MEET THE FOUNDER

Junior Rafael Angels

JAYR ANGELS: FROM A LIFE THAT ALMOST ENDED TO A LEGACY JUST BEGINNING

From the unforgiving streets of South Central Los Angeles to federal prison, freedom, and entrepreneurship — this is more than a story of survival.

Once a young man battling addiction, adversity, and a future filled with uncertainty, JayR Angels has transformed his darkest chapters into the foundation of a growing movement in the barber, beauty, and entertainment industries.

Now 28, approaching his 29th birthday in March 2027, he continues to prove that success isn’t about where you start, but how far you’re willing to go.

With a vision of one day transforming his name into an internationally recognized luxury brand, his journey is far from over.

A past he cannot erase. A future he refuses to surrender. And a legacy he’s only beginning to build.

This isn’t a story about a perfect man. It’s about a man who refused to give up on himself.

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Jay Leads Team USA at the 2027 Olimpiadas de Barbería

Head Representer for the United States

JayR Angels is representing the United States as Team USA’s Head Representer at the Olimpiadas de Barbería Colmex, an international barber competition taking place May 9, 2027, in Cali, Colombia. The Barber Billboards founder and CEO is recruiting underdogs from across the country to go head-to-head with barbers representing Mexico, Italy, Turkey, Japan, and other nations.


JayR is looking for the barber whose work already speaks for them in their own city. The one people drive across town to sit with. The one who can bring that same precision, creativity, and composure to a live barber battle. For JayR, this is what “Where the Unknown Becomes Known” looks like on a global stage.


Featured Barbers, Nominees & Supporters

  • Barbers, nominees and community supporters — RayShawn (@bubba_cutz), Barber Mel (@barber_mel44), Ajia (@ajia.xxo), Jose M. Rivas Jr. (@rivasthebarber), BC the Barber (@theofficial_bc2.0), Lila Jimenez (@lmj_0420), Rosie Mosqueda (@rosepedalthebarber), Mr. Flores (@mrfloresinthecutt), Isabel (@_babyblends), Darlyne (@darlyne.300), Clique (@cliquecancut), and Gisy (@gisy_dabarberess).

The Brands Behind Team USA’s Road to Colombia

Color Shock, Circle of Kingz, RBrand XL, and JR Barber Supply Co. are backing Team USA at the 2027 Olimpiadas de Barbería Colmex, taking place May 8–9 in Cali, Colombia. Color Shock joins as the newest sponsor, backing two barbers. Together, these four brands are helping four Team USA barbers bring their craft to the international competition stage.

Interested in sponsoring a Team USA barber? Contact @jayr_angels on Instagram.

COMING SOON: The Vellas Awards

Barbers + Content Creators + Fashionistas + Beauticians

The South has its own style—and the people behind it deserve their flowers. The Vellas Awards, presented by Barber Billboards, is a new award show recognizing barbers, content creators, fashionistas, and beauticians making a name for themselves across the South.

From the shop to the salon, the runway to your feed, we’re bringing together people whose work speaks for itself. Familiar names, fresh faces, and different crafts sharing one room to celebrate what’s coming out of the South.

2026 BARBER BILLBOARDS OFFICIAL RECAP

10-Year Vision: A Cultural Movement, Not Just an Award

Barber Billboards was founded to do more than recognize talent, it exists to elevate lives, culture, & the global barbershop industry. Over the next 10 years, we will build a multi-platform ecosystem that drives opportunity, dignity, & equality across a trade that shapes communities worldwide.

This is impact-driven.

Read The 10 Year Vision

Barber Billboards

Celebrating Barber Excellence

Barber Billboards is the premier global media, marketing, and recognition platform dedicated to celebrating excellence in the barber and beauty industry. Inspired by the influence of the world’s most iconic billboards, our name represents visibility, credibility, and achievement—the place where exceptional talent earns recognition and the world takes notice. We exist to amplify professionals, businesses, educators, creators, and brands by providing meaningful exposure, strategic opportunities, and industry-leading experiences that drive growth and lasting impact.

More than an awards program, Barber Billboards is a cultural movement that connects communities through media, live events, education, entertainment, and business development. From honoring the industry’s most accomplished professionals to discovering tomorrow’s rising stars, we are building the definitive stage where talent is recognized, careers are elevated, and the future of barbering and beauty is celebrated on a global scale.

When people hear the name Barber Billboards, they should think of one thing: the highest level of recognition, visibility, and influence in the barber and beauty industry—a platform where excellence is showcased, opportunities are created, and the world’s greatest professionals earn their place on the billboard.