Local Barbershop Spotlight, a Family Trade Anchors Yuma Community
On December 4 a KAWC podcast featured Craig Austin and his son Kawaun, known online as KdubTheBarber, sharing the story of 15th Avenue Barbershop and its role in rebuilding lives and passing skills across generations. The episode matters to Yuma residents because it highlights the shop as a community anchor, a site of mentorship and economic stability, and a potential partner for public health outreach.
Craig Austin and his son Kawaun joined a local radio podcast on December 4 to trace the history of 15th Avenue Barbershop, the craft of barbering, and the shop's role in their family and neighborhood. The episode ran about 30 minutes and is available to stream on the KAWC page, accompanied by a short written summary tagged local culture and community. Their conversation framed the shop as more than a business, portraying it as a place where skills are taught, confidence is restored, and relationships are maintained.
For Yuma County residents the story illustrates how small businesses contribute to social cohesion and public wellbeing. Barbershops often serve as informal community centers where men and women exchange information, find mentorship, and receive emotional support. In this case the shop helped Craig rebuild his life, and passing the trade to his son reinforces employment pathways that can reduce economic vulnerability and strengthen family bonds.
Public health officials and community organizers can view stories like this as an opportunity. Barbershops are effective venues for health education, screening and trust building, particularly in communities that face barriers to care. Partnerships between county health departments and neighborhood businesses can extend outreach for chronic disease prevention, mental health support, and vaccination campaigns while respecting community culture.
The episode also raises questions about policy and equity. Supporting family run small businesses through targeted grants, workforce training programs, and accessible licensing can amplify their community benefits. Investment in community anchored enterprises can create local jobs, provide stable mentorship for young people, and address social determinants of health that drive disparities.
Residents interested in hearing the full conversation can stream the episode on the KAWC page. Beyond listening, local leaders and health planners can consider how to formalize partnerships with trusted neighborhood institutions like 15th Avenue Barbershop to strengthen community wellbeing and advance a more equitable approach to public health in Yuma County.
