On Feb. 17, 2025, the WELL hosted its first ever pop-up barbershop. The event was hosted by Winona State University Health Advocates in partnership with Equity and Inclusive Excellence (EIE) and the KEAP Council.
Uncle Gill’s Cut’z, a local barbershop, came in to offer free haircuts for students. Along with free haircuts, the event offered free snacks and drinks donated by EIE. A journal giveaway and gift card giveaways were also available to students. The Just Heal Bro journals by Jay Barnet is meant to help men discover their voice and express their thoughts through journaling. Several local businesses, such as Erbert and Gerbert’s, Target, Bloedow Bakery, Toppers Pizza, Blooming Grounds, and Acoustic Café were sponsors for the event.
Amy Nelson, a graduate assistant for Health and Wellness Services, felt that the event really showed the community coming together to support marginalized students.
“We are in a deeply divided time and we wanted to find a way to uniquely support the needs of people of color on campus. Black hair care is not accessible in Winona. This was our first time doing this, and we had a good turnout, which shows there is a demand for this service, there is a need. Haircare should be accessible for everyone, and it’s just not.” Nelson said.
The WELL, which focuses on the 7 dimensions of wellness: Intellectual, spiritual, emotional, environmental, social, occupational, and physical. All of these things are essential for student success, and the WELL provides the services to ensure that success.
“With our position on campus being a health center and focusing on health and wellness, that is one thing that directly ties in to our mission. To make sure all students feel seen, feel heard, feel empowered.” Nelson said.
Throughout the day, 10 haircuts were given and 15 journals were handed out. Students and staff stopped in to hang out, chat with Gill and create a safe space for students of color.
“These doors are always open for anyone to come in and hang out. We wanted to promote our space and also be able to directly meet the needs where students are at and provide those services to them.” Nelson said.
Pastor Nyakeriga, a second year computer science major, is one of the students that received a haircut. He heard about the barbershop through the student union and was happy to participate.
“I liked how the pop up barber shop event was so laid back and welcoming. They really did a good job at making a safe place for us and Uncle Gil was super chill too.” Nyakeriga said.
The WELL plans to host events like this in the future as a demand has been seen. Some events that are coming up in the WELL include STI clinics after spring break, an environmental health fair and a partnership with the Emily Program, a local version of the national eating disorder association.
