On Saturday, July 19, 2025, Miami Barber Institute (MBI) proudly partnered with WSS, Your Neighborhood Store, at their Bird Road location in Miami, Florida, to offer complimentary haircuts and school supplies to the local community. This engaging community outreach event took place from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at 8508 Bird Rd, Miami, FL 33155.

Under the guidance of MBI Advanced Student Ivan Carballosa, a group of three talented MBI students participated, demonstrating their skills and dedication by providing exceptional free haircuts to the community. The initiative was warmly welcomed by WSS customers, who benefited from this valuable service on a first-come, first-served basis.

The participating MBI students, including Gabriel Lopez, Luis Miguel Aldana, and Jose Genao, showcased their barbering skills and professionalism, making a positive impact on each community member they served. Their enthusiasm and dedication significantly contributed to the event’s success.

Luis Castillo, President and Co-owner of MBI, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership: “Events like this allow our students to give back to the community while gaining valuable experience. It’s rewarding to see our future barbers engaging positively with our neighbors and making a tangible difference.”

From an instructional viewpoint, Tomas Castillo, Co-owner and Lead Instructor at MBI, highlighted the importance of hands-on experiences for students: “Practical events like these provide students with real-world scenarios that cannot be replicated in a traditional classroom setting. It boosts their confidence, sharpens their technical skills, and prepares them for professional excellence.”

The event was part of MBI’s ongoing commitment to community service, emphasizing the importance of giving back while providing students with practical, hands-on experience. Our students not only had the chance to refine their barbering techniques but also experienced the fulfillment of actively serving their community.

MBI extends heartfelt gratitude to WSS for hosting this important event and supporting student learning and community enrichment. Collaborations like these reinforce our shared dedication to empowering communities and enhancing lives through meaningful service.

We look forward to future partnerships and continuing our mission of serving the Miami community.