Meet Storm Lover | Barbershop Owner & Non-Profit Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Storm Lover and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Storm, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind our success is staying true to our values—authenticity and community. I’ve found that both my business, The Jade Rabbit, and the nonprofit running team I co-founded, Hare Bandits, thrive when I follow my own vision and stay grounded in what matters most: people. When I make decisions based on what feels right—rather than outside pressure—it creates something real and resonant. That authenticity builds trust and connection.

Community is at the heart of everything I do. At The Jade Rabbit, we prioritize care and mutual support—whether it’s with clients, fellow barbers and stylists, local businesses, or the folks who show up to our events. And with Hare Bandits, we’re building a radically inclusive running community that centers joy, accessibility, and belonging. Whether it’s behind the chair or out on a run, I believe in showing up for others. People feel that, and it’s what keeps them coming back—not just for a haircut or a workout, but for the sense of being part of something bigger.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I wear a lot of hats—barber, small business owner, event coordinator, coach, nonprofit co-founder—but at the core, my work is about building spaces where people feel seen, safe, and celebrated.

At The Jade Rabbit, we do more than cut hair. We create a vibe that’s inclusive, affirming, and rooted in mutual respect. What sets us apart is that we’re deeply community-driven—not just in our values, but in practice. We support local artists, collaborate with other small businesses, and host events that bring people together. The barbershop industry can be very gendered and traditional, so creating a space that breaks those norms while still being cool, professional, and welcoming has been a huge point of pride.

Hare Bandits non-profit running team is all about making movement accessible and joyful—especially for queer folks and non-traditional runners. I’m proud to coach such a unique and determined set of athletes. It started small and scrappy, and it’s grown into something that genuinely changes lives.

Getting here wasn’t easy. I’ve faced financial stress, depression, burnout—you name it. I didn’t come from a background full of connections or resources, but I had grit, vision, and people who believed in me. I learned to ask for help, to take risks, and to trust my gut.

What I want the world to know is this: when you lead with care, creativity, and community, you can build something that lasts—and something that matters. That’s what I’m doing, and I’m just getting started.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m kind of a nose-in-book kind of person so I prefer a quieter type of fun – my dear friend Tim visited recently and so below I’ve included most of what we did together!

Coffee:
Giddy Goat (my spouse is obsessed with their nitro green tea)
Coco and the Director (then walk around uptown!)

Eats:
Soul food at Bean Vegan Cuisine – Chef Charlie always delivers!
Mouth-watering peaceful dinner at Sanctuary Bistro
Bahn Mi at Le’s Sandwiches & Café (it’s to die for)

Activities:
Group run with Hare Bandits @ McAlpine park (my fav nature spot)
Book browsing at Troubadour Booksellers (perfect selection!)
Cheering on the Charlotte Roller Derby (we love taking friends of The Jade Rabbit here)
Thrifting cute outfits at Thrift Pony (& