Support Christians Overcoming Cancer

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There are many organizations that raise money for cancer research and treatment, but only one that I know of that focuses primarily on the day-to-day living expenses of cancer patients who are in active treatment. When I heard the testimony of cancer survivor, Mary Jenkins, the founder of Christians Overcoming Cancer (COC), I knew I had to follow her lead and DO SOMETHING. Mary made a resolute decision to start an organization that, not only pays back, but pays forward the blessings she received while struggling financially, emotionally and spiritually through her own bout with cancer
When Mary was diagnosed with breast cancer as the single parent of three small children, she couldn’t work, and needed help with her bills, and no charity would help her out. Her church came to the rescue and committed to step in and help her with her bills. "… what if somebody doesn't have a church? Or they don't have resources? Who is going to help them?", Mary wondered and while still in active treatment, she decided to make a commitment to others like the one her church made to her… to help emotionally and financially… and thus, Christians Overcoming Cancer was born.

In COC’s Dollars Allocated To Assist program (DATA), patients, or parents of young patients who are in active treatment, can ask for help their bills. "Whether its mortgage or rent, electric, gas, water, car note, car repairs, or food… as long as there's money available, we will give it away," says Mary.
Takisha Jacobs, whose oldest daughter, Aaliyah, was diagnosed with a rare brain stem tumor at age 10, knows these struggles all too well. "So, you have to figure out how do you juggle work, be able to take care of your child like needed, and still have to pay your bills, and still have to take care of the other kids… I mean, it's real hard and frustrating." Thank God, Christians Overcoming Cancer was able to step in and help remove some of the fear and anxiety normally associated with these circumstances, allowing the family to focus on what’s most important - RECOVERY.
COC holds a fund raiser each month, and several special event fund raisers throughout the year in order to help as many people as they can. There are more people in need and you, too, can make the commitment to DO SOMETHING. There are two ways to continue giving throughout the year. DATA Dollar Day is the last day each month where everyone is asked to donate at least $5 to support COC’s Dollars Allocated To Assist (DATA) program; the program that addresses the immediate financial needs of the people. The Hands of Hope program, accept monthly donations of $5, $10 and $20 that go directly toward cancer awareness and prevention campaigns that connect people with the resources they need.
As an avid supporter of Christians Overcoming Cancer, I ask you to join me as I commit to DO SOMETHING to help COC be there to help. And it’s not just the men and women who have a 1 in 3 lifetime risk of developing an invasive cancer, but we all know someone, or have a family member or friend directly affected by a cancer diagnosis. We are thankful for researchers who are working diligently to find a cure. Our country raises millions of dollars for research and for the screening and treatment of low income and uninsured individuals. We regularly hear about this and it is a wonderful effort.
We have chosen to fill a void in the circle of organizations supporting those battling cancer. Many well known organizations often do not, cannot, or will not assist patients in meeting their financial needs. It is not uncommon to experience changes in the quality of life and financial hardships while seeking treatment? We meet the basic emotional and physical needs for those fighting the disease.
Please, partner with us. Go to www.ChristiansOvercomingCancer.com and hit the ‘Giving’ tab to set up your one time gift of any amount or a recurring donation of $5, $10 or $20 for the DATA program or Hands of Hope Campaign. Christians Overcoming Cancer is a faith based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, so your contributions are tax deductible. It is your love and commitment to continue giving that enables us to help maintain the stability and quality of life for all cancer patients. We do so with respect, compassion and without religious discrimination, all so they can focus on what is really important . . . THEIR RECOVERY!

Together, we thank you.
Christopher Burke


You can also donate by mail with a check or money order:
Christians Overcoming Cancer
P.O. Pox 307133
Gahanna, Ohio 43230

Introducing One of the Most Energetic and Motivated Stylist/ Barbersinthe Game Meek Shearer!!!!

This issue of Barber’s Weekly is going to be a very Hot issue! We have today one of the Hottest chicks in the Game, a woman that could melt your heart with her vibrant energy, her strong presence, and warm attitude toward life. Meek Shearer is a Stylist/Barber and Educator that has her own approach on the Industry that would make you think about the way you look at this Business…
I asked Meek Shearer how long she had been a part of the industry, and what made her want to be in the hair industry? Listen to what she had to say,” I have loved Hair for the last 24yrs I have, been Licensed for 18yrs this Nov.. I believe Family background is why I landed in this field. My dad is a Barber for the last 40 plus years, his father was a Barber and many other stylist and Barbers on his side. My mom went to school, did hair far back as I can remember unfortunately never got her license, but even on her side of the family I had multiple aunts and cousins that are licensed stylist I think if it can truly be in your blood it is in Mine.
For those of you that may not know yet, we as vets have and can see some times, weather good or bad, a lot more good the Bad, and I’m sure the Vets really know what I mean by this, I asked Ms. Meek Shearer this question, and this is what she had to say, “A Bad time in the industry??? I wouldn’t say I have had one other then slow periods, financially and that to me is a no brainer, you go harder… I could choose to sit around and complain and cry broke (which I was guilty of doing) or I could began to speak life into my career and go seek clients to get their hair done… I found that there is always someone that wants their hair done/cut and I began to share what I was choosing to do and I saw a lot of good people overcome as well to the point I don’t think they realize just a year ago we were complaining it was slow, I can’t pay my bills to now at least 3 new salon owners and never saying those what I call fatal words again…


