WS Chronicle

Although not as big as other homegrown brands like Krispy Kreme, RJ Reynolds, or Hanes, here in Winston-Salem the Magic Touch brand is well known throughout the community. The Magic Touch Barbershop, The Magic Touch Beauty and Nail Salon, and The Magic Touch Ink Tattoo Parlor are all owned by Michael Gaither. And now he has added The Magic Touch Institute of Barbering to his list of ventures. 

Gaither said he always wanted to open his own barber school to help young men in the community become entrepreneurs. He said when he decided to attend barber school, there were three different options in the area, but that number has dwindled down to one, Winston-Salem Barber School located on Silas Creek Parkway.  

“I  remember it was three. There was Pyramid Institute of Barbering, Winston-Salem Barber School, and Triad Barber School, and now it’s just one,” Gaither said. “So I felt like there was a need for it because a lot of young men don’t have anything to do.” 

The Magic Touch Institute of Barbering officially opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony in early August. The facility, located on Old Walkertown Road, includes classrooms, office space for the administrative team, more than half a dozen barber chairs, an industrial kitchen, and a children’s play area. Students at Magic Touch will be taught the latest industry standards and techniques needed to pass the N.C. Barber Licensure exam. 

Students will also learn cutting, trimming, shampooing, styling, trimming beards, hot towel shaves and more. Most people finish the program in less than a year and because he owns a shop and has plans to open others, Gaither has the power to help students get in a shop right away. 

Gaither said he will also pass on knowledge to students on how they can own their own business. 

“I just want to help people find a way to be their own boss,” Gaither said. “I want to be able to help people in the community support their families.”

Alvin Johnson, who serves as marketing director for The Magic Touch Institute of Barbering, has known Gaither for more than 30 years. He said it’s a blessing to know someone personally from Winston-Salem creating jobs and opportunities for people right here in the city. 

“A lot of people want to be their own boss and he’s actually giving them an opportunity to actually succeed in doing that,” Johnson continued. “I just think that it’s a blessing the things he does for Winston.”

During the ribbon cutting ceremony, Winston-Salem City Councilmember Barbara Hanes Burke applauded Gaither for his vision. “When I heard about his interest in opening this barber institute, it just blew me away,” Burke continued. 

“Mr. Gaither doesn’t know this, but his vision and all the initiatives that he has going on throughout the city already, and for what he will have going on in this building right behind me, they line up beautifully with a lot of the city’s initiatives and our strategic focus.” 

Forsyth County Commissioners Tonya McDaniel and Fleming El Amin also praised Gaither for his efforts during the ribbon cutting ceremony. 

For more information about The Magic Touch Institute of Barbering, including enrollment information, visit www.magictouchinstituteofbarbering.com or call   336-893-9100.