Charleston Collin continues his father’s legacy at Collin’s Barber & Beauty Shop, which opened in 1970, providing community and blurring the line between family and business. “Walking in the doors feels like I am walking into my family’s home,” said Linda Donalson, who has been coming to the shop for 40 years. A devoted husband, father and son, Charleston cares for the people he loves.
Charleston Collins, owner of Collin's Barber & Beauty Shop, waits for his customers in the morning.
Family photos are hanged next to Collins's working station.
The bueaty shop is on the second floor with ample snacks and reading material. A customer reads a magazine while waiting for her hair to set.
Domonic Hill, 34, from Fort Hood, Texas, touches up his hair while he is waiting for his customers. Hill is a new barber to Collin's Barber & Beauty Shop.
Left: Linda Donalson, 54, has known Charleston Collins since she was 14. "We are family, it really is, you came here and talked to the guys most of them who you went to the high school with too," said Donalson. Right: Scanned notebook of a note writtened by Linda Donalson talking about her memory with Collin’s family and expereience in Collin’s Barber & Beauty Shop.
Eric Collin, Charleston's elder brother, cuts hair for a young customer.
Left: Rickey Jenkins, from Syracuse, New York, grew up with Charleston Collins and comes to the barber shop once a week. “Over the year, we became closer and closer, and Mr. Collins is like my father to me and his family is like extended family, “ said Jenkins. “He cut my hair for the first time and he has been my barber for over 30 years now.” Right: Scanned notebook of a note from Rickey Jenkins sharing his relationship with the Collins.
Lucious White has been getting his hair cut at the barber shop for roughly 25 years. White has Eric cut his hair.
Left: Shari Powell from Syracuse, New York, has been coming to the barbershop for six months. “I have been to several barbershops around the city that are not that female friendly, there are a lot of time are male dominated, where the conversation sometimes it is vulgar,” said Powell. “This is a very pleasant family environment, a woman such as myself can come alone, and would always feel comfortable and feel safe.” Right: Scanned notebook of a note written by Shari Powell sharing her pleasant expeiences at Collin’s Barber & Beauty Shop.
Photos of Juanita Collins, Carlton Collins's wife, hang on the wall in the beauty shop during a quiet moment.
Charleston Collins sorts medication for his mother, who he visists every Wednesday and Sunday, at her house.
Charleston Collins discusses with his mother and wife the effect of the medications she takes.
Mary Collins affectionately teases Charleston Collins, while he watches football game.
Inside Charleston's mother's home, the home he grew up in, he carefully arranged family photos collected over the years. These photos tell the story of their family.
Faith plays an integral part in Collin's family life. Charleston reflects on The Bible at his weekly Sunday Bible study.
The group holds hands as they pray for their sisters and brothers.