I asked Ms. Meek Shearer to tell our readers what steps she took to build on those, Low volume days, when or how did she promote to change that? This is what she had to say, “ First and foremost I changed my thinking… You put into the atmosphere what you want get out… I passed out more cards, I went vista print bananas!! I ordered post cords with daily specials, I did T-shirts that had my name on the back and my number on the front, I talked to potential customers when out and about. Its like you have to create a buzz, let them know who you are and where you are at… And most of all make each cut/stylist a fine work of art because word of mouth is most valuable. In tough times you can not give up if you are passionate about your craft….”
For those that know Meek Shearer personally, you know that Meek has some real history. She made some very bold moves through out her years in the industry. For those that are planning to Move or relocate to another state, this is for you, so pay close attention…

I am Originally from Dayton Ohio, I first relocated to Cleveland, Ohio. When I moved there I had nothing but a booth and a rental, no knowledge of how I would pay for it . I slept at hotels, sometimes friends house, I didn’t want to burden anyone, so for the most part I slept in the back office at the shop “It’s a Hair Thing.” Rise at 6am get dressed and turn on the open sign. I first built Clients off eyebrows (which I never done before that moment) then I began to offer free styles at random! Soon I was able to get a car and place in about 90 days all together… Soon I began the social Network thing on Myspace. I only joined to monitor my kids, I soon found many stylist and Barbers and began to add them… I met many of the Barbers that are on FB or in The Barber Society there, Chevez Moman, Lee Bladez, Nat Monnie, Mc Razor, Garland "G-Whiz" Fox (major mentor to me during my move til to Date) Major League Barber, and many others. But the one that would basically be responsible for me getting me to Charleston, SC. would be Robert Bligen! We would chat back and fourth about hair and one day he asked “ what would it take to get you in my salon?” At the time I was ready for a change so after all I had been through in Cleveland I wasn’t scared to try. I began to transition here. I asked if I could work upon my first visit he said yes so I began to solicit all woman I could in, Charleston posted mad bulletin and pictures, saying when I would be coming and where I’d be…. I will never my first visit, I had 9 booked, realistic to me would have been 3 or 4, but I had all 9 not to mention they continued to book the few days I was there." Ok I’ll come back in 3 weeks all I ask is if I’m going to style your hair just don’t allow anyone to cut it" and they obeyed brought and told friends needless to say my 3rd visit I stayed. I didn’t continue to work with Robert, However; I give him all the credit for opening the door for me, and we are still good friends." Social networks are our friends when used properly and I was getting good bread didn’t have to sleep in the shop !”
Here is what meek had to say to those Barbers/Stylist that are planing to Move to another state....

"Have Faith.... If there is something/anything you want to accomplish the only thing stopping you is self. Many are afraid to fail, I hear that the only thing Behind a failure is a try, so what it doesn't work... re-think, re-plan and re-do until you get results, if you want it, it isn't just gonna fall into your lap either... I feel very blessed it happened the way it did for me, had it not?? I have had to go to War for mine and that's what I recommend to anyone..... We are a part of a career that didn't collapse in this so called "Recession" we can go anywhere and eat for real so just go for it skies the limit for most, for us there is NO LIMIT!!!"

As you can see Meek Shearer has had a very serious journey, but don’t go any where because its not over yet! She gives us an insight on where she see the industry going in the future, along with her thoughts about The Barber Society…

I know some of you are wondering where Meek Shearer went to work after she decided to stay? Well here is what else she had to say “ I have been manager at Distinguished Gentlemen Barber/Beauty Salon for the last 11 months and it’s been cool, I am soon going to be embarking on a new position, as Stylist in a shop opening in the Northwoods Mall, here in North Charleston,SC called Barbers INC. which I’m really excited about… Most of the workers were hand selected because of working with the owners at a previous location for myself it was being recommended by Rashaad Murphy, who is working with me now as well as teaching me to cut as I tech him to style… When I asked meek,"Aren't you an instructor?" This is what she had to say..."I Guess you can say that, I prefer to say I share vs. teach, because I’m not one to pretend I know everything, I feel that when sharing people already know How to cut, style or whatever it is being shown, I simply show you how I achieve what I am looking for. My method of doing so or tools I use that work well for me, I feel a person will either go and try to duplicate it or add to what they already do which in turn will help them hopefully. That same person can take something I did and add to what they do and turn around and share with me and I learn something from them. I love to share I feel its a great part of my purpose in this industry weather its how to or through conversation. I always say I want to inspire...."

