Uncrowned Community Builders

"Find something you love and master it" were the encouraging words of Jason ("Big Jay's") grandfather Charles ("Bill") Kelly. As a result, Jason did just that! At the age of 11, he began exercising the craft of cutting hair, taught to him by his older brother Corey Maclin. Jason soon started cutting hair in both the locker room of the school in which he graduated (Buffalo Traditional High School) and his mother's basement. Demand for JasonÃ?Æ?Ã?¢Ã?¢ââ?¬?Ã?¬Ã?¢ââ?¬?Ã?¢s skill grew to the point where he had to move his business from his mother's basement, into a barbershop. After moving from shop to shop, Jason opened his own flagship shop on his birthday, May 7, 2002 called Chopafellaz Unisex; which is conveniently located at 3251 Bailey Avenue. Chopafellaz Unisex became so successful, that he opened a second location April 6, 2008 that caters to a more mature clientele.

The second location is called Chopafellaz Legends, which is located at 1088 Kensington Avenue. When you step through the doors of Chopafellaz, the first thing you usually hear is Jason's love for music. Whether you're having a bad day, feeling down or ill at ease about a decision to be made, Jason makes sure he leaves a lasting impression! Be assured that you will leave laughing and uplifted. Clients young and old seek Jason's advice and to that his response is to always pray before doing anything, put God first and everything will fall into place. Jason is also a huge believer in uplifting the community. Every year, on the salon's anniversary, Jason hosts a customer appreciation in which he provides food for the community and clients. During the months of June throughout September, he has a free and confidential aids testing outside of the salon. Jason also has a daily condom packs distribution to help prevent the spread of STD and pregnancy... Jason is also in partnership with read to succeed by including personal libraries within the shop stocked with children's books to read and worksheets to do while they wait. Jason credits his strong male role models and his mother's prayers to his numerous blessings.

Like all of us, Jason faced several struggles in his life; one of which was his weight. Jason's weight topped out at 400 lbs. But with determination and prayer, Jason is in recovery from his addiction to food by practicing a vegan lifestyle; and as a result, has lost over 170 lbs to date. This success alone speaks to Jason's determination to do well in life and successfully overcome any and every hurdle placed in his path.

Jason is the President of the Coalition of Professional Barbers and Beautician Inc., The husband of Mrs. Keyarie Maclin (owner or Yar Mo's Muse), and father to one daughter Sinclair Grace Maclin.