Legacy Barber College Opened in Briarwood Mall
The institution is the first barber college and first Black-owned school of its kind in Washtenaw County.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Legacy Barber College has officially launched its new location at the Briarwood Mall in Ann Arbor. The school marks a significant expansion for owners Gerod and Stephani Sturgis, who previously operated in Lenawee County.
Why it matters
The college provides professional training and certification to incarcerated individuals at the county jail. This initiative allows students to gain the skills necessary to become master stylists upon their release.
The institution operated for 6 years in Lenawee County before its recent relocation to Ann Arbor. This opening represents the first establishment of its kind in Washtenaw County.
The players
Gerod Sturgis
He is an owner of Legacy Barber College who previously managed operations in Lenawee County.
Stephani Sturgis
She serves as an owner of Legacy Barber College alongside Gerod Sturgis.
The details
The barber college operates through a partnership with the local sheriff's office to offer vocational training to incarcerated residents. The school holds its classes in the Briarwood Mall, providing a pathway to master stylist certification for its trainees.
Timeline
Operations began in Lenawee County in 2020.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at Briarwood Mall on October 2, 2026.
Market Landscape
The expansion reflects a growing trend of integrating vocational training into the retail environment. This move positions the college as a unique provider in the local market, bridging the gap between traditional education and correctional rehabilitation.
Local shoppers and business owners at Briarwood Mall will see a new vocational facility operating on-site. The program directly affects the community by providing master stylist certification for incarcerated residents looking to build careers.
The takeaway
This opening provides a tangible example of how vocational training can be integrated into the public sphere through community partnerships. Readers can support the local economy by recognizing the importance of vocational pathways for career development.
Further reading
Learn more about new businesses and shifts in the local area by visiting the Ann Arbor section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WEMU-FM.
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