Barber to the stars to celebrate anniversary in Wednesfield
HIS decade-long career has seen a string of stars line-up to have their hair chopped by him.
Now barber Kem Johnson is planning on celebrating his road to success during a glitzy fundraiser with hundreds of supporters.
The 34-year-old, who launched his first unisex salon with help from the Prince's Trust, is hoping his journey will inspire youngsters to follow in his footsteps.
Birmingham-born Mr Johnson, who now lives in Darlaston, said: "It's a good opportunity to meet with other like minded business people. A lot of people come along to the shop, so I wanted to give them a platform to experience something like this.
"I want young kids to see them and be inspired to reach their dreams."
The celebratory bash at Wednesbury's WS10 Banqueting Suite will mark 10 years in the barber business from 7pm on Saturday.
Industry leaders will come together to enjoy a mix of live entertainment, food and talks, while raising cash for homelessness charity St Basil's.
BBC Radio One presenter Side Man All Day and actor T1 Official are also set to host the festivities.
Mr Johnson said: "The 10 year anniversary gala will feature local talent and influential role models who will offer a few words of wisdom to inspire and motivate young entrepreneurs to reach for their dreams.
"There is going to be a lot of entertainment - singers, dancers, rappers, poets."
Father-of-one Mr Johnson opened his first salon in Hamstead, Birmingham, after winning over representatives of the Prince's Trust and obtaining a low interest loan.
It comes after he learnt to cut hair while at Pendeford's Mirage Youth Centre following his family's moving to Wolverhampton as a child.
Since then, he has served Wolverhampton-born footballer Ashley Williams and Sandwell-born footballer Omar Bogle, as well as athletes from the US 2012 Olympic team.
Mr Johnson said: "I took to it very easily. I had younger brothers and I used to practice on them. I got a lot better and started to cut my friends' hair. I started to work at Markie's Barbers in Wolverhampton and after a few years, I decided to open my own shop."
The barber now acts as an ambassador for the Prince's Trust, as well as travelling to schools and colleges to demonstrate how to cut Afro-Caribbean hair.
He also launched his second salon with brother Reuben in Darlaston's Pinfold Street almost four months ago.
Mr Johnson added: "It would have been difficult without help from the Prince's Trust. I had a lot of help from family but it wasn't enough."
Tickets are £20 and can be bought by calling Mr Johnson on 07846653146.
