In the Chair, On the Mind: Discussing Men's Mental Health
About Storycuts
About Me - Miguel Gutierrez
In 2013, I initiated a documentary web series, traveling to nearly 40 countries to explore the barbering trade. This journey proved to be an excellent way to connect with diverse cultures and understand our differences. My work in this field helped me gain recognition, attracting over 500,000 followers across various social media platforms.
Among my notable experiences was documenting migrants in the Calais jungle. I also launched a second YouTube channel focused on men's health and sharing my personal mental health journey. Recently, I transformed a yoga studio I co-owned into a platform for community enrichment, offering free classes and planning future retreats.
Throughout my career, whether as a barber or a documentarian, I've always prioritized interviewing and working with people in a compassionate, empathetic, and respectful manner.
https://www.youtube.com/miguelgutierrez33
.jpg/:/rs=w:1209,h:605,cg:true,m/cr=w:1209,h:605)
The Project
My concept focuses on community and connection through the unique setting of a barber chair. I plan to create an ongoing docu-mini series, distributed on social media, where I'll bring my barber chair to various locations and offer my services for free. In return, I'll conduct interviews with men from diverse backgrounds, sharing their intriguing stories.
I've always found that the most captivating stories arise in the barber chair, and I aim to share these with my online audience. The services I'll provide include haircuts, beard trims, and head massages, all accompanied by casual conversations, emulating a typical barbershop visit.
The core of these discussions will revolve around mental health and its associated stigma. We'll delve into people's personal experiences, their perceptions of mental health, and its impact on their lives and those around them. This project aims to demonstrate, through the simple act of conversation in the barber chair, the importance and normalcy of discussing mental health.
.jpg/:/rs=w:1209,h:605,cg:true,m/cr=w:1209,h:605)
Working Together
I am actively seeking collaboration with various charities, businesses, and venues for this project. My team and I are equipped to set up our barber chair, A-board, and tools at any location. Our goal is to enhance, not disrupt, existing services, especially where ongoing therapy or care is provided.
We are also interested in engaging with employees and volunteers within charitable organizations. Their insights into how their companies address mental health in the workplace would be invaluable.
Our project is open to partnerships with any organization that shares our mission to emphasize that it's okay to talk about mental health. For those concerned about privacy, we can ensure anonymity by blurring faces in our videos. This flexibility is key to maintaining a safe and comfortable environment for all participants.
Contact Us
Get In Touch
Let's Work Together
