BEAUMONT, Texas — February is Black History Month and all month long 12News is highlighting stories from Southeast Texas' black community.
A barbershop in Beaumont run by business owner Jerrolyn Williams is a place where a fresh fade isn't the only thing you leave with.
Barbers Trade School on the corner of Orleans St. and Forsythe St. hones skills of hopeful students.
"It's a barber college where students want to become licensed professionals," said Williams.
Here, college students are earning enough hours to cut hair on their own.
"With us being recently accredited, being able to offer financial aid for our students, we have a broad range of enrollment," Williams said.
To the woman behind it all, Williams, this responsibility is about more than teaching how to give a fresh fade.
"We believe in service. We want to make sure that our students understand the importance of service. Not only serving their clients but just making sure they maintain the integrity of the business," she said.
Williams opened her barber college back in 2013. She received a small business loan from the City of Beaumont.
"I was able to go into the committee of Beaumont, the City of Beaumont, and I was able to express to them what I wanted to do, what was my vision and it was like I kind of pitched what I wanted to do and they saw it and they agreed and that was how it started," Williams told 12News.
Senior Instructor Harrison Wilson has been there for it all.
"God gave you five fingers you use all of them you know what I'm saying," Wilson said.
The barbershop is building community in Beaumont, thanks to Williams vision.
"On a ship you have some ups and some downs, but the good part about it is, I see that she has a goal, she has a purpose and I've seen her grow," said Wilson.
So if you ever want to stop by and get a fade or just stop by for conversation, the students at Barbers Trade School have got you covered.
"A lot of times people try to figure out what's the key to success and I found out. It's knowing how to serve with your heart and loving what you do," Williams said.