“Shop Talk” Gets Conversation Started
The Lifeline of Ohio African American Initiative has connected with local beauty and barber salons for our new “ShopTalk” campaign to educate African Americans about the need for registered organ and tissue donors.
Chevez Moman in his shop
Saturday, May 29, 2010, “ShopTalk” launched in several African American-owned salons in the Columbus area, including: A Cut Above the Rest (Al Edmondson), Cuts on the Ave (Will Travis), Old Skool Barber Shop (Tony Lowery), Barberzone (Chevez Moman), Set it Off Barbershop (Will Berry), Synergi Salon (Karen Coleman), and with: Rhoda Gibbs at Circle of Styles Salon, Gloria Blackwell at Salon Lofts, and Cassandra Powell at Styles Studio.
The shops created a lot of buzz about donation. Stylists were excited about the launch of a campaign that empowers them to talk to their customers about an issue that can save lives. Some of the stylists were surprised to learn that many of their customers were already registered donors, and that several of them had a connection to donation.
One barber couldn’t believe that one of his customers, who he has known for years, received the “Gift of Life” through a kidney transplant! Throughout the day, stylists and customers engaged in open dialogue about donation. Customers were honest about their fears, the myths, and the fact that for many it’s just never been on their radar.
Participating stylists did an excellent job of dispelling myths, talking about the facts and educating customers throughout the day! ShopTalk is off to a great start and will continue to provide a forum for donation all summer.
Interested stylists can contact Demia Kandi at dkandi@lifelineofohio.org
-Demia Kandi, community consultant