Project Access has recently entered into a collaboration with the innovative and groundbreaking effort called ClipDart, which endeavors to help the underserved and improve mental wellness through selfless, mobile barbers and stylists. This collaboration has just begun at various Project Access communities in Arizona with the goal of growing the partnership wherever ClipDart and Project Access may have a presence.
At ClipDart, they are redefining the way people receive haircuts; however, what separates them is “Their Why.” Kyle Parker founded ClipDart as a way to treat the mental unwellness of people of color that was attributed to an inability to self-care in a culturally familiar way.
Dre Flores (ClipDart’s Marketing Specialist and AKA “Dre the Barber”) with client at Best Buddies Arizona event named Friendship Walk
Today, ClipDart helps improve people’s mental wellness worldwide via barbers and hairstylists. Its innovative, three-pillar model (On-demand barber app, business partnerships, and giving back to communities) continuously pushes their mission and vision in a practical, creative, and unique manner!
Kyle Parker (center) with ClipDart barbers and young customers
Kyle Parker came up with the concept for the company through his own mental wellness struggles while attending Grinnell College in Iowa. As an African American from the south side of Chicago, Parker only had trouble finding a barber once he moved to the middle of Iowa. He couldn’t locate one skilled in cutting minority hair texture. This struggle of feeling excluded from his culture was a significant reason for starting ClipDart after leaving Grinnell College. He realized the essential role barbers play in mental wellness, especially within minority communities where they are viewed as therapists, mentors, and pillars of the community.
Barber Team & Nourish Phoenix Team at Nourish Phoenix, a part of ClipDart’s Day of Duty Giveback event on 4-6-21 (photo courtesy of Justin Parker)
ClipDart’s mission is to prevent others from experiencing the same mental adversity by creating innovative strategies that positively impact the mental wellness of communities worldwide through hair professionals. It aims to revolutionize the hair industry’s standard view of hair professionals’ essentialness while cultivating equitable cultural spaces within struggling communities through the unique talents of ClipDart Hair Professionals worldwide. The company sees itself as the future of haircare.
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