Acts of Love Mobile Barber Shop

Hi! My name is Lana Longhi. I was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida and I've recently decided to follow my heart and pursue a dream I've had for a while now.

I'm currently a licensed cosmetologist working as a lead barber at Hair Mechanix on Beach Blvd where I've been since 2017. Throughout my years at HMX my passion for making people look and feel better about themselves has grown stronger every day!

I would say I've never settled for the path of least resistance, and I've had lots of opportunities to give up when I thought I'd run out of hope... but I never have, and I never will! Every experience I've had in my life has led me to where I am today, and I can honestly say I wouldn't change anything because it's really helped me believe in myself, and ultimately in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Recently, I've started going back to church at COE22 to grow in my relationship with God. I know He never left me... but there have been times I've felt unworthy of His love and compassion and ultimately strayed from Him during those difficult times. I am a firm believer in "everything happens for a reason" and I don't believe in coincidence. I know in my heart I have been put on this earth to witness to those who have fallen on hard times who've lost hope like I once did and to ultimately encourage people to trust in God and not give up.

In the Bible, book of Acts, it repeatedly mentions using our hands to help people, heal people, and to bring the Holy Spirit to those who need it. I believe the Lord has gifted me the ability to help people by using my hands and I want to be able to use my gift for a more meaningful purpose.

I know how important appearance is to most. I know when you look good, you feel better. I know that for many, a haircut is more than just the action of cutting hair. It's emotional, it's taking a leap of faith, it's believing in yourself again!

For many, it's a luxury that can't be afforded or obtained. I want to change that. I want to help people obtain this luxury by going to them. I want to find the ones in need and give them the gift of self-care.

I've recently developed what I believe will eventually be a rewarding extension of myself to others. I am in the process of starting my very own non-profit mobile barber shop. I've named it Acts of Love, because I want to be reminded daily why I've chosen this path.

My goal is to raise enough funds so I can purchase an already renovated mobile barber shop like the one pictured below, so I can hit the ground running in my community as soon as possible!

I've always had a soft spot in my heart for elders, God's graced them with the ability to grow old and to develop all the wisdom I aspire to have one day. Unfortunately, too many elderly are forgotten about, they lose the ability to care for themselves and have to sacrifice their privacy, comfort, and money to be placed in the care of a nursing home or assisted living. Sometimes these people spend every penny they have just to afford the facility they've been placed in. They can't afford a day of self-care or they've lost their ability to take themselves to where they can get it done.

The same goes for homeless, disabled, special needs, veterans, those suffering from mental health issues. Whatever the reason may be, I want to help them! I want to encourage them, and I want them to know God is always with them, even during the roughest of times.

Please consider helping me raise the funds I need to get my mission started. Every donation, every share, every chance I have to help raise awareness will be so greatly appreciated!

Friendly reminder, ** Your contribution is tax deductible **

Thank you!

Sincerely, Lana Longhi

Acts of Love Mobile Barber Shop 501c3