NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — One New Orleans barber is passing on some knowledge to the next generation of barbers.
“A lot of kids don’t know the greatness of becoming a barber and that is what I am trying to install,” said Jacquee Treaudo Sr., the owner of Firecutz.
During a hot Sunday morning in the summer, you could catch the youth learning the ins and outs of cutting hair.
It’s something Treaudo does to show children they have options in life. It’s his way of passing on knowledge to the next generation.
“We have to do everything to guide the youth, so they can catch up and get ahead because without us, the older people, what do the youngsters have? They won’t get any knowledge. We have to do these types of things,” said Treaudo.
Nearby, Reine Morris’ eyes focus on her clients’ hair, utilizing all the information she’d learned. Growing up, she’d watch YouTube videos about barbering, saying this experience has been inspirational.
“The fact that I get this chance to actually learn how to do something and be involved. I wanted to take it. It’s a certain technique that you really have to have to cut. You have to have an eye for it. It’s been pretty fun to learn about these other people and see where they come from and we can all connect through cutting hair,” said Morris.
As he watched his students progress over the summer, Treaudo felt it was only right to reward them. With the help of donations, the community made sure each child received a barber kit for themselves.
“To get them brand new objects with cases to carry, it felt like Christmas for me. I am a proud teacher,” said Treaudo.
When the summer comes to an end, Treaudo says it’s a bittersweet moment. Yet, he knows if they continue improving their skills, they’ll prosper. He adds there will always be a need for talented young barbers.
“I didn’t see it taking me where it did but it got me into a lot of places. Changed my life, so I just wanted to give that to the kids,” said Treaudo.
Treaudo says the journey of teaching the youth doesn’t stop here, saying he wants to open a school to inspire many more future barbers.
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