November 3rd 2023.
Nineteen-year-old Diallo Gainey is a shining example of paying it forward. After being a part of Next One Up, a nonprofit organization that helped him on his journey to becoming a barber, Gainey is now offering free haircuts to young men in the same program.
In an exclusive interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE, Gainey opened up about his journey and what it's like to be a young graduate. He explained that he found out about the program in the sixth grade when his friend’s dad told his mom about it.
Next One Up is unique compared to other student-oriented programs because it encourages boys to pursue their interests, rather than just emphasizing the importance of college. Gainey wasn’t sure what he wanted to do after high school — he was planning to go to college to continue playing football, but Matt Hanna, founder and CEO of Next One Up, helped him find a different path.
"He just talked to me. We had a conversation about me going to college because I thought I had to," Gainey shared. "He created a path for me and helped me enroll in barber school and cover my tuition."
Choosing to forgo college wasn’t an easy decision for Gainey, but he realized he could turn his passion into a career. During the pandemic, he watched YouTube videos, and started cutting his brother’s hair. This is when he discovered that he could make a business out of barbering.
Gainey now works as a barber at Next One Up’s newest Base Camp facility, and his biggest customers are the mentees of the nonprofit. He wants to show young people that there are other paths to success, and he believes a haircut can do a lot for people.
"When they get into my chair, it’s like therapy for them. You see that come out after the haircut, they feel good about themselves, and that makes me feel good about myself," Gainey said.
The 19-year-old credits humility for his commitment to his work, which he learned from the program. He encourages other young people to talk to their families and do research about other pathways, rather than following the traditional route of college.
"Most people’s careers don’t even need college to do. A lot of people don’t know that. I would say just [do] the research," Gainey said. "I mean, whatever you think you can’t do, you definitely could. There are people in this world that are willing to help you. I feel like there’s more than one way."
Gainey is an inspiring example of how it's possible to make your dreams into reality. His commitment to paying it forward by helping young people and offering free haircuts is admirable. He encourages young people to follow their dreams and do research about other pathways to success.
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