Lake Street Jimmy: A Barber’s Dream Come to Life!

Deontae Henderson
2 min readSep 23, 2023

Minneapolis, Minnesota — Amid the bustling streets of Minneapolis, where each sidewalk holds a story and every corner breathes life, there’s a man whose story is as unique as the neighborhood he calls home.

James “Jimmy” Bynum, the creative force behind Cutz Too Barbershop, is embarking on an extraordinary journey, one that culminates in his enchanting children’s book, “Lake Street Jimmy.” This captivating story can now be found on the virtual shelves of Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Since taking the helm of Cutz Too Barbershop in 2002, Jimmy’s love for his craft has been undeniable. For him, barbering is not merely a profession; it’s a passion. In his own words, “I just did it more for the love of it.”

Lake Street, known for its ceaseless energy, wasn’t always buzzing with customers for Jimmy. There were quiet moments when he sought solace in his mother’s timeless wisdom. She once shared, “God is the one who sends you people. You don’t.” These words became the cornerstone of Jimmy’s journey, turning the tide of his business fortunes.

But Jimmy’s story transcends the boundaries of barbering. It’s a tale of resilience and community spirit, made all the more poignant by the recent challenges that have tested the strength of the community. From the grip of the pandemic to the echoes of George Floyd’s tragic murder in 2020, Jimmy felt an unyielding call to connect with the youth in his neighborhood.

The barbershop itself weathered these storms, enduring damage, and theft during moments of civil unrest. Yet, it stood tall as a symbol of unwavering community support. For Jimmy, being a barber means being a mentor, an educator, and a steadfast source of support for those in need.

Inspired by his life’s journey and his profound connection to the community, Jimmy penned “Lake Street Jimmy.” This heartfelt children’s book invites readers to embark on a journey through the bustling streets of Lake Street, where dreams take flight through the eyes of a young boy named Jimmy, who dreams of owning a barbershop. The book embodies the very essence of community support, resilience, and the boundless power of dreams.

To young readers, Jimmy’s message is clear and poignant: “It might be hard now. Just keep your mind focused, and one day you’ll be able to get through it and be who you want to be.”

“Lake Street Jimmy” isn’t merely a book; it’s a living chapter of Lake Street’s vibrant history. It’s a narrative that resonates with readers of all ages, inviting them to chase their dreams and cherish the communities that inspire and uplift them.

Now, this extraordinary tale is available for purchase on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, beckoning readers to embark on a journey of dreams, resilience, and the extraordinary strength of community support alongside Jimmy Bynum.

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Deontae Henderson

I'm just a dude with a pencil who wrote like a gazillion kid's books.