We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lakischia Smith. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lakischia below.
Lakischia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
The idea for WHO DAT Cares Foundation was birthed inside WHO DAT BarberShop. As a business owner, that is not a barber, we served many children in the barber shop every week. Like many business owners, I was always looking for ways to keep children occupied while they waited for their haircuts.
At first, I tried simple solutions. I gave out candy, snacks, drinks from my vending machine, coloring pages, and other activities to help pass the time. While the children enjoyed these things, I knew there had to be a way to make a greater impact on their lives.
Then one day, everything changed.
I had a dream that I was being featured on the news for giving books to children. When I woke up, I couldn’t stop thinking about that dream. I felt inspired to turn that vision into reality. In 2021, I started a small book club inside WHO DAT BarberShop called Read With Me Book Club, where I began giving free books to children who visited the shop.
What started as a simple idea quickly grew into something much bigger. I saw firsthand how excited children became when they received books of their own. Their enthusiasm encouraged me to expand the program and reach more young readers throughout our community.
In 2023, I officially transformed the book club into a nonprofit organization and named it WHO DAT Cares Foundation. Our mission became clear: to promote literacy, inspire a love for reading, and create opportunities for children to learn and grow.
Today, the foundation has distributed more than 500 books to children throughout the New Orleans community. We not only provide books inside WHO DAT BarberShop, but we also travel throughout the Greater New Orleans area, bringing books directly to children and families at community events.
As our organization continues to grow, we have expanded our impact through our newest flagship program, which teaches children how to write and publish their own books. We believe every child has a story worth telling, and we are committed to helping them develop the confidence and skills to share their voices with the world.
What began as a dream and a small book club inside a barbershop has grown into a movement dedicated to changing lives through literacy—one book, one child, and one story at a time. Helping Children to Read With Purpose.
Lakischia, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Lakischia Smith, and I am an entrepreneur, registered nurse, community advocate, and founder of WHO DAT BarberShop and WHO DAT Cares Foundation. My journey into business was fueled by a passion for serving people and creating opportunities that make a lasting impact in the community.
While building WHO DAT BarberShop, I quickly realized that the barbershop was more than a place for haircuts—it was a gathering place where families, children, and community members connected. As a nurse, I have always understood the importance of caring for the whole person, and that mindset naturally carried over into my business ventures. Over time, I began developing programs and initiatives that addressed needs I saw firsthand in the community, particularly among children and families.
Today, my work spans several areas, including literacy advocacy, community outreach, mentoring, and nonprofit leadership. Through WHO DAT BarberShop, we provide professional grooming services while fostering a positive and welcoming environment while giving back to our community through free back to school haircuts, free school supplies for children, an annual toy giveaway for Christmas and also partnering with other community organizations to increase our impact. Through WHO DAT Cares Foundation, we focus on literacy, education, and community engagement initiatives that empower children and families. One of our signature efforts is promoting reading and book accessibility for young people, helping them build the skills and confidence needed for lifelong success.
What sets me apart is my commitment to combining business with purpose. I believe every business should have a mission beyond profit. Whether I am serving clients, mentoring entrepreneurs, or leading community programs, my goal is to create meaningful impact and leave people better than I found them.
The accomplishment I am most proud of is transforming a local barbershop into a platform for community change. Seeing children receive books, watching families engage in literacy programs, and witnessing people become inspired to pursue their goals reminds me why I started this journey. I am also proud of building organizations that continue to grow while remaining rooted in faith, service, and community.
The main thing I want people to know about me and my brand is that everything I do is driven by purpose. I believe in putting God first, serving others with excellence, and using every opportunity to make a positive difference. My work is not just about providing services—it is about creating solutions, inspiring hope, and building a legacy that strengthens communities for generations to come.
How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?
I believe that keeping in touch with clients and fostering brand loyalty starts with building genuine relationships. At WHO DAT BarberShop and through the WHO DAT Cares Foundation, I focus on creating meaningful connections that go beyond a single transaction.
I stay engaged with clients through social media, email marketing, text messaging, community events, and regular conversations in the barbershop. I make it a priority to listen to feedback, understand their needs, and show appreciation for their continued support.
One of the most effective ways I build loyalty is by giving back to the community. Through literacy programs, book giveaways, youth initiatives, and other outreach efforts, clients see that our brand stands for something bigger than business. People are more likely to remain loyal when they feel connected to a mission and purpose.
I also believe consistency is key. Providing excellent customer service, maintaining a welcoming environment, and delivering value every time someone interacts with our brand helps build trust over the long term.
What sets us apart is that we treat our clients like family. We celebrate their successes, support them during challenges, and create opportunities for them to be part of something meaningful. When people feel valued and appreciated, they become more than customers—they become lifelong supporters, advocates, and ambassadors for the brand.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for growing the clientele and reach of WHO DAT Cares Foundation has been building authentic relationships within the community and creating programs that address a real need.
Because the foundation was birthed inside WHO DAT BarberShop, we had direct access to children and families who trusted us. Instead of simply promoting our organization, we focused on providing value through free books, literacy programs, reading initiatives, educational resources, and community engagement opportunities. When families saw the positive impact these programs had on their children, they naturally began sharing our mission with others.
Word-of-mouth referrals have been one of our strongest growth drivers. Parents, educators, community leaders, and supporters who believe in our mission often become our greatest advocates. Strategic partnerships with businesses, and community organizations have also helped us expand our reach and connect with more families.
Social media has played an important role as well by allowing us to showcase success stories, highlight community impact, and engage supporters in our mission. By consistently sharing our work and celebrating the children we serve, we have been able to build awareness and attract new supporters, volunteers, and donors.
Ultimately, our growth has come from staying focused on our mission: improving reading literacy and empowering youth. When people see genuine impact and a commitment to serving others, they want to be part of the movement.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bio.site/WHODATCaresFoundation
- Instagram: .instagram.com/whodatcaresfoundation
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whodatcaresfoundation
- Linkedin: www.linedin.com/company/whodat-cares-foundation
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WHODATCaresFoundation