Daniel

I grew up in Colorado Springs, always finding myself in trouble—whether it was with teachers, classmates, or later, coworkers and loved ones. My struggles led to multiple incarcerations, leaving me in a dark place with a burning desire to change.

Barbering became my lifeline. I started cutting my own hair in high school, which turned into cutting friends' hair and eventually hustling in institutions. But it wasn’t until I joined The Other Side Academy, a therapeutic community, that I discovered my true passion. There, I mentored other student barbers and found purpose in guiding others through their own transformations.

One of the most impactful experiences was cutting hair for the homeless with the Brighton Police Department. Seeing how a simple haircut could brighten someone’s day showed me the power of barbering to uplift lives.

My past challenges have shaped who I am today—a man of integrity, accountability, and pride in my work. Barbering helped me process emotions I wasn’t used to dealing with and gave me a way to connect with others, helping them through their struggles.

Now, I’m focused on giving back. I mentor 60 men at my community and teach students the skills they need to succeed. My goal is to eventually own a barbershop that mentors troubled youth, helping them find a positive path forward.

I’ve come a long way from my past, and I’m dedicated to using my journey to inspire others and make a difference in my community. We’re all on our own journeys, and I believe in helping others along the way because you never know the battle someone else is fighting.