Help Nathan Attend Barber School

Over the past decade, I have worn many hats. Upon graduating from High School, I attended East Tennessee State University where I received a BA in History and a graduate certificate in Appalachian Studies. During this time and after graduation, I pursued many things I was passionate about in hopes of finding a meaningful and sustainable career, all the while doing the things I thought would lead to me being conventionally successful. A lifelong musician, I sought to work behind the scenes in the arts non-profit world to help other musicians, especially in the Appalachian region, and while I found this work fulfilling, it didn’t meet my needs. After losing my regular job during the 2020 pandemic,I began the difficult task of attempting to find the next thing. I leaned heavily into music performance as these opportunities became available, in addition to working odd jobs and holding down a job working in sales. I’ve reconsidered many of the things I originally wanted to pursue and have since found myself searching for something to do that is sustainable, yet flexible enough to continue performing music. The biggest obstacle I’ve faced with my search for new work was the need for hard skills. Doing the type of work I’ve been involved in, one develops a lot of soft skills, but these are not nearly as marketable as a real trade or hard set of skills. Realizing this, I decided I needed to pursue some type of training if I’m going to achieve most of my personal goals. With the help of some dear friends, an opportunity to attend barber school has presented itself, and I need YOUR help to seize this once in a lifetime chance.

In November 2023, I plan to relocate to Decatur, Illinois and attend Lockhart’s Barber College. This rigorous 10 month program is highly acclaimed, and it would give me the best possible foundation to pursue a career in traditional barbering. The work ethic and integrity I see in people coming from that school is inspiring as I take the first steps in a totally new direction.

Why barbering you may ask? Anyone who knows me knows that I take a great deal of pride in my sense of style, and I feel like being a barber would allow me to pursue something I’m passionate about beyond playing music. There’s a longstanding tradition of musical barbers, and I feel that I would truly be following in the footsteps of legends such as Bob Wills and Don Reno. The flexibility that comes with being a barber lends itself well to the needs of a working musician, and the ability to have a trade you can use anywhere there are people allows one to relocate and travel for musical pursuits easier than just working gigs. While many musicians ask you for assistance on a project they’re working on, I’m asking for assistance in never having to ask you for help again. By becoming a barber, I would be afforded the stability that’s needed to be more selective in the type of gigs I take, projects I’m involved with, and the time needed to focus on the specific things I truly want to do. Being able to have a consistent income would also allow me to finance any of my own artistic endeavors with no real need for crowdfunding or outside help. Essentially, you’re helping me help myself.

If the financial burden of doing this could be offset by your generosity, I would be forever grateful. Such a move does not come without expenses, broken down as follows:
 $1400 - Tools and Books
$6000- Tuition
$2600 - First Months Rent/ Deposit/ Moving Expenses