As Barbers/Stylist, we should and have all made some kind of impact on the industry some large some small, But it was some kind of impact No matter what the size!!! I asked Meek what kind of impact she wanted to leave on the Industry? Here is what she had to say..."The impact I would like to leave on the industry is LOVE!! Love who you are, Love what you do.... I never knew everything and I was always willing to learn as well as share. I want to be remembered as the stylist who was selfless.... I believe if someone comes to me for help, with a question or dalema if I didn't know how to help, I would help by finding someone who did. Most of all I wish to be the stylist that went super hard via social networks and began the journey to remind the industry of the fundamentals...."Getting back to the basics" I plan to make this happen by taking action, doing, practicing what I preach! Keep your eyes on meek! In fact I'd like for my legacy to write itself according to my actions."

As Barbers/Stylist we all at some point work together or have someone that we would like to work with. I asked Meek if there were any Barber/Stylist she would like to work with in the Game or have worked with before? here is what she had to say..."I am currently a Milstan Marcell irons" Short Hair Master"... as of late I was a member of Team Xotics that's my Fam for life. I am now embarking on Meeks Purpose/Path, I value my relationship with Curtis Smith. As a result of me feeling his product, which is a great one. I might add he gave me an opportunity to be one of the first stylist on the team and for that I'm honored and consider that home.... I have worked with Major League Barber who gave me my first Opportunity as a platform artist/educator..
. I plan to work with the like of Mc Razor, Nat Monnie, Lee Bladez, Rodrick Samuels, Jay Da Barber to name a few as well as a young lady most don't know as of yet but she is a heavy hitter in Charlotte, NC Ms. Angel Robinson i say "Be On The Look Out" for she and I not to mention the concept that Rashaad Murphy and I are creating for the industry!!! Ok since you Bought her up, and introduced her, Tell the readers who Angel Robinson! Angel Robinson is a great inspiration!!! She Moved to Charllote from Cleveland as I Moved to Charleston, she informed me on how to transition to Charleston, she was the owner of "Kiss n Makeup" in Cleveland for many years and its funny we met in Cleveland but really became close like family via Myspace!!! Now in Charlotte less than 2yrs she has opened "Styling IconZ Beauty lounge" one of the premiere salons in the area she is being coined the Lady version of "No Grease" she is a motivator and innovator you can check her out @StlinIconz on FB or Angel Robinson this woman keeps me afloat when I would otherwise sink!!!! Wow it sounds like she gives you the fuel you need to stay positive, and reach out for more? "Exactly!!!! And more than that I give her fuel! We share and firmly believe what is done in Charlotte can be done in Charleston as well! We stay connected as colleagues as well as sisters uplifting one another!

As you all know there is a major movement brewing on FB called The Barber Society, and I asked Meek what she thought about the Family known as The Barber Society, and this is what she had to say..."Well, I am a member I believe By default via Chris Burke who first told me he was gonna add me but by result you actually added me through conversations in other groups. I love it!!! We are adjoined in a way that is undenible and we have potential to be a great great presence in the industry, By passion alone ! that doesn't begin to take in account the actions we all put forth for example Celebrity Black with Germaine," Puttin Hair On The Floor" with Lee Bladez, Toni with the custom paint on the clippers so forth so on! we also have a great area to become educators to the industry based upon our individuality and desire to learn and make and impact on the industry with our creativeness and willingness to share with one another! The Barber Society will be the beginning of the realist movement in our industry to date!

I always end with a good word to the readers, And this is what meek had to say.... "I guess what I would like to leave you all with is, stay true to yourself and remain humble... This is a gift that God has given and any given moment if not careful it can be taken away! I Love it hard but I Love it right!! All in all How I live is compete with no one but self, who else do I need to be better than??? And I think the other day when I was feeling a little low and passion challenged I will call it,I reached out to Rodrick Samuels to come do a class at the school. I stated my passion was suffering of course If anyone knows him he welcomed me but what he said was "Passion speaks louder than words" That was powerful for me and I think a great way to look at what you do.... If you are passionate about your craft it shows without saying!!!!

Introducing To the Game Tina Sapia The Barber

   Thank you for reading Barber's Weekly, and today we have another up in coming Barber featured in our article. This barber is one of a lot of passion, she has a Love for the game like no other, an eye for detail that would make you proud to be a Barber. She is a part of some thing great, and is sure to be great, her work speaks for its self, and today she is speaking with me......

