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Demond Vigne, “Cold Cutter” Barber, Launches GoFundMe Campaign to Help Open New Barber College in Georgia
“Loss of a Brother Helps One to Educate Another”
ATLANTA, Ga., February 26, 2015 -- Demond E. Vigne, born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, and one of the youngest licensed African American barbers since 1993, launches GoFundMe campaign to help fund “Cold Cutters” Barber College.
At age 18, Demond studied under the tutelage of Mr. Green who perfected so many students’ barbering and beauty skills and is considered a pioneer at the historic Katy’s Beauty and Barber College. The college was sadly destroyed by the floodwater devastation of Katrina.
Demond later gained recognition in New Orleans East as a “Cold Cutter” at the “Unlike No Other“ beauty and barber shop where he worked alongside the Master/Mistress hands of Ethel “Nooney” McDonald, one of the city’s first female barbers. Demond was also Lil Wayne’s childhood barber before he signed with Cash Money Records.
In March of 2002, Demond’s only brother, and best friend, was taken away from him suddenly as a victim of gun violence on the streets of New Orleans. Demond's brother was the first barber he apprenticed, but was never able to receive his license due to his untimely death. After the loss of his brother, Demond returned to the classroom to obtain a license as a barber instructor. He has since dedicated his time and talents to help other people receive their barber licenses, which had allowed him to become gainfully employed by the state as a barber instructor.
In 2005, only one year after his state employment, hurricane Katrina hit. Demond’s family was scattered due to evacuations. He returned back home to New Orleans after the storm to help his parents rebuild. With his clippers in hand, he managed to put smiles on people’s faces as he continued to give “Cold Cuts” to the people of New Orleans.
Demond decided that his passion for teaching could not be ignored, and followed an opportunity that led him to Georgia where some of his family had evacuated to. Demond made a few phone calls to barbering schools in Georgia, and was hired sight-unseen. He loaded up the car, and with his last $500 in his back pocket he went teaching and cutting his way through Georgia. Shortly thereafter, he was honored with his first graduating class of barbers, Demond hired Russel Fredrick and Ryan Ridley, two of his students from his first graduating class, to work at his barbershop. Russel and Ryan later moved on to become owners of A-1 Kutz. Russel Fredrick recently came up with ‘discipline’ haircut called "The Benjamin Button Special" which is an ‘old man’ haircut (think George Jefferson), intended for misbehaving children. Demond could not be more proud of his pupils and is honored to have been able to train barbers who have since become successful business owners and barber instructors.
Demond’s next step is to open a Barber College so he can continue to give back to the community. To donate to the “Cold Cutters Barber College” GoFundMe campaign, go to
“Loss of a Brother Helps One to Educate Another”
ATLANTA, Ga., February 26, 2015 -- Demond E. Vigne, born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, and one of the youngest licensed African American barbers since 1993, launches GoFundMe campaign to help fund “Cold Cutters” Barber College.
At age 18, Demond studied under the tutelage of Mr. Green who perfected so many students’ barbering and beauty skills and is considered a pioneer at the historic Katy’s Beauty and Barber College. The college was sadly destroyed by the floodwater devastation of Katrina.
Demond later gained recognition in New Orleans East as a “Cold Cutter” at the “Unlike No Other“ beauty and barber shop where he worked alongside the Master/Mistress hands of Ethel “Nooney” McDonald, one of the city’s first female barbers. Demond was also Lil Wayne’s childhood barber before he signed with Cash Money Records.
In March of 2002, Demond’s only brother, and best friend, was taken away from him suddenly as a victim of gun violence on the streets of New Orleans. Demond's brother was the first barber he apprenticed, but was never able to receive his license due to his untimely death. After the loss of his brother, Demond returned to the classroom to obtain a license as a barber instructor. He has since dedicated his time and talents to help other people receive their barber licenses, which had allowed him to become gainfully employed by the state as a barber instructor.
In 2005, only one year after his state employment, hurricane Katrina hit. Demond’s family was scattered due to evacuations. He returned back home to New Orleans after the storm to help his parents rebuild. With his clippers in hand, he managed to put smiles on people’s faces as he continued to give “Cold Cuts” to the people of New Orleans.
Demond decided that his passion for teaching could not be ignored, and followed an opportunity that led him to Georgia where some of his family had evacuated to. Demond made a few phone calls to barbering schools in Georgia, and was hired sight-unseen. He loaded up the car, and with his last $500 in his back pocket he went teaching and cutting his way through Georgia. Shortly thereafter, he was honored with his first graduating class of barbers, Demond hired Russel Fredrick and Ryan Ridley, two of his students from his first graduating class, to work at his barbershop. Russel and Ryan later moved on to become owners of A-1 Kutz. Russel Fredrick recently came up with ‘discipline’ haircut called "The Benjamin Button Special" which is an ‘old man’ haircut (think George Jefferson), intended for misbehaving children. Demond could not be more proud of his pupils and is honored to have been able to train barbers who have since become successful business owners and barber instructors.
Demond’s next step is to open a Barber College so he can continue to give back to the community. To donate to the “Cold Cutters Barber College” GoFundMe campaign, go to
Organizer
Demond Vigne
Organizer
Atlanta, GA
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