INTRODUCING BRUCE WAIGHT

Bruce Waight Sr., a father, professional barber, and passionate community advocate, originally hails from San Antonio, TX, and now proudly calls Oklahoma City, OK, home. His journey in the world of professional barbering began in 2011 when he graduated from barber college and received his professional barbering license from the Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering.

With over 12 years of experience as a professional barber, Bruce specializes in classic barbering services catering to all hair types. However, Bruce's journey transcends the traditional barbershop experience.

In 2014, Bruce, along with co-founder Vanessa Morrison, envisioned reshaping the way people access and experience barbershop culture. They aimed to remove obstacles such as transportation barriers, shelter settings, and mobility limitations that hindered some individuals from accessing barbershop services.

Their vision took shape in 2015 when they acquired a 1960 Airstream Landyacht, which, with the support of their community, transformed into Oklahoma's first full-service, self-sustaining barbershop on wheels. Bruce played a pivotal role in advocating for the legalization of mobile barbershops in Oklahoma, leading to their launch in July 2017.

“I want my legacy to be how I’ve always been community-centered. Everything I do I try to make sure it’s benefiting my community in some way. From the barbershop to my neighborhood – it’s important to me and I will always lead by example in how we can all do our part to make the world better.”
- Bruce Waight, Owner

Furthermore, Bruce's commitment to his profession led to his appointment by the Governor's office to serve on the Oklahoma Barber and Cosmetology Board. In this role, he serves as the Barber representative and Legislative Liaison, actively contributing to the industry's regulation and advancement.

In 2017, Bruce expanded his entrepreneurial ventures by opening Rooted Barber + Shop, a storefront barbershop in Oklahoma City. Rooted is more than just a barbershop; it's a community space that hosts innovative initiatives, such as the Artist in Residency program, fashion shows, sport banquets, and live music events, celebrating the historic and natural role of the barbershop as a community hub.

Bruce's dedication extends beyond the barber chair. He is the co-founder of Cut it Forward, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing culturally specific hair and skin care resources for foster and adopted youth of color and their caregivers. Additionally, he founded the Hair Collaborative, a project aimed at providing free hair services to the homeless population at the Homeless Alliance's Day shelter.

Despite the challenges of entrepreneurship, Bruce's unwavering commitment to community service and innovation has set him apart. He believes that entrepreneurship is a community effort, and he is deeply grateful for the support he has received throughout his journey. Bruce's legacy is one of community-centered leadership, exemplifying how individuals can make the world a better place through their actions.