When a customer sits in Hector Bailey’s barbershop, they receive more than just a haircut—they’re met with a listening ear and, when necessary, heartfelt, prayerful intercession.
Bailey began his barbering career in Portmore, St Catherine. He migrated to Florida in 2009. Starting over was daunting, and he often wondered if he would ever experience the bustling business he once had in Jamaica. But with faith in God and persistent effort, he kept going. Today, he owns and operates a successful barbershop in Florida.
A man devoted to prayer, Bailey puts God first in everything he does—including his business.
In a one-on-one interview with Freedom Come Rain, Bailey shared that this wasn’t always the case. He recalled being baptised at age 15 but later straying from his faith. After migrating in November 2009, he reconnected with a friend who had been a sound system selector. To his surprise, his friend told him he had gotten saved and baptised.
“I said, ‘You’re joking,’” Bailey shared. His friend assured him it was true, prompting Bailey to respond, “I give you until December, and if you’re still saved, I will come visit your church.”
True to his word, Bailey visited the church—and brought along his wife and children. The message that day was about salvation and being in the Word of God. His wife was saved but never baptised, while Bailey w
as still hesitant to take that step.
That defining moment came when he realised the lifestyle he was living made no sense. It was time to surrender to God.
“To be honest, I used to have more than one girl,” he admitted. “Then I realised—my wife is Godly and a wonderful woman to me and our children; she is my high school sweetheart; she was raised in a godly home with a great education; she is kind and loving. So basically, I needed to stop. We visited numerous churches but couldn’t find a church home. I knew I wasn’t fully in church, but my wife got baptised, so since she decided to be fully dedicated to church, I decided to fully follow Jesus and have a decent life.”
Salvation didn’t come without its challenges, but Bailey is grateful for the support of his family and the church as he embraced his new life.
His ministry didn’t stop at church—it continued in his barbershop. Just two weeks ago, he recalled, a client walked in, and before Bailey even touched his hair, he was moved to pray for him.
“I’ve had this customer for over ten years. I saw him walking into the shop, and he looked…off. I asked him, ‘You alright?’ He said yes but mentioned he was just coming from the hospital and had a bandage on,” Bailey said.
“When he sat in the chair, my spirit wouldn’t allow me to just cut his hair. I had to pray for him. He was nervous during the prayer—I could feel him shaking.”
But by the time the prayer ended, the man was saying “Amen” and “Thank you”.
That wasn’t the only time Bailey had offered more than his barbering skills. Over the years, he’s been called on for advice, a word of comfort, and even silent intercession when God puts it on his heart—without the customers knowing.
Running a barbershop requires long hours, but Bailey is intentional about maintaining balance with his family life.
“I have four children—three are adults now, and the youngest is 11,” he shared. “From the start, I’ve worked many hours, but when it’s family time, it’s family time.”
He prioritises vacations and weekend get-togethers to make sure quality time isn’t neglected.
Looking back at his journey, Bailey is thankful to God. When he left the shop where he previously worked to start his own business, some doubted him—even saying his shop wouldn’t last.
But Bailey stepped out in faith, refused to entertain doubt, and is grateful for the steady flow of clients he continues to serve.
“Through God’s grace, I am still here,” he said with gratitude.
Bailey shared words of encouragement for anyone with a dream who might be afraid to take that leap.
“Whether it’s barbering or any other area you want to launch into—be good at what you do and trust God with the results. Shut your ears to the naysayers. There will always be those who try to discourage you. Pray, pray, pray, and trust God for the outcome.”