Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Kari Baker, 33, moved to LaGrange only a few years ago but has made her mark in the community quickly with her barber shop The Bearded Lady. Baker became a well-known barber when she moved here in 2017 and also became known for her passion for the community.

“I have training in helping children with special needs like sensory disorder, Asperger’s and autism,” Baker said. “Something as simple as a haircut can be a scary thing for them and their parents, and I’m happy to make that as easy as possible for the whole family.”

Baker said she loves being a part of something greater than herself.

“Making someone, male or female, feel great and look great about themselves,” Baker said. “Being a tiny part of something major in their life. To laugh and cry with them during life’s biggest moments like a client’s wedding day, becoming new parents, buying a home, starting a new job, loss of a loved one, first date or prom.”

When baker isn’t in her shop, she is volunteering within the community, giving blood and chasing around her two sons.

“I try to be a part of anything that helps our local police department, firefighters and military,” Baker said. “I like to help any way I can with any local small businesses in helping them promote their businesses through mine.”

Baker works seven days a week as the only one in her shop to make sure the community is taken care of.

“I make sure each person that walks in my doors gets exactly what they want and leaves feeling better about themselves and encourage them to go out and help/support someone else locally in any way they can,” Baker said. “My dream is to be around LaGrange for many years to come. To listen to your good times and bad behind the chair. To be not just your local Barber, but a part of your family. To help you be the change you want to see in yourself.”

Just before the pandemic hit, The Bearded Lady was preparing for its grand opening.

“The biggest thing I have done has been taking that leap of faith and branching out on my own with starting my own business,” Baker said.