May 20 More Than a Barbershop: How HEIRS Is Building Community, Confidence, and Opportunity
(May 20, 2026)
I first met Jahi Jackson at Manchester Academic Charter School (MACS) where he was cutting a student’s hair. I was interested because I believe when young people look good, they feel good—and that confidence can make a big difference in their mental health. Jahi told me that he attended MACS when he was younger and wanted to give back. I was very impressed and told him I wanted to connect him with a guy named Curtis Miller – “The Barber Therapist”. Jahi informed me that he already works for Curtis!
Curtis Miller is the founder and CEO of HEIRS Barbershop. Curtis has a diverse professional background in social work, mobile therapy, residential treatment, staff training, curriculum writing, and public speaking. With 35 years in professional barbering, he decided to merge all of his expertise to become the CEO of HEIRS LLC.
“It’s important for kids to see people who look like them—and are coming to HEIRS for a positive reason.” That visibility, paired with real relationships, opens the door to deeper conversations about life, choices, and future goals. At HEIRS, a haircut is just the starting point. The real mission is bigger: building confidence, creating opportunity, and pouring into the next generation. “This shop is different,” Curtis shared. “We didn’t come here to take—we came here to give.”
The foundation of HEIRS is built on five core pillars: Mentorship, Mental Wellness, Community Engagement, Entrepreneurship & Business Coaching, and Apprenticeship. The pillars were inspired by something many in the community remember well—youth community centers that once served as safe spaces for growth, connection, and learning but have since closed.
As one of the key pillars, at HEIRS, entrepreneurship is treated like a skill—just like a trade. “If you have a skill, you can make money,” Curtis emphasized.
The shop supports aspiring entrepreneurs by helping them think through ideas, build plans, and understand how to turn vision into reality, all while sitting in the barber chair. For many, barbering itself becomes an entry point into ownership and independence. For example, when Curtis and Jahi met, Jahi was just a patron looking to support Through their conversations, Curtis recognized Jahi’s strong character, shared mindset, and exceptional work ethic, and encouraged him to consider entrepreneurship. Jahi said he fell in love with cutting hair while in barber school, and has been cutting hair at HEIRS for about a year since his graduation.
HEIRS also creates space for honest conversations, check-ins, and support around mental health. While not a clinical setting, the shop provides a safe, stigma-free environment where people can talk openly through what they call “GYM Class—Growth You Manifest.”
“Sometimes it starts with a simple question—‘How is your mental health?’”
From community conversations to events during Mental Health Awareness Month, the goal is clear: normalize these discussions and connect people to support when they need it. Curtis says, “We go anywhere we’re invited.” Whether that’s volunteering at events like the Kingsley Center’s Men’s Health Day or hosting growing back-to-school drives that now span multiple days, the team is constantly finding ways to give back. Their impact stretches across partnerships with schools, organizations, and initiatives like MACs—where relationships feel more like family than formal collaboration.
Curtis continues to sharpen his skills as he works toward his degree as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). At that point, he can do therapy in the chair. After spending some time in the barber shop, I can see the positive impact HEIRS is having on the mental wellness of their customers.
To learn more about HEIRS or to book an appointment yourself, visit: https://www.heirsllc.com/
Heather Wilkes, Allies for Children Policy Director