HYDE PARK HAIR SALON The Hyde Park Hair Salon has been a big part of its community since 1927. Although the business was bought by current owner Ishmael Coye, it still continues to thrive. Over the years, it has been known to attract celebrities from all over the world. “This shop with the reputation and history has seen a lot of influential people, even President Obama,” Coye said. “You know, that has really put Hyde Park on the map and the barber shop also. By him [President Obama] being a client for 20 something years. And his barber continues to cut his hair to this day.” Some other notable people that came to the barber shop were world famous boxer Muhammad Ali, former Chicago mayor Harold Washington and former football player Devin Hester. Coye started his journey cutting hair in high school. He didn’t realize it was something he wanted to do until someone saw his work and invited him into the shop. Eager to make some money while making use of his talents, Coye went on to get his license and become a professional. The Hyde Park Hair Salon does more than just cut and style hair. It has contributed to outside events and gained recognition because of it. “We’ve been involved with a lot of other things, so a lot of charities,” Coye said. “Bo Jackson charities and Danny Davis charities, things like that. So it’s a lot to be proud of.” It’s clear that the Hyde Park Hair Salon isn’t just any other barber shop. Customers can expect to find things in the shop that preserve its history like President Obama’s original chair that has been signed by him and is currently encased in glass. It’s things like these that have helped make the hair salon a tourist attraction. Its friendly and consistent hair service has kept it on the map for decades, and it continues to thrive to this day.
BROWNSUGAR'S BALLOON DESIGNS & ACADEMY Iesha Trotter is the owner of BrownSugar's Balloon Designs & Academy in Chicago and a graduate of the YWCA’s Plan for Profit course. Born in Chicago and raised on the South Side, Iesha always knew that she too could become an Englewood success story. At the age of 14, she began working for herself every summer selling snowballs where she could literally make a $100 day - pretty good for a kid! Today she is a Certified Party Decorator, specializing in weddings and graduations. BrownSugar’s Balloon Designs & Academy in Chicago recently became a member of the Qualatex Balloon Network (QBN®), a professional organization dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in balloon decor and bouquets. As QBN members, businesses commit to sound and honorable business practices, continuing education, and the belief that balloons create atmosphere and communicate emotion in a uniquely effective way. She attended Robert Morris University, where she obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management.
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