday for the entire year. It was this moment that sparked the beginning of #BeAwesomeToSomeBody, Bustos’ charitable mission of spreading kindness and hope across the globe to those who need it most by providing free haircuts to the homeless on Sundays.
“A hair service can make or break someone, and the end result can either make someone feel better about themselves or worse,” he says. “Just because somebody can't afford your service doesn't mean they don't know how they like to look to feel their best. The less fortunate are not to be practiced on—the pickiest people in my chair are the ones who can't afford to pay me. This can be the most pivotal moment of their lives. Use your superpower.”
Photography: Courtesy of Brennon Jones
Brennon Jones, Founder of Haircutz 4 Homeless
Philadelphia-based barber Brennon Jones has worked in the hair industry for more than 15 years. Every day on his way to work, he would pass by homeless men and became inspired to help them. He launched “Haircutz 4 Homeless” in 2017, a self-funded mission that has provided thousands of free haircuts for the homeless and given away essentials including toiletries and bag lunches. “It was birthed from a simple idea where I had to go out and give back to the less fortunate,” says Jones. “I had no clue that idea would grow into an international initiative after going viral and generating over 2.4 million views.”
Photography: Courtesy of Brennon Jones
He plans to take his initiative a step further by eventually building a space that will provide additional resources and services for the homeless population. “I want to create a place where those experiencing homelessness can take classes, have access to showers, eat, sleep, and get back on their feet,” says Jones.
“Many express heartfelt thanks, sometimes with tears of relief, as they experience kindness and care in moments of vulnerability. Some may be initially surprised or skeptical, as they might not be accustomed to being treated with dignity and compassion,” he says. “Giving back is important to me because it keeps me humble and keeps me grounded. It costs nothing to be kind.” Haircutz 4 Homeless is entirely self-funded and donations can be sent via PayPal to @Haircut4Homeless to support Jones on his mission.
Photography: Courtesy of Katie Steller
Katie Steller, Founder of Steller Kindness Project
Katie Steller was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that caused side effects, including hair loss, when she was just 11 years old. Six years later, at 17, she received her first professional haircut—an experience that changed her life forever. “When I sat down in the stylist's chair, what I received was beyond a service. For the first time in a long while, I felt seen as a person, not an illness,” says Steller.
“From that moment on, I made it my mission to help give that powerful experience to as many people as possible. After my surgery and months of intensive recovery, I decided to become a hairstylist—not because I was naturally inclined to the craft but because I wanted a platform that would allow me to connect with and care for others.”
Photography: Courtesy of Katie Steller
In 2016, she started her Minneapolis-based Steller Kindness Project to connect with the underserved through acts of kindness acknowledging our shared humanity. What began as a platform to share stories of quiet acts of kindness quickly grew into a successful venture that's been recognized nationally and internationally.
Through the Steller Kindness Project, she also launched The Red Chair Project (2019), where Steller and her team take their salon chairs into the community, giving haircuts to those who are often overlooked. “Instead of waiting for people to come to me, I realized the importance of meeting them where they were and bringing that salon experience to them,” says Steller. “Whether that’s on the side of the road for the individual who is asking for help to visit a shelter or supportive organization with our Red Chairs, I was determined to cultivate the mission to connect with others through a haircut beyond the walls of my salon.”
Steller’s ultimate goal is to bring The Red Chair Project to every state, creating ambassador salons that have the heart to bridge gaps in their communities and show up for people who are underserved. “We want to use our platform to encourage others to show up in their communities with kindness, no matter what that looks like,” she says. “ When we have the ability to give, it's our responsibility to give.”
