Tee's Barber Shop, One Heights Resident's Dream Come True: Business Spotlight

Having his barber shop a stones throw from has not been a coincidence for lifelong Chicago Heights resident Jimmy "Tee" Burnett.

Cutting hair since the age of 13, Burnett's passion for being well-groomed and making others well groomed became a business.

"I started cutting hair as a teen, then went professional in 1997," Burnett recalls. "I started grooming myself first and began cutting people's hair in  the neighborhood for three dollars. When I got better, the price increased."

Last spring Burnett was elected third ward Park District commissioner in Chicago Heights.

"I've always been involved in the community," he says. "I've been active in non-profit organizations, working with Wally Mohammad and also Kids Explosion outreaches with from South Chicago Heights. I now work with an after school mentoring program out of the park district building."

The free program runs Monday through Friday, and is open to any child or teen from Chicago Heights. Frank Iverson Jr. runs the Teen Reach program, which attracts between 40 or 50 teens Burnett adds. Applications are still being accepted for this free after-school program.

Patch stopped by to talk to Burnett about his business, which is being renovated.

Patch: How long have you been in business?  

Burnett: Since 2007.

What made you want to start a local business? 

I'm from Chicago Heights and well-known in the area. I've been cutting hair in Chicago Heights for 23 years. That's always been my craft, to cut hair and provide good service to the community of Chicago Heights.

What is your specialty?

Customer service, providing a nice clean haircut.

What should people look for in a barber?

The atmosphere along with professionalism from the barber and good customer service.

Any specials? 

Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon is $10 for a regular haircut. If you want a beard trim, design or mohawk that's extra. Any new client is $10 for a regular haircut as well. We also do women's hair, eyebrows and facials.

Coming soon, I am bringing nail services here. Hours are from Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., closed Sunday and Monday.

Where are your favorite local places to shop and eat? 

My favorite place to eat is . To shop, there really isn't any places to shop anymore in Chicago Heights.