The Scoop with Tanya Flanagan

Unknown Speaker 0:00
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Unknown Speaker 0:19
Good morning and thank you for joining me for the scoop with Tanya flat again. I'm so happy you decided to wake up and start your day with me. Here on the scoop, where we talk about life, joy, funny moments, trending topics and so much more. We promise to keep you in the know and find out what you know. So let's get started.

Unknown Speaker 0:47
Good morning. Good morning. Good morning, Las Vegas and welcome to another edition up the scope with me. Tanya Flanagan, thank you for waking up this morning and joining us here on KU envy 91.5, radio, jazz and more. We are so delighted to be here once again this week to have a great conversation. I hope you will find it enlightening and helpful information that either you can use or that you can share. Today we I have two wonderful people in with me this morning to talk about Community Give Back and the Community Enrichment Program that's going to be going on I have the cofounders of an organization called barbers, arc. Barbers arc barbers acts of random kindness. And we're gonna be talking today about how this came about. So I'd like to welcome to the studio. Two gentlemen, oh, Cyrus, and Tommy Osiris. Tell us a little bit about you your whole name where you come from things like that.

Unknown Speaker 1:46
Good morning, everyone. My name is Cyrus Lynch, I'm one of the cofounders of barbers art barbers act of random kindness. Originally, I was born and raised in Philippines, by way of Hawaii. And we moved out here in 1994. And I've been a licensed barber since 2006. And just lately, this past year, my co founder and I decided to start this nonprofit organization, barbers art.

Unknown Speaker 2:20
And we have also in the studio's co founder, Tommy phrase, Tommy, tell us a little bit about you and how you and Osiris came together. And then we're going to dive into what Barbara's Ark is all about. And just get to know you and allow the listeners to get to know you too. And hear about your upcoming event, which is going to be great, awesome. My name is Tommy.

Unknown Speaker 2:42
I met Osiris about almost two years ago. And I'm a fellow Barber, and I had just moved out here from Colorado, and I needed a quick cut. And he was, you know, my local barber. So, I stopped in, we chit chatted, um, you know, kind of had a lot in common, I liked him, I liked the cut. And, you know, I've been going to him ever since. And, you know, since then, you know, we've been kind of making moves together and figuring out how we can better our community.

Unknown Speaker 3:16
That's awesome. Um, speaking of bettering the community, I know there was an event coming up in about a week. So to dig into that. And before we dig into it, one of the things you guys are focusing on is doing haircuts for kids and helping families that have children that are not able to afford to get their hair cut, allowing them the opportunity to have a haircut. So I think that's pretty awesome that you're willing to do that. And so your first event is coming up in about a week, and let's talk about that. So our browsers, aka random kindness, is partnering with us and was working with some community partners, some different groups, I know it's going to be exciting. It's going to be Sunday, March 24. From 12 to force, it's a four hour window of an opportunity for families, moms, dads, whatever, to come out with their sons as needed. In special circumstances where you need a little help to get your, you know, your kids hair cut, to get a haircut. So what are we doing?

Unknown Speaker 4:22
Yeah, so I want to say a special thanks to the shot from indie game barbershop who's allowing us to have this pop up event located on Craig and Camino el norte. From there, we're going to have a giveaways music and you know, some beverages and refreshments. And that'll allow us to entertain and give out some free haircuts to some children around the neighborhood. Well,

Unknown Speaker 4:49
I'm excited because I'm going to be there too. I'm excited to be a part of this with you actually, which is also another great reason for why we're talking about it today. Yes, Huge shout outs to the shot over at in the game barbershop at 1306. West Craig row to be exact where you mentioned, basically the intersection of Craig. And its where MLK turns into Camino del Norte. And super huge kudos to him reached out to a friend when you came to me because we had the pleasure of meeting through a mutual friend who brought this to me and said, Hey, I think there might be a chance to work together now know these guys, and I want to do this, you know, deal where they give, do haircuts for kids? Would you like to get on board with this, and I thought, let's talk about it. That sounds great. And so I was really happy to be able to do so. And it's been really a pleasure ever since we met. And this is all started to come together in about a month roughly, maybe, if it's even really been that long. And I just feel like it's a great friendship that is forging and some good work that we're going to be able to do, this will be as well, this be the first time you guys visit the kickoff. first pilot, the

Unknown Speaker 6:03
very first public thing that we've we've already worked with recovery centers and sober living facilities.

