CUMBERLAND, R.I. (WPRI) — The bond between Sherwin Ramos and Caleb Nicholas Jones is unbreakable, and it was formed in the unlikeliest of places.
Ramos, owner of BarberShop Love, told Nexstar’s 12 News he first met Jones the day he walked in looking for a haircut.
“He’s nice and loving and caring and special,” Jones said of Ramos. “He’s the best barber in Rhode Island.”
For Ramos, the feeling is mutual.
“He’s a brother. We’re way past friendship,” Ramos said. “He’s just an incredible human being.”
Ramos said Jones is “the definition of loyalty, honesty, transparency and vulnerability.”
“He just leads with his heart and for that I love him,” he said.
Ramos told 12 News he saw potential in Jones, who was diagnosed with an intellectual disability disorder at a young age, and decided to offer him a job at his Cumberland barbershop.
“I have a slogan I say that is, ‘Once you become a client, you become family,'” Ramos said. “He just had this type of work ethic and belief in me that I didn’t even have in myself.”
“He was just so supportive from the beginning and it was only right to give him this opportunity,” Ramos added.
Jones spends most of his time at the barbershop sweeping the floors, cleaning the mirrors and wiping down the chairs. He also makes sure the shelves are well stocked, answers the phone, and handles the barbershop’s social media accounts.
“BarberShop Love is a special place to be,” Jones said. “Ramos and his staff have welcomed me and made me part of this team.”
Throughout their friendship, Ramos has trimmed away Jones’ disability in an effort to highlight his ability.
“He’s an asset — never a liability,” Ramos said. “I like someone who can honestly tell me exactly how they feel, so I think that is more of a strength than a weakness.”
Ramos said Jones is a huge Bruno Mars fan whose energy is “unmatched.” He encouraged everyone to spread the word on social media in an effort to get the singer’s attention.
“Let’s get it out there that he is Bruno Mars’ number one fan,” Ramos said.
Ramos is also sponsoring the first-ever Rhode Island Barber Expo, which takes place on Sunday, Sept. 21, at the Strand Ballroom in downtown Providence. The expo will feature roughly 500 barbers and hairstylists, as well as a trade show, competitions and networking sessions.
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