This article is one of a series of articles produced by Word in Black through support provided by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. Word In Black is a collaborative of 10 Black-owned media outlets across the country.
By Aaron Allen, The Seattle Medium
When it comes to education, some schools are finding innovative ways to introduce students to trade occupations, moving beyond traditional academic paths. One such initiative is at Chief Sealth High School, where the new Chief Sealth Barbershop offers students interested in barbering and cosmetology, including nail technician skills, a chance to learn hands-on. This creative approach not only equips students with practical skills but also builds a sense of community and support within the school.
The barbershop allows students, community members, and family members to receive haircuts and other cosmetology services from students in the program. Shanyn Gilio-Tenan and Restorative Justice Coordinator Johnny Jefferson spearheaded the project, transforming a once-unused clothing closet into a vibrant learning space.
“We in SPS, we have this thing called Skill Center,” says Gilio-Tenan. “If you want to go into a trade, do this, you’ll get some school credit. Then maybe students can identify like, hey, this is my career path. Yet, in most schools, there are no trade courses, no skill center, no option for kids who want to do cosmetology or barbering. So, we started with this idea.”
The clothing closet, once a place for donated clothes and hygiene products, had become a “dumping ground” post-COVID. Gilio-Tenan and Jefferson, with input from staff and students, envisioned transforming the space into something more beneficial.
“This room that the barbershop is in used to be called ‘clothing closet,'” Gilio-Tenan explains. “But post-COVID, it just became a dumping ground. We kept talking about what we could do with this space. Jefferson was periodically cutting hair at the school, and we came up with this idea of making a barbershop to provide some skills for kids.”
“Students were already coming to me for haircuts. At first to get one, but soon students wanted to hone their own skills,” recalls Jefferson. “During lunch, I taught haircutting techniques and allowed them to practice their skills on me and each other.”
This hands-on experience is invaluable, giving students confidence and practical knowledge that can lead to career opportunities in the cosmetology field.
With donations from the community and the PTA, the transformation began.
“The barbershop or salon where my sons get their hair cut was closing down, and the owner offered us her equipment,” says Gilio-Tenan. “We got chairs, mirrors, lights, and the PTA donated supplies like clippers. It just transformed.”
For Jefferson, the barbershop has provided an opportunity to build stronger connections with students, especially those struggling academically or with attendance.
“You get a kid that has low self-esteem or doesn’t have the money to afford a haircut, and it gives us the ability to talk to them while we’re giving a haircut,” says Jefferson. “That’s a perfect opportunity for us to figure out what’s been going on.”
Gilio-Tenan says that the barbershop setting allows for meaningful interactions and mentorship, helping students feel more connected and supported. In addition, the school uses the barbershop as a resource for students and their families before big events like school dances or holiday breaks, times when they are most likely in need of a trim. This practical service not only helps students look their best but also boosts their confidence.
“It’s amazing to see the transformation in students when they feel good about their appearance,” Gilio-Tenan notes. “It positively impacts their attitude and engagement in school.”
The Chief Sealth Barbershop is more than just a place for haircuts; it’s a symbol of innovation in education. By offering trade skills, the school is providing students with tangible, marketable abilities that can lead to career opportunities.
Looking ahead, Gilio-Tenan and Jefferson hope to expand the program to include more services and reach more students.
The success of the Chief Sealth Barbershop demonstrates the importance of creative and trade-driven learning in schools. By thinking outside the box and repurposing a once-unused space, Chief Sealth High School has created a unique program that benefits students and the community.
“We want to continue growing and evolving,” says Jefferson. “There’s so much potential here to make a real difference in students’ lives.”
