Escueta owns two barbershops in Pennsylvania and pays children to read as a way to build their confidence. He recalls his own struggles with public speaking and how a teacher inspired him to read. Escueta views the barbershop as a means to give back to the community, believing that supportive adults play a crucial role in fostering children's reading habits. By focusing on earning money through reading, he believes children unknowingly enhance their self-esteem and public speaking skills.
"I always looked at the barbers and the way they were cutting hair, it was like art," says Escueta.
"Obviously, they're just focused on the $3 they get, but they don't realize how much confidence they're building just by reading in front of people," Escueta explains.
Growing up as a shy kid himself, Escueta struggled with public speaking and reading. That changed in seventh grade when his teacher, Terri Bartholomew, introduced him to basketball books.
"I think I hooked him!" she laughs.
Jonathan hopes the kids who read in his chair gain the confidence they need to navigate the world, something he believes begins at a young age with supportive adults like Terri, who encourage children to read.
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