Mark Bustos is a hairdresser with an admirable cause. After visiting his homeland, the Phillipines, and experiencing a life-changing experience when he began cutting the hair of street kids, he decided to continue this effort when it landed back in New York City. Mark Bustos has made it a priority to give homeless people from all walks of life haircuts to help change the way people perceive them.
Creating some drastic transformations, Mark Bustos says, "I do believe people with a proper, professional haircut receive more respect than those who do not have a proper haircut." These haircuts may also help change the perception the homeless have of themselves as well. Either way, Mark Bustos makes a valiant effort.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Humanitarian Hairdressing
- There is an opportunity for hair salons with a humanitarian focus, where a portion of the profits go towards helping the homeless and those in need.
- Mobile Salon Services
- There is an opportunity to create mobile salon services that cater specifically to homeless communities and offer haircuts, grooming and beauty care services to them.
- Crowdfunding for Homeless Haircuts
- There is an opportunity to create crowdfunding campaigns for homeless haircut initiatives, to finance the equipment and products needed for such initiatives.
Where This Applies
- Hairdressing and Barbering
- There is an opportunity for hairdressing and barbering businesses to incorporate homeless haircut initiatives into their services and make a positive impact in their communities.
- Social Services and Non-profits
- There is an opportunity for social services and non-profit organizations to partner with hair salons and barbering businesses to provide free haircuts to the homeless communities they serve.
- Community Development
- There is an opportunity for community development organizations to provide training and resources to help homeless individuals learn hairdressing and grooming skills and use them to earn an income.
