Every Sunday, Mark Bustos, a New York hairstylist, sets aside his only day off from the hustle and bustle of his busy salon job to walk the streets of the city with his barber kit in hand. His mission? To find people who can’t afford a haircut but still deserve the dignity of a fresh cut and the care of a kind stranger. His approach is simple but profound: he walks up to them and gently says, “I want to do something nice for you today.”

This initiative, which began in 2012, was born out of an unforgettable experience Mark had during a trip to the Philippines. There, he offered free haircuts to children living in poverty. The impact of those moments stayed with him long after he returned home to New York. Inspired by the joy and self-esteem these children gained from something as simple as a haircut, Mark decided to take this mission back to the streets of his hometown.

Since then, Mark has given hundreds of free haircuts across New York City. His efforts have expanded beyond the city, reaching places like Jamaica, Costa Rica, and Los Angeles, as part of his movement called #BeAwesomeToSomebody. However, Mark’s work isn’t simply about grooming. It’s about more than a haircut; it’s about offering confidence, fostering human connection, and ensuring that everyone, no matter their circumstances, is seen and valued.

A simple haircut can do wonders. It can lift someone’s spirits, provide them with the confidence to walk into a job interview, or simply make them feel like themselves again. Whether it’s a person living on the streets or someone struggling to make ends meet, Mark treats every client with the same respect and care that he would give his high-end salon customers. No shortcuts, no judgments—just kindness, compassion, and a sense of dignity for each person he encounters.

In a fast-paced world where many are too preoccupied with their own lives to notice the needs of others, Mark chooses to slow down and make a difference, one person at a time. He has found purpose in dedicating his Sundays to helping those often overlooked, proving that a small act of kindness can have a lasting impact on someone’s life.

Mark Bustos’ story is a testament to the power of kindness and how simple, selfless acts can change someone’s day, their outlook on life, and perhaps even their future. In a world that sometimes feels disconnected, Mark’s commitment to helping people who might otherwise be invisible serves as a powerful reminder that human connection is at the heart of everything.