Central Ohio barber turns tragedy into effort to help others
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Taking a tragedy and turning it into something good is what one local barber is doing after someone intentionally set fire to his brick-and-mortar location nearly two years ago.
Chevez Moman is giving back to his community in a unique way. Instead of people coming to a barbershop, he brings it to them. The vision for this mobile barbershop is to provide traditional services in a non-traditional way.
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“This is my God-given passion and I’m able to touch people with it,” Moman said.
After someone set fire to Grooves Barber and Beauty Salon, Moman knew he wanted to change the industry. He thought of this idea during the pandemic when times were different, but he used the fire to get serious about creating a mobile barbershop.
“The way that I was raised was community-based. So, it feels good to be able to give back in this way,” Moman said.
At the beginning of this year, his idea became a reality. His business, BarberZone, is now hitting the streets of Columbus.
“Accomplishing something like this, something that’s a first in our area in the city. So, it’s exciting. It’s exciting what the future can bring and how this can change my industry. Have my industry give a broader reach to the people that we serve,” Moman said.
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To give back to the community, Moman is spending his Wednesdays providing haircuts to seniors at the New Birth Christian Ministries. He’ll set up shop outside the church from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“I’m giving back to the community by giving haircuts to our seniors,” Moman said. “A lot of times they may be on fixed incomes or whatever it may be and don’t have the resources to get haircuts.”
He’s been cutting people’s hair for more than 30 years. It’s something he enjoys and he enjoys it even more now that he can give back to his community.
Moman plans to expand his business, reaching the youth and individuals who may not be able to go to a barbershop.
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“Because a lot of times, one that helps somebody’s day is a good haircut,” Moman said.
He also wants his truck to be a safe space, a place where men can talk about their mental health and share their feelings.
“The barbershop is vital to men and our well-being,” Moman said.
Larry Whiteside has known Moman for decades, and he agrees that barbershops are a place where men can feel vulnerable.
“We have feelings too, we have weaknesses, vulnerabilities and that is the one place you can go where you can feel free to express those vulnerabilities,” Whiteside said.
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Whiteside also added that he’s seen Moman grow up. He was there for him when Moman’s business was burnt to the ground. Whiteside said that despite all the hardships, Moman never gave up on his dream.
“His perseverance lasted and this time the fulfillment of his dreams and I’m very proud of him,” Whiteside said.
Moman doesn’t want it to stop here. He wants other barbers to know that they can do this too. He plans to get a fleet of vans and hire employees to reach as much of central Ohio as possible.
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