A Cut Above: From the Front Porch to the Studio

Master Barber and Senior Pastor: Mr. Tony Roberts

Humble Beginnings

At the early age of 14, Mr. Tony Roberts began to cut hair. His career as a master barber didn’t evolve out of passion; but out of necessity. Coming from humble beginnings, his parents could not regularly afford to take him to get haircuts. Therefore, Roberts did what he had to do, and while making the best of his situation, he began cutting his own hair. It didn’t matter whether it was in the bathroom or on his mother’s front porch, he found as many extension cords that he could in order to make it happen. Beginning to get a “feel” for his craft, he asked his best friend if he could cut his hair. Reluctantly, and acquiescing to the fear of allowing Tony to cut his hair, he agreed and wouldn’t you know it~ voila`! Next thing you know, Tony Roberts was cutting the majority of children’s hair in his neighborhood. In an exclusive interview with ATL Plus Magazine, Tony Roberts, Master Barber and Senior Pastor of Victory Worship Center, gave his testimony of success:

At the age of 20, Tony Roberts found himself managing a barber shop. Even with it being commissioned based, he realized that he was still making the same amount of money as the other barbers. Disgusted, Roberts expressed his desire for more money to the owner. In response, he was advised that he should probably start working on Sundays. Appalled, and disappointed by the owner’s response, it was at that very moment that Roberts recalls that it was time to leave and start his own business. As destiny would have it, Tony Roberts would go from opening his first barber shop, and being the first African American barber shop in the Healey Building; located in the heart of the historic Fairlie-Poplar District in downtown Atlanta. Not too shabby for a first wouldn’t you say? Here’s a little-known fact for those who may not know: the Healey Building is a 16-story high-rise located on Forsyth as an African American. He was the first African American barber to open a studio on Peachtree St. and Buckhead across from Piedmont hospital. In addition, he was the first African American barber in Colony Square. Added to his repertoire, he is the first African American and barber in Atlantic Station, and now with a second location- you can find the Master Barber in Buckhead on Lavista Walk and Cheshire Bridge:

Tony’s Barber & Hair Studio @Atlantic Station and Tony’s Barber Studio @Lavista Walk. Shop Talk

When asked about the “shop talk” that takes place in his barber shop- Roberts describes the environment as being a “typical day.”

1913 as Atlanta’s last major construction project prior to World War I.

Little did Tony Roberts know that he would be making history as well.

Professionally Groomed for Success

Roberts’ business acumen has afforded him with many notable firsts and recognitions

As we all have our idea of what takes place and what is often the topic(s) of discussion in a barber shop full of men; has now evolved into a more transformative haven wherein both men and women are able to express themselves without the “edgy-ness” of feeling uncomfortable based upon gender. Evolution has taken precedence. The norm of seeing only men as barbers has become prehistoric. Tony’s Barber Studios are equipped with both grooming professionals (men) and sisters in grooming. Each master barber has years of experience to offer while providing you with quality service. Your choice of male or female. The diversity and world class experience embodies sophistication, conversation, and even counseling should you need it. The counseling compartment comes from the ministerial needs provided by the Senior Pastor, Mr. Roberts himself. Not only does Tony Roberts provide services in the personal care industry, he also provides spiritual care to accommodate the personal and mental care of others as well. When speaking with our youth, he describes it as “a conversationnot a class.” The Georgia native, attended Morris Brown and Carter Theological Institute, as an alchemy that has created who he has become today.

Purpose Driven

In September of 2022, Roberts’ vitality was compromised by pericardial effusion. This condition exists when there is a buildup of too much fluid in the double-layered, saclike structure around the heart. In actuality- Roberts had 2-Liters of fluid around his heart, as well as some in the back of his heart. Having gone to the doctor a year prior because he was having irregular heartbeats, he failed his EKG, but was told by the technician that it was probably due to the fact that he had on lotion. (Yeah, my sentiments exactly!) A year later, with the irregular heartbeats increasing, he went back to the doctor. After being given a CT scan, his doctor called him back the same day and ordered an emergency procedure. Knowing that med ically that he’s not supposed to be alive, Roberts praises God for blessing him with life acknowledging that there’s more work that God has for him to do.

Roberts is committed to being the change agent that the community needs. His aspirations are to create an atmosphere wherein his clients are given the utmost personal and quality care. Not only does he want his clients to enjoy the “experience,” but it’s paramount that they leave feeling that their time and monies has far exceeded their expectations. Being in the industry as long as he has, Roberts’ clientele consists of many celebrities, although he doesn’t see himself as a celebrity barber. In addition, he has clients that he’s serviced for more than 30 years.

