In a vibrant celebration of hard work, perseverance, and community spirit, the Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce proudly hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the grand opening of Blaze Barber Academy. This state-of-the-art barber institution, locally owned and operated by Kent Paulk II, is now open at 909 S. Gaskin Avenue inside Paulk Plaza.
The event was a resounding success, drawing family, friends, and community leaders together to celebrate this incredible new institution and the opportunities it promises to bring. Chelsea Graham, Member Relations Director at the Chamber, kicked off the ceremony with a warm welcome and heartfelt thanks to the large crowd for supporting Kent and this new chapter in his career.
Twanna Wilcox, with Revive Church, offered a bountiful blessing over Kent and Blaze Barber Academy, setting a positive tone for the event. Matt Seale, CEO of the Chamber and Economic Development Authority, lauded Kent’s dedication and spoke of the Chamber’s excitement to partner with Blaze Barber Academy as one of the newest community partners in Douglas-Coffee County. He highlighted the significant progress he has witnessed at Paulk Plaza and the George Washington Carver Shopping Center since he began his role in December 2022, attributing much of this success to the hard work and ambition of local entrepreneurs like Kent.
Mayor Tony Paulk, owner of Paulk & Paulk Properties and Paulk Plaza, electrified the crowd with his heartfelt remarks. Recalling his memories of Kent as a young boy, he praised Kent’s tireless work ethic and determination, celebrating the realization of a dream with the opening of Blaze Barber Academy. His impassioned speech brought the crowd to a roaring applause, underscoring the community’s admiration for Kent’s accomplishments.
Jeff Hennesy, board chair of the Downtown Development Authority, echoed the sentiment, celebrating the new addition to Paulk Plaza and the continued economic development in Douglas-Coffee County. He expressed his excitement for the future and commended the contributions of hardworking individuals like Kent and other local entrepreneurs.
Kent Paulk II, the proud owner and professor at Blaze Barber Academy, took the stage to express his gratitude. He thanked his family, friends, and supporters, including those who traveled from out-of-state to join the celebration. Kent shared his excitement for the future and his commitment to growing his community partnership.
The ceremony concluded with a ribbon-cutting outside the new institution, marking the official opening of Blaze Barber Academy. The crowd cheered as Kent Paulk cut the ribbon, symbolizing the beginning of a new era in barber education and community development.
Blaze Barber Academy, located at 909 S. Gaskin Avenue inside Paulk Plaza, will commence its school year on Monday, August 5. ,2024. The academy is set to change the lives of its students, providing top-notch education and opportunities in the field of barbering.