Business & Tech

Upcoming Barber Shop Seeks To Help Troubled Teens

The owner and contractor of a barber shop on Washington Avenue set to open next week are hoping to help local Brooklyn kids caught up in gangs by teaching them a trade.

Owner Kream Waters, originally from a violent area in California referred to as "the Jungle," said he wanted to build Star Status to teach teens how to make honest money.

"You've just got to take the hustle and use it the right way," he said. "I want to show New York kids that it can be done."

Waters said the barber shop, located at 736 Washington Ave., will have a workshop for kids to learn tools in addition to the main salon space. Contractor Nate Joyce has already started teaching, he said.

Joyce, who was recently stopped by police for driving his moped with a suspended license, said he wants to show that he is giving back to the community.

"I like helping kids," he said. "I'm here day and night. If you help them learn a trade and give them something to do, they can."

For the salon's decorations, Joyce made original artwork out of a used table. He also used floor tiles for the salon's counter, implementing the help of local kids.

"You're only one step from heaven," Waters said, referencing advice he has given to his young helpers. "You can make it."


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Prospect Heights-Crown Heights