LEXINGTON, Ky. — Feb. 27 will no longer be a typical day for one Frankfort barbershop owner and community leader.
Jordon Smith-Willis said there is favor and opportunity in every city, and he is one Kentuckian dedicated to maintaining his community through cuts, fellowship, advocacy and volunteering.
Tucked next to the historic singing bridge downtown, Smith-Willis is the owner of I AM Barbershop in Frankfort. It’s a place for self-expression.
“I like giving myself positive affirmations every day. I like to give my sons a message every day as well. You know, I am smart. I am beautiful. I am gonna conquer the day — whatever that may be, so we did. I am with the box so that you can put whatever you want in there,” Smith-Willis said.
For nearly a decade, it was his sole passion aside from contractor services.
“I was not gonna go the college route, like it wasn’t for me. I was wanting to do something where I can get in and out and get straight to work,” Smith-Willis said.
However, he said his goals were always aimed beyond a fresh shape up or trim. After several years of civil rights concerns growing across the country, Smith-Willis, a social justice advocate, opens up his shop for cuts with conversations. Now, the city has proclaimed a special day in his honor.
For over a decade, Smith-Willis has volunteered in the community for things like gardening and mentorship, while promoting activities that encourage inclusion.
Smith-Willis said specifically after the police shooting of Breonna Taylor, he felt more drawn to helping bring awareness to even more community issues, social justice and other changes.
It's part of why he encourages growth for folks in Frankfort.
“If you are gung-ho about making change, then you can make it happen here and if you are gung-ho about starting a business, you can start a business," Smith-Willis said.
Smith-Willis is a strong believer that the work should start in the places we call home. He said having a spot near young people and others who could benefit from a haven are essential to creating an inclusive environment.
“Just being on this side of the community, closer to the school and closer to the community side of things. I think that plays a huge part in it.” Smith-Willis said. “Instead of being like the entertainment district area of Frankfort, so now it’s not just like a barbershop slash hangout but it is more of a barbershop community building place.”
Smith-Willis hopes the shop continues to show kids what Frankfort has to offer.
“The next generation wants to leave thinking like you know if I leave Frankfort, I can leave my Frankfort problems behind too, but that’s not always the case. Frankfort is a very, very slow-moving town, but it leaves space for opportunity," he explained.
With plans to use Jordan Smith-Willis Day as a time to help kids become young business owners, “I want to do something that is involved in youth and entrepreneurship so something that’s going to bring a mix between the two."
Feb. 27 in Frankfort will now be a day for bringing positivity and purpose to those around the city.
Smith-Willis said he is open and helping kids in the area who are interested in business information and entrepreneurship to find him at his shop on bridge-street in Frankfort.