Unknown Speaker 6:12
Okay, that's exciting. Um, so I am super excited to be a part of the first time that you guys are doing doing this for the community. And I'm looking forward to working together to do it. Again. And again, I know there's a couple other barbershops who have already reached out to me after hearing about what you know, you guys we're doing is that they would like to get on board and be involved. So bringing this to different parts of the community is going to be huge all over the valley. Like we said, this first one's happening in North Las Vegas, but we expect more to happen in North Las Vegas and in central Las Vegas on the east side. A little bit west. So this is going to be really cool. And I know, there were some conversations about targeting kids in foster care, and then also people in recovery. So this is a really an interesting combination of people that you are identifying for the need. Tell me a little bit more about where the passion comes from, for wanting to tap into people who are in like the recovery space.

Unknown Speaker 7:16
Um, that part, it'd be a mine. You know, so when I first came out here, um, I was kind of getting my life together. And I didn't really know what my next step was, and, you know, so, you know, I started working in recovery, I'm, I'm proud to say that I am in recovery and resumes. And, yeah, thank you. And, you know, it's just, it's been a blessing, you know, I, I've always loved barbering, and then I fell into something that was the natural that also, which was, you know, working in recovery centers, and I kind of, you know, worked my way up. And, you know, that's when I seen the need, like, you know, people coming in, you know, they're, they feel like, they're at ground zero. And I know what it's like. So, you know, I, you know, I was like, Yo, let me give you some cuts. Let me hook you guys up, let me get you guys looking fresh, and I started cutting them. And then next, you know, like, I got my, I got the company, they're buying clippers, you know, I'm coming in, on my day off, you know, and I'm having that talk with them. Like, you know, like, the one on ones the deep in debt, like, you know, what's your next goal? What's your next move, and, you know, when to kind of kind of help, you know, try to, you know, give them that inspiration, because it wasn't long ago that I was in that chair, talking to someone else. And, you know, I felt you know, when the time was right, you know, I was like, Yo, oh, I need you, you know, let's let's, you know, I got we got these other different facilities. And you know, he's, you know, he's like, been like my big brother. So, you know, he came cut and came and saved the day. And now we're like, we tag team like, you know, we're over here chit chatting with them. And, and, you know, it's, it's amazing, because that's where it all sparked was like, man, we just think we could you know, and then here we are. Well,

Unknown Speaker 9:24
I mean, I think that is a great story about taking your pain, and turning your pain into your passion, you know, because a lot of times people don't realize that the hardships and the things that we go through that create the testimonies for our lives are also the roadmap to where you know, you might be going in the future. And so using that as the energy you need to fuel you know, what your drive is, is commendable is to be commended. So I say to you, thank you for being willing to be so transparent about your own experience. And then to be humble and vulnerable enough to allow someone to see you in this space and to grow. And to know that if this once if where I am is once where he was, I'm looking at him now. You know, it's a sense of there's hope for me. So I think that's, that's You're welcome. That is beautiful. That's great. It's a beautiful thing. The other space foster care than I take it is your baby, so to speak US Iris, something you want to give birth to what's going on with that?

Unknown Speaker 10:32
Well, similar to what you just said something from the past, you know, I was I wasn't in foster care, but I've had friends. But growing up less fortunate. You know, I remember I used to always daydream. Wow, what if I had a rich family member who would come and rescue me from, you know what I mean? Just from the hardships that I see what's going on around the neighborhood. So, you know, I mean, we all know what a bar haircut could do to an adult, just imagine what it can do to a child who feels feels less valued, you know, a complete stranger is offering that I mean, it's like, circling back and becoming that hero that I was wishing that someone would come and be, you know what I mean? So and, and, you know, I remember when my father was a counselor, and he would bring his children, you know, foster kids to the house, and we played with him, I grew up playing with a lot of foster kids that come by the house. And, you know, the fact that some of these kids have parents who pretty much turn their back on them. I mean, can you imagine your own parents? You know what I mean? So, I want to target for foster kids to let them know, don't give up. And you know, there's a stranger out here that that cares for you. And, you know, I think is a good reward. As far as you know, what, what else can can replace a smile from, you know, from a kid from a child who looks up to a stranger, you know, I still think that's the moment I'm going for. Right now. I can I know that feeling.

