Project Statement

I’ve spent fourteen years behind the chair, carving out dignity one cut at a time. I grew up rough, searched hard for purpose, and found it through service. Now, I’m turning that purpose outward: bringing free, professional haircuts to people in recovery homes, rehabs, shelters, and men’s programs—meeting folks exactly where they are. My mission is simple and stubborn: one cut, one day, one life. I want every transformation to whisper the same truth—if I could change, so can you.

Project Description and Supporter Rewards

I will launch a documentary-style YouTube series that follows me into communities across the country. Wearing a GoPro or Meta glasses and a live mic, I’ll capture authentic conversations and the full transformation—from first hello to the final mirror moment. Each episode will highlight the person’s journey, the craft of the haircut, and the spark of confidence that follows.

The project will roll out in four phases—planning, development, production, and distribution—each with clear milestones and accountability:

• Planning: finalize equipment list, route initial partner sites (recovery homes, shelters, programs), establish consent and privacy protocols, and design the content format and brand identity.

• Development: purchase gear, build the mobile kit, pilot two to three local episodes, and refine filming, audio, and editing workflows.

• Production: travel to targeted cities and programs, film consistent weekly episodes, and expand into thematic mini-series (e.g., fresh start stories, first job interviews, family reunions).

• Distribution: publish episodes on YouTube, share shorts on social platforms, and host community Q&As; gather feedback and iterate.

Supporters will be offered tiered rewards that reflect both appreciation and practical involvement:

• Digital acknowledgement and early access to drafts or previews.

• High-quality digital deliverables (e.g., episode downloads, behind-the-scenes mini-docs, wallpapers, playlist links).

• Physical items for higher tiers (e.g., signed postcards, limited-edition "One Cut, One Day, One Life" prints, custom combs or caps).

• Exclusive engagement opportunities (e.g., live virtual tapings, supporter roll credits, community haircut days, name a city/episode theme within guidelines).

These rewards are designed to provide tangible value while fostering a sense of participation in the project’s creation.

Rationale for Crowdfunding and Use of Funds

Crowdfunding keeps this work independent, compassionate, and consistent. I want to be accountable to the community I serve, not to a sponsor’s agenda. With your help, I can commit a full year to traveling, filming, and offering free haircuts where they’re needed most—no strings attached.

Funds requested: $250,000 for one year of operations. Allocations will be transparent and tracked against milestones:

• Production costs (cameras, Meta/GoPro, mics, lights, batteries, data storage, editing software licenses, mobile hotspot, backup gear).

• Professional services (branding, editing support, captioning/transcription for accessibility, legal/consent documentation, accounting).

• Distribution and fulfillment (channel management tools, merchandise production for rewards, shipping, platform fees).

• Travel and field operations (vehicle expenses, fuel, flights as needed, lodging, per diem, location permits when required, safety equipment, insurance).

• Community delivery (barber supplies, sanitation, mobile setup for pop-up cuts, occasional partner-site donations to support access).

• Living expenses (modest stipend to sustain full-time commitment during the first year until the channel becomes self-sustaining).

• Contingency and legal/compliance expenses (risk management, background checks where needed, emergency repairs, compliance with filming/location policies).

A detailed budget will be maintained and shared with backers for full accountability, with quarterly updates and an annual report.

Impact and Ethics

• Dignity first: I will obtain informed consent, protect privacy when requested, and never publish footage without permission.

• Trauma-aware storytelling: no exploitation, no sensationalism—just honest stories focused on resilience, resources, and next steps.

• Accessibility: captions on all videos and clear audio mixing; plain-language summaries of each episode.

• Safety and inclusivity: serve adults across backgrounds; coordinate with program staff to ensure appropriate timing and support.

• Data and content rights: subjects can opt out at any time before release; copies of their episode available on request.

Milestones and Timeline (Year One)

• Month 1: finalize brand kit and gear; pilot episodes; publish episode zero; open community feedback loop.

• Months 2–4: local circuit (3–5 partner programs), weekly episodes; baseline metrics (views, engagement, haircut count).

• Months 5–8: regional travel to priority cities; thematic mini-series; monthly live Q&A; quarterly budget report.

• Months 9–12: national route; collaboration episodes; impact survey; publish year-one documentary recap and report.

Long-Term Vision

Within one year, I aim to be traveling state to state, consistently releasing episodes and showing transformations that ripple into jobs, reunions, and recovery milestones. Over time, I plan to train volunteer barbers, create a partner toolkit for shelters and programs, and build a support fund for clients needing interview clothes or transportation.

Why Me, Why Now

I’ve been clean and sober for over two years. I know these streets, these rooms, and these stories—because I’ve lived them. I’m ready to be God’s barber in the places where confidence is in short supply, offering a fresh start with clippers and care. This project turns a calling into a practice, with your support fueling every mile and every cut.