Text Bae of the Day Goes to Marcus Taylor

Text Bae of the Day Goes to Marcus Taylor

In honor of Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, today’s Text Bae of the Day is shining a spotlight on a Richmond man who is making a difference one haircut, conversation and connection at a time.

Richmond native and Army veteran Marcus Taylor recently opened Whole Nine Grooming Lounge, a barbershop designed to be more than just a place for grooming. Taylor’s vision is to create a safe haven where men can relax, decompress and prioritize their mental health.

While clients can still expect quality haircuts and grooming services, Whole Nine Grooming Lounge offers much more than the traditional barbershop experience. The space features skincare services, Taylor’s personal hair care line, 9th Wonders Premium Products, a vitamin and snack station, and branded merchandise.

Creating a Community Hub

Taylor has also opened his doors to local health organizations and community groups, allowing them to use the space for meetings, discussions and private gatherings focused on wellness and support.

His mission comes at a critical time, as conversations surrounding men’s mental health continue to grow nationwide.

“Not only veterans but men as a whole, with the rising suicide rates and everything, we need a space somewhere where we can just be,” Taylor said. “You can come in here after a hard day. We got slippers right here if you need them. Put them on, relax, get you a cut, talk.”

More Than a Haircut

For many men, the barbershop has long served as a place for conversation, mentorship and community. Taylor is building on that tradition by intentionally creating an environment where men feel comfortable discussing life’s challenges while taking care of themselves physically and mentally.

As Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month continues, Taylor’s efforts serve as a reminder that wellness can begin with something as simple as creating a space where people feel seen, heard and supported.