Unknown Speaker 12:09
I think that is very worthy. And Debbie reminds me of something that was once said, you never know who's watching you. So at all times, no matter where you are, you might be serving as a role model for someone especially for for children. I mean, it could be getting out of your car going into the grocery store. So imagine taking the time to come to where they are displaced even. And say, here's something that I want to give you that. I was, while it makes him smile is huge when you talk about self esteem, because people see us right. And there's only one time to make a first impression. So if I can help you improve your outward, it helps you with the what's going on inside as well, you know. So I just think that it's really cool that you guys have this Adige, these additional layers within the space of doing the haircuts and I know we've talked about it, and I'm sure there's all this exponential growth that will happen as you continue to do this. So the event that's coming up on March 24, starting at 12, in the game barbershop over on Craig and MLK, where it turns into Camino del Norte is going to have a variety of things going on that day, we're talking about some DJ some raffle prizes. Some some sports, I think stuff, just some things that are age appropriate. Speaking of age, while while we're on that subject, is there a age range for the kids who will be eligible for getting the free haircuts? Yeah,

Unknown Speaker 13:45
we're thinking at least around 15 and under. Okay, so

Unknown Speaker 13:49
teenagers 15 and under. So, to those of you out there listening, if you know a young person who's 15 years old, maybe in a space or younger, and they need a haircut. This is the moment for them. This is the opportunity. They can get to the barber shop on March 24, which is a Sunday. The barbers will be there from noon until 4pm It should be a fun event. There'll be some raffles for kids and some raffles for parents is what I believe is being planned. And just a good time and also some information will be out like you said, this is your first one. This is the first one that's going to take place and so as the events continue to happen is there a vision like this is the first time so it's it's kind of being done on a smaller scale so that it's manageable, and we think our teeth in see what we're getting our arms wrapped around but what's the long term vision for what a day like this includes?

Unknown Speaker 14:51
The operational of this whole thing is I want to take it a nationwide. I'd like to collaborate with other barbershops across the country and we want to show them how Las Vegas barbers you know give back and I think we if we get to a level to where I mean we can even visit you know our neighboring cities up north and Reno and things like that and you know we collaborate will make it happen and we we teach barbers how to give back and most of us barbers want to give back a lot of us we already do it. Oh, no. And I think this is a flat form that we envisioned for barbers to use, you know, it's not a Tommy and I think this is for barbers. And more of a community based thing you know, the community get involved in the barbers are hands on deck, it's

Unknown Speaker 15:43
kind of like the ark, though, when I've saw the name, it made me think, of course, if Noah's ark, and welcoming everyone on to the ark, you know, in the situation where God was going to flood the earth. And so he had to get to every channel, that sort of thing to continue the generations forward. But it made me think not one left behind, because he got one of the you know, they're each type each thing is percent each species was there. So I think that is what is so cool about it, is this, continue to give back this continued reach, and it can be exponential? So are you guys looking at something is this something that you will do, maybe monthly or quarterly just or it's just as needed as often as you can get it organized with community partners, because there may be some barbers out there listening right now. So have a shop who said, Oh, you know, what, that that's a cool project, I think I want to get on board and work with Tommy and Osiris. To do this, yeah.

Unknown Speaker 16:42
And, you know, like you said, this was, this is our first formal one, and, you know, permitting, we're going to start trying to knock them out. And to all the barbers that are listening, you know,

Unknown Speaker 16:54
how do they find you, we'll just start to drop that in, and then we'll work in any other platform,

Unknown Speaker 16:58
we'll drop that you want to come volunteer for the community and make a difference, you know, to, you know, to the, to the kids out there, that you know, want to get cuts. And, you know, it's, it's the mentorship that comes with it, too. And, you know, because when you're sitting in someone's seat for 30 minutes, and, you know, when you see them once a week, over a