“Tony Roberts is one of the best barbershops out there in Atlanta, great atmosphere, professionals, you get there for a haircut you get out as a Royalty. Prices are very reasonable for a luxurious service.”

When it comes to any future aspects, Roberts would like to nationally open up more barber studios and produce his own line of hair and skin products. Combined with his faith and dedication, we look forward to seeing this happen for Mr. Tony Roberts. You can follow Tony Roberts on Instagram @iamtonydroberts

@atlanticstationbarbers www.tbarberstudio.com www.helpforhealthcareprofessionals.org

Help for Healthcare Professionals, HHCP, is a nonprofit organization based in Georgia. We were founded to provide support and services to the members of our community who have devoted their lives to keep us safe and healthy. Nurses, doctors, paramedics, respiratory therapists, social workers, community health workers, and pharmacists; are only a few brave and heroic people making a difference in our lives and our community. While we stayed safe within our homes and away from the pandemic, these healthcare workers went out daily to face the dangers of the infection head-on.

HHCP aims to reach healthcare professional communities across Metro Atlanta to mitigate healthcare worker burnout, strengthen public investments in the workforce and public health, increase access to mental health care for health workers and address healthcare professionals overall wellbeing by valuing and protecting this special community.

Each year we provide targeted programs and services in fulfillment of our three core pillars- advocacy, education, and crisis relief. As we expand our Crossroads Education and Skills Training program, we ensure sustainability of the healthcare workforce. We do this by removing barriers that impede both aspiring and existing members of the healthcare ecosystems’ ability to obtain comprehensive training. Long-term, this creates healthier communities with better access to healthcare. wellbeing by valuing and protecting this special community.

Shakila HendersonBaker is a Newton County native who has been serving on the Newton County Board of Education since 2011. In addition, she has held various roles in the Georgia School Board Association (GSBA), including serving as District 4 Director for four years before being elected as the GSBA Vice-President for the 2020-2021 fiscal year, President-Elect for the 2021-2022 fiscal year, and eventually as the GSBA President in June of 2022. Notably, she has represented the State of Georgia as a delegate at the National School Board Association (NSBA) Conference and presented at an NSBA conference on the topic of “Georgia’s Equity Journey: Lessons Learned” in 2019. She also serves on both the GSBA Governance Operations Committee and the Georgia Vision for Public Education Committee, as well as the Simbli/EBS Board of Directors, to which she was appointed in 2019. Mrs. Henderson-Baker graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Political Science from Fort Valley State University, where she received a full academic scholarship and local community scholarships. She also holds a Master of Science Degree in Psychology and Counseling from Troy University.

Shakila Henderson-Baker has an expansive background in education and mental health services, having worked as a Mental Health Clinician and Behavioral Specialist for over 14 years, currently holding the position of Utilization Management Coordinator. She holds an Early Childhood Education Certification from Piedmont College, which she pursued prior to being elected to the board of education. Shakila’s passion for the arts and her work in mental health has led her to present at numerous statewide mental health conferences on recovery through dance and the arts.

As a member of the board of education, Shakila has continued her advocacy for public schools, previously serving as a parent representative on the school council at Fairview Theme School. She is dedicated to contributing to student programs and has sponsored snacks and treats at student of the month/quarter programs, spoken at various school programs, mentored teen groups, volunteered at the special Olympics, volunteered at the after school program at Washington Street Community Center, and served as a guest reader at elementary schools yearly.

In 2018, Shakila took her commitment to education a step further by establishing the Henderson-Baker Tech for Success Scholarship, which awards three deserving seniors from District 3 and/or Newton High School with a new laptop and tech equipment.

Outside of her work in education, Shakila is an active member of the Chi Tau Omega (CTO) Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., serving the communities of both Newton and Rockdale Counties. Additionally, she serves on the Board of Directors for Newton County Mentoring, Board of Directors for Newton County Community Partnership, and the advisory board for the Helping Hands Food Pantry.

Mrs. Henderson-Baker is an accomplished individual with a range of accomplishments and accolades. She graduated from

Leadership Georgia, the state’s premier leadership development program in 2018. Additionally, she has received awards such as the 2012 Top 10 People You Need to Know in Newton County, the 2012 Distinguished Alumni Award from Fort Valley State University, the 2019 Sigma Eta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Community Service Award, and the 2019 NCNW Rockdale Newton Section Dorothy L Height Trailblazer Award. She is also an active volunteer in her community.

Mrs. Henderson-Baker attends New Birth Missionary Baptist Church and is married to Mr. Rodrick Baker, an educator. Together, they have two daughters: Star, who recently graduated from Newton High School in 2022 and attends Tennessee State University in Nashville, and Sarai, who is currently a senior in the Newton County School System.