LAFAYETTE, La. — For many, haircuts are a way to show confidence, but for some, they are a luxury that isn't always affordable.
According to Fash.com, an average haircut in Louisiana is $35 – $60.
Kody "Sidewalk" Edwards has been a barber for 13 years. After encountering some health challenges, he chose to start his own business from the comfort of his home. Edwards recognized a need for free haircuts in his community and created Cutz for the Community.
So far, he's served close to 50 residents in his front yard, providing snacks, music, water, and, of course, neighborly love.
“That's why I chose to do it outside in my neighborhood. This is a low-income area, and I live here among the people," Edwards said. "So I'm not better off than them, so I know what it's like to be in these economic conditions, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need the help.”
Edwards also tells KATC that a quote he lives by comes from his mentor: "If you want to change the world, start with your zip code," and this inspires him to continue giving back to his neighborhood.
For Amanda Perero, a mother and grandmother of 14 children, this means the world for families like hers. She said getting haircuts for all four of her grandchildren can cost nearly $100. With inflation at an all-time high, every bit of savings helps.
"Barber cuts are just so costly. My kids haven’t seen a lot of barber cuts. It's costly. You never know what a person's household is going through at that particular time. So you just never know. In order to help people, give back, and that's what he is doing—he's giving back his talent," she says.
To stay up to date with the next Cutz for the Community event, click here for a link to Edwards' business Instagram page.
