Local veteran and new author Lakeith Jones recently published a book that earned the “top new release” designation on Amazon in the faith category, and he is inviting the community to a book signing Tuesday, November 12, in Waco.
“Best Barber Ever: Stories from the Chair” includes stories from Jones’ barber chair on a military base. Reviewers describe the stories as uplifting and inspiring as Jones describes how his life was changed by the clients who sat in his chair.
“I gave my clients my best, with blood, sweat and tears,” he said. “This book is full of stories of hope, weddings, funerals, promotions, laughter and tears.”
A portion of the book’s proceeds are being donated to a non-profit organization and to veterans.
Jones was born in Chicago, served in the Navy for six years and began looking for a job after ending his career in San Diego.
“I served on staff with Into the Harvest with Andrew and Cindy Stroud, and in that time I became a barber. It was only natural that I began my journey as a barber on a military base,” he said. “It is still a mystery that someone would trust a bald barber. I served as a barber for five years, and thus the stories from the chair were born.”
He and his wife, Stephanie, have four children: Aidan, Avery, Joseph and Legend. “My sister-in-law married into the Townson family. Our boys were around the same age, so we wanted to be close to family. We sold our home and moved to Whitney.”
Jones worked at the Whitney post office for 10 months before landing a job at Texas State Technical College.
“The team was extremely supportive of the book. My co-worker Jessica and her husband, Jake, had a connection with Fabled book store,” he said. “Not only did she purchase the book but immediately got me in touch with Kai Jackson from Fabled. She was welcoming and inviting, and she set up a book signing on November 12, at 7 p.m.”
Jones said that another co-worker, Derek, has helped him set up another book signing later in the month at Black Rifle Coffee.
“The book is really taking off,” he said. “I made it to the top new release on Amazon with hundreds of copies sold.” He added, “I even got to meet Rihanna!”
Jones hopes the community will join him at an upcoming book signing. “This is my first book signing, and I hope to make Whitney proud – Go Wildcats! Join us if you can.”
Fabled Bookshop and Cafe is located at 215 South 4th Street in Waco. For more information, or to RSVP for the signing, visit fabledbookshop.com/events.
The Lakelander 