Unknown Speaker 17:24
relationship, they come like fanning everyone who comes to their Barber, or in my case is a woman, even to their, you know, their stylist, you know, it's a relationship with I've had the same hairdresser for 25 years. And, you know, she's like a sister to me, and I worry about whatever's going on with her and her family in her life. And I'm always concerned, you know, and there's a relationship of understanding, and at the same time, she's like, a mentor, like a voice of really sincere and genuine place where I can have a conversation and give, you know, an honest perspective, that I might not be considering, but truly an honest perspective. And it's always rooted in, you know, in God and like, just what's what's good. So I understand what you're saying about that space that is that is built in. So hopefully, we can get into a space where kids get that sense of understanding of what the barbershop gives. And, you know, historically, barber shops were where people kind of gathered, and they talked about community issues and perspectives on community issues, and engaged around all these things and supported an uplift at one another and just had different dialogue. So out of that, any opportunities where there'll be like Speaker Series, or just some events that have like this additional component to you know, you're cutting hair, but like, there's a conversation, you know, what I'm saying? Like, is that is that getting mixed in

Unknown Speaker 18:59
one of our directors, I'm not sure if he's comfortable with me saying his name yet. He, he's, he's a very good speaker. And, you know, like, all of us, we lived our paths that made us become better people. And, you know, we had talks of having a podcast or just like a, like a speech or, or, you know, where people gather and he talks to them about their experiences, and he can give advices and things like that. So, you know, we want to use it also, for those opportunities. Because a lot, a lot of times, you know, with our backgrounds, a lot of people give up on hope, as far as you know, oh, I'm, I'm in recovery. I'm an ex felon. I don't have a job, I can't find a job. I can't do this. And that's wrong. You know, and I'm here to say, you know, I have that background also. And it was Many times that the doors have been shut, but I stay persistent. And I like to say, you know, I like to show people that don't give up, you know, because you're going to be successful regardless, but it takes persistence and patience, you know, so a lot of things we'd like to throw under the umbrella of just cutting hair, you know, because some of these people are clients who become friends, and some of them are business owners who are looking for people to work, or their managers at these places. And, you know, we may be able to refer you to them,

Unknown Speaker 20:31
barbers always have a lot of resources, because we meet so many different people, you know,

Unknown Speaker 20:38
that's how we met. I mean, you know, really, I mean, look at this as a completely new relationship. And, I mean, I'm, I'm allowing you guys to do the majority of the talking, but I am to part of this pilot experience, and I'm excited about it. And then I'm excited about, you know, project, two, three, and four that are really already on the table that we're talking about. And as soon as we get through March 24, we're going to start talking about you know, what's next and how does the next one beauty

Unknown Speaker 21:10
project told you about you did was we have our colleagues who work cosmetologist, beautician, who like to

Unknown Speaker 21:18
give back, I have hope, don't get overexcited. I have like the whole idea in my head, I just called a lady the other day and said to as matter of fact, hey, will you helped me do a Mother's Day, you know, give back project. You know, not on Mother's Day, but somewhere in that space so that women do get some pampering when they normally wouldn't get, you know, when life is heavy, when it's rough. And you're you're dealing with the kids and family or just whatever work, you know, the demands, and it's just, it's tough out here these days, right? Things are super expensive, right? You know what you could afford, and while you're in butcher money, stretch to a dozen. And so sometimes one of the things you do when you're a mom, or you're a woman is you sacrifice self care, you know, we do way too much I think. And across the board, you know, people sacrifice self care. And at the same time, it's the one thing that can help you push a reset button when you can't push an elaborate reset button. But to get your hair done or get your nails done or get a haircut and just clean up you know what that look is look like, that's pushing the reset button. And if someone gifts you the opportunity to push it. Why not? You know, that's that's really

Unknown Speaker 22:38
that's where we come in. I mean, that's we're all about the self care. Bringing, we know people are amazing, but we want to help them feel feel that way. You know, and sometimes life gets life takes us you know, you know, the days, there's never enough time in the day to get your hair done or

