Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community member Jesse Thomas works as a licensed barber in Queen Creek. The idea of pursuing that career came to him from his own barber when Thomas was fresh out of high school in 2022.

The process began with a talk with his mother about the idea. Together, they visited Salt River Higher Education to take the necessary steps. Higher Education is a program designed to aid Community members in pursuing college, university and vocational education.

Giving back to the Community was something Thomas had always wanted to do. So, he decided to offer free haircuts to the kids going back to school in the Community.

“I knew that there was something I had to offer [in return for the Community] investing in me,” said Thomas.

The haircuts idea struck Thomas in July of last year. However, instead of rushing to get things in order for the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year, he decided to take a step back and prepare an event for the next year, offering the haircuts in August 2026.

The event was held Aug. 9-11 at the Courtyard Marriott in Scottsdale. And, as an addition, Thomas also donated school supplies and backpacks.

About the haircut event, Thomas said, “It was super fulfilling. I felt really good about it. It made me feel a sense of happiness that I’m able to do something like this for [Community kids].

“Just seeing the looks on their faces after I cut their hair was really fulfilling, and so were the smiles on their parents’ faces. To be able to give back in this way means a lot to me because it’s something I always wanted to do, and for it to be happening was so surreal.”

Thomas hopes that offering free haircuts is something he can continue for many years to come.

“I can’t wait to do it again,” he said.