Today I just so happen to be on  facebook, and I see a status from a friend that says Tina Sapia, Barber, Styleseat.com. So I click the link and start reading, upon reading I find out that my good friend is almost done school and ready to join us on the playing field," I am currently a student at Artistic Nails and beauty academy and am projected to graduate in April. I am 35 years old and finally about to start my real career. The love of art has brought me to this position and I am glad it did ...Can't wait to start my journey."

So I looked my friend up and asked her for this interview, and she was glad to do it, as I was glad that she would, so I started the interview with the question we are always asked, which is, What Made you want to be a Barber?

She told me that "The Love of art and making people feel good about themselves! I Love the way people look at themselves when I am done with them."

When I asked Tina, if there was anyone in her life that had a Big Impact on her pursuing the Barber Lifestyle? 

This is what she had to say,"My Barber Jeff always knew how I liked my hair, and what looked good on me.... I owe it to him and the  Barber Society for making me want to be better." 

As you all know the challenges we face while we are in school can be hard some times, because of the paths we chose to take, in my conversation with Tina Sapia The Barber.  I wanted to know if she had any moments where she want to give up or got nerves about being a part of this lifestyle???

Here is what she had to say, "To be honest with you... there hasn't been one time where I thought I wanted to give up It's not how I roll! once I commit myself to something I stick to it and never turn back... I think that is very important, you can not make your dreams come true if you, Quit before you make it come true"

I know we all as Barbers, have Barbers that we think are great and would like to reach there level at some point and when I asked her about it this is what Tina Sapia The Barber Had to say about this " There are so many! Jesse Lima, Eric pacinos, Marcus P Hatch, Chris Burke, and many, many more, Oh and now Radames Perez...." I asked Tina Sapia The Barber if any of these barbers changed the way she looked at the game? " I've realized there are diffrent possibilities in the Barber game. I went into it thinking that cutting hair was the only way to succeed but now I see the light. I have so much potential. The Barber Society, Helped me think outside of the box.. 


As you all know Tina And I am Member of The  Barber Society and earlier Tina Sapia The Barber mention that she got a lot of her motivation from The Barber Society. I asked her about that and this is what she had to say to the people, "shuffling through different posts and different pictures allows you to think outside of the box. all these dedicated people doing portraits and designs, coming up with new products and others doing celebrity hair cuts. All this pushes me to do more and want more. Work harder and smarter! All these people made me want to stand out and be a pioneer as well!"

When I asked her if it was hard to go to Barber College, and still hold up her everyday Life, and here is what she had to say! "Having no time, to myself was the biggest struggle. Working full time and going to school really wears on your body and mind. The light at the end of the tunnel was too bright for me to resist. I over came all this by surrounding myself with supportive people that kept reminding me of how great life would be and how much I would enjoy being a Barber. And, Thank God For Being on My Side"

Now Looking at Tina Sapia The Barber's work, You would not think that she was a student, in fact you would not even call her a student at all, you can see a lot of art and detail in her work. I asked Tina Where she picked up some of her skills, and did she have a hard time when she first started doing it?

 

And this is what she had to say,"I draw in my free time so I thought I would try and do it on someones head. Didn't look so great at first and yes it was harder.... I couldn't just erase my mistakes. Slowly but surely I started getting better with repetition. I hope to keep progressing and keep learning."


Speaking of Progress, she made a major step as a student, where she joined her first Barber competition a little while ago I asked her to tell use about her experience!! "I felt as though I needed more experience and I also needed my name out there! I was a nervous wreck, and my hands were shaking, but it felt good to be up there in the end...."  


I ask Tina if she planned to do more in the future and her answer was "Yes sir I need to step my Game up first" I asked her how and she said "Keep honing my skills and learning different techniques by studying the Barbers that I respect."


I asked Tina what kind of impact do you want to make on the Game once you get out here in the world? and this is what she had to say, "I would love to help people Build confidence and strength in themselves. I feel if a person has confidence in them self then they will have the strength to try anything...."


So as you all know when it comes time to finish school you get excited and restless, and I asked Tina how she feels about coming out into the world with the Barbers she knows and this is what she had to say, "It feels amazing to be at the end! I have sacrificed a lot by going to school and working, I was worth it..... The sense of accomplishment is so Gratifying! One more obstacle is state Board and once I pass, then I can truly Celebrity!


I asked Tina What she wanted to say to someone that could be thinking about Becoming a Barber or making it there Lifestyle, and this is what she had to say, "What ever the struggle is at the time, just deal with it one day at a time! Take the first step into a stable career, and give everyday a good solid effort. Always remember life gets better if you live honestly."


This was an interview I was very happy to do, because not only is Tina a Member of my TBS Family, but she is also a co Writer for this Barber's Weekly, and I am very happy to see her coming through to the next level, of the game, GOOD LUCK TINA SAPIA I WISH YOU MUCH LUCK.....