Pickens Technical College Barber Pathway: Fresh Cuts Equal Confidence

Never underestimate the power of a haircut.

It might sound insignificant, but something as small as a fresh look can make all the difference in the world. If you really think about it, barbers and hairstylists have probably had a hand in how countless job interviews, first dates, and school picture days have played out.

We’ve all heard the phrase, “Look good, feel good,” but one Denver barber has given those words a whole new meaning.

Last year, Taza Gillespie made the news for providing free haircuts to the city’s homeless population. Taza Gillespie, the barber in question, set up a makeshift version of his shop Fresh Fades’ brick-and-mortar location near Civic Center Park and spent most Monday mornings trimming the beards and touching up the fades of Denver’s most disadvantaged residents.

So many of us take for granted the ability to brush our teeth, put on makeup, do our hair, and pick out an outfit for the day that makes us feel confident and capable. A disturbingly high percentage of the Denver population doesn’t have that luxury, which means that a shave and a haircut from Gillespie can turn their entire day around.

Gillespie is a great example of how a job can turn into something so much more than a way to collect a paycheck. Here at Pickens, we believe in turning your passion into something positive – not only in your life but in the lives of those around you.

In an article from Denver’s local CBS affiliate, Gillespie is quoted as saying “I’m able to help build their self-esteem… have a new start.”

Regardless of where your passions and talents lie, Pickens Tech is here to give you that new start as well, in the hopes that one day you can continue the cycle and encourage someone around you to do the same. What will a degree from Pickens give you the power to do?