Last Updated on July 24, 2023 by David Thomas
A 24-Hour Hair Cutting Challenge for a Cause
I’ve always been someone driven by challenges, curiosity, and a dash of the unexpected. Back in 2018, I signed up for a 15-mile Spartan Race despite never having run more than 2 miles before, all in an effort to motivate myself to exercise. So, when I randomly thought of cutting hair for 24 straight hours, the idea didn’t seem too farfetched. But why the heck would I do such a thing?
The Heart of the Matter
Firstly, I wanted to see if I could do it. The combination of physical and mental strength needed for the task fascinated me. (Some people call me Goggins)
Another important objective of mine is to raise funds for a cause that is close to my heart – protecting the environment.
Fresh off the high of our successful TENxClaytone Beach Cleanup in Playa Del Rey – where our incredible community rallied together to clear the entire beach of litter – I felt a pressing need to do more. This wasn’t merely about keeping our beaches pristine; it was about fostering community spirit, promoting sustainability, and safeguarding our environment. I also understand that some people aren’t too fond of the beach, so I wanted to find another way for people to get involved.
As I inch closer to launching my own company, the ethical weight of my actions weighs heavily on me. Many businesses, particularly product-based ones, inadvertently contribute vast amounts of waste to our environment. As a future business owner, I am committed to being part of the solution, not the problem. That’s why I pledged to donate 10% of our earnings from the 24-hour hair cutting event to the Surfrider LA Foundation, an organization working tirelessly to combat beach pollution. Additionally, my company is proud to be associated with “1% for the Planet“, committing to donate 1% of our annual sales to environmental causes.
The Challenge Begins
It was an intense day that lasted from 11 am on Friday to the same time the following day. I had my usual clients on Friday and we had some interesting conversations while I was cutting their hair. During each haircut, I let them know what I was doing and we conversed about sustainability. It turns out we all desired to make sustainable choices but acknowledged that it can be challenging and not always practical.
To listen to some of our conversations, you can watch the Vlog on YouTube. It should be live on July 30th, 2023
The Aftermath
As the midnight hour approached, the challenge became increasingly grueling. Typically, I’m in bed by 10:30 pm, so by 6 am, my energy reserves were almost completely depleted. However, my clients’ encouragement and determination kept me going.
At 11:07 am on a Saturday morning, I completed my final cut, and the feeling was beyond words. Though I was exhausted, I also felt a great sense of achievement. I had set a goal and fulfilled it. The stress I experienced was manageable and controlled.
This 24-hour challenge I faced was similar to how I try to approach tackling more significant problems – it was intimidating, tiring, but ultimately fulfilling. These types of challenges serve as a reminder to me that in difficult times, I must continue to persevere.
Not every challenge has to be this intense. Even the smallest actions we take can make a big difference. Looking back on this experience, I hope it inspires others to push their boundaries and work towards making a positive change.
Let’s all be better, do better, and care more for the world we call home.
Stay tuned for the upcoming vlog, where I’ll share some behind-the-scenes details and earnings. Subscribe to the channel so you don’t miss it!
-D.T.