WS Chronicle

Over a decade ago local entrepreneur Michael Gaither set out on a journey to owning and operating his own barbershop. After opening several small shops in various locations across the city, in 2017 The Magic Touch Barbershop opened in its permanent home in the Southeast Plaza Shopping Center. 

“My first shop was on Stratford Road off Morning Street. Then I went to Patterson Avenue, then Thomasville Road, then Sprague Street, and then over here,” Gaither laughed. “So I’ve had a few spots where I had one or two chairs, but I wanted to take it to another level.”

And that’s exactly what he did. 

Since opening the shop in the Southeast Plaza Shopping Center, Gaither has also opened The Magic Touch Beauty Salon and The Magic Touch Nail Salon & Spa, both next door to the barbershop. Gaither has also opened The Magic Touch Barbershop 2 in North Wilkesboro. 

During a recent interview with The Chronicle, Gaither said although it was a long journey to get where he is today, he kept his faith and everything just started to come together. 

“I just kept my trust in the Lord and let him guide me. I came over here with $1,000 and got two buildings,” Gaither said. 

Gaither, who is a graduate of Glenn High School, said his dream of becoming a business owner started at an early age after watching his parents. He said for years he watched his parents operate J&J Executive Shop and he knew he wanted to follow in their footsteps. 

“After watching them and working a few jobs, that bug just kind of got on me,” Gaither continued. “I just wanted to be free and not take orders from anybody and be my own man.”

Gaither said the goal for the investment in the Southeast Plaza Shopping Center was to create a one-stop shop for the people in the community. He said after opening the barbershop and salon, he realized that there weren’t many black-owned nail salons in the area and he wanted to change that. 

“I wanted to make this a one-stop shop. I’m just trying to give people the things they’re going to always need. That’s why I opened the shop in Wilkesboro too, because there weren’t any black barbershops,” he continued. “I’m giving the people what they need and at the same time I’m helping people get jobs.” 

Just like any good entrepreneur, Gaither is always thinking of ways to improve. He said he’s been thinking about opening a tattoo parlor and getting into real estate. 

When asked how it feels to know that all his hard work is finally paying off, Gaither said God deserves all the glory.

“I feel good, but I try to stay humble. I don’t want any glory, for it’s all because of him. I just had a vision and it’s not finished yet,” Gaither said. 

The Magic Touch Barber Shop is located at 3073 Waughtown St. inside the Southeast Plaza Shopping Center. The Magic Touch Nail Salon & Spa is currently looking to hire certified nail technicians. For more information, stop by the shop or call 336-245-8674.