By: Frank Cornacchiulo
My barber Jessi Flores opened his small shop in Bellport NY. He has been cutting
my hair for approximately 10 years. last year the pandemic shut him down. He
was not allowed to stay open because his customers who would sit in his shop,
waiting for a haircut, we're in danger of getting the deadly virus. Therefore, for all
intents and purposes he was virtually out of business. When I returned from
Florida, in March of last year I went to see Jesse for a haircut.
At that time, I noticed that his barbershop was being gutted for new construction.
Jesse was not at the shop so I questioned the workers, they told me that the
barber shop was being converted into an art studio, Jesse will be available to cut
hair later that week. When I returned to his shop The construction was completed
which is now a new barber shop/art studio with one barber chair and Jessi's
artwork posted on the walls. After he greets me, he told me that I could no longer
wait in his barbershop for a haircut. He can only cut my hair by appointment; the
new restrictions were due to the pandemic. This way he can continue to maintain
business in addition to displaying his artwork. Cutting hair is his livelihood and
financial support for his young family while his artwork is his passion. I was
thinking to myself what a gutsy move. Jessi is truly an entrepreneur because this
challenge did not stand in his way.
After he cut my hair, I asked Jessi to please take a photo of me with his artwork. I
told him I will get the word about his new venture. When I returned to my home
office, I proceeded to write letters to the Long Island Advance and Newsday,
telling them about Jessi's story, about the steps he took to keep his business alive
during the pandemic. And yes, his barbershop is thriving, and he is also selling his
artwork. Both newspapers I sent letters to, interviewed Jessi and published his
story. Jessi's success is not serendipity It's his tenacity and forward thinking that
will bring him success and great joy..That's when he put his sons pating on a tee shirt to promote his logo.
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