Unknown Speaker 22:58
like this is that we know people are amazing. We just want to help them feel they truly are amazing. And that is a really simple but really powerful and beautiful thing to say that does not have to apply to anyone because they've done anything grand, but just because just for being just for being who you are. You know people really are amazing. We just want to remind them that they are amazing, or there's something amazing about them. That is really cool. That's cool. Well, I'm excited about it. Um how do people find you? Cuz I mean, I know you guys so there's not just oh, Cyrus has this skill set up under his lead that I didn't know about that I discovered the other day and he's also a tattoo artist. So you guys are like that jack of all trades, but you you wear many hats

Unknown Speaker 23:55
we do as barbers. We are and versatile. You know, I'm an artist by nature. And I figured one day that hey, might as well get a tattoo license and apprentice and I started focusing more on a permanent makeup you have something for the ladies to well yeah the eyebrows and oh,

Unknown Speaker 24:17
I'm already know what it is. I'm just like, wow, I didn't see see the curveball. I did not see the curveball coming it's too early in the morning for a curveball like that. I was I was wait let me

Unknown Speaker 24:29
barbershop Oh, yeah. I mean, you know, drawing was nature

Unknown Speaker 24:36
month and I had no idea you you do permanent make

Unknown Speaker 24:40
because we was talking about barbershop I didn't want to be like those people. I do all that but I'm actually licensed for that

Unknown Speaker 24:45
also. Wow. Do you have a lot of female customer? No,

Unknown Speaker 24:50
you know, as much as you probably should. It'll be just a small circle of women who knows me. And you know, my buddy here time I mean he himself is one of my one of my clients. I'm

Unknown Speaker 25:02
a proud client here on SMP Inc

Unknown Speaker 25:07
micropigmentation. So yeah, okay,

Unknown Speaker 25:09
well I want to make sure people know how to get in touch because we've talked about this great event that's coming out we have not said where you can find people

Unknown Speaker 25:16
okay. We our Instagram page is at underscore barbers art that is B A R b e r s a r k, at underscore barbers arc lower case letters. Facebook is also available barbers art was, you know, we're still working on working on the rest of our service of our social media sites. We have our website up, up and running. It's a BBS rt.org Okay, so we have you know, our contact information or address

Unknown Speaker 25:51
and it's a nonprofit, right? Yes. So anyone who wants to make donations can also benefit from tax you know, the tax right? I want to make sure people know that if they have a desire to give to support theirs, they they can do so. And it will be financially beneficial to them while they are giving back to the community. I believe the event is going to be a first come first serve hip possibly for first come first serve on who gets haircut, but there'll be a lot of stuff out there folks for you to do, you can enjoy the music. Like I said, there's gonna be raffles for adults and for kids, because there's gonna be some vendors and some resources out there, we want to make sure you have an opportunity to take advantage of all of it. haircuts, we think take about 30 minutes. And so, you know, while your child is getting a haircut, you can also get information there'll be some programs that would benefit the children and families as a whole. We're just excited for everyone who's partnering on the event. I'm excited to be a part of it and to get to know you better as you bring this to the community and we work together to expand it in every way that we possibly can. Yes, ma'am. Our clock is ticking. It's like right as I was about to dig a hole into this permanent makeup and tattooing and seeing what to all Tommy has gotten tattooed. But I want to say thank you for getting up to hang out with me this morning here on scoop. I appreciate having both of you Cyrus and Tommy in the studio.

Unknown Speaker 27:23
Thank you. Thank you for having us. Thank you. Great experience

Unknown Speaker 27:27
a week from now everybody we're talking about barbers art community cuts, not one left behind March 24. In the game barbershop 1306 West Craig road. This man have an awesome week. Social media one more time hit those handles

Unknown Speaker 27:46
at underscore Barbas art on Instagram and Facebook is Barbara's art.

Unknown Speaker 27:53
There you go. Thank you once again, have a great week. Thank you I want to thank you for tuning into the scoop with me Tony Flanagan and I want to invite you to get social with me I'm on Facebook and Twitter. My name is my handle TA in YAFL a na GA N You can also find me on Instagram at Tanya almond eyes Flanagan and if you have a thought and opinion or a suggestion, don't hesitate to shoot me an email to tonya.flanagan@unlv.edu Thanks again for joining in. Stay safe and have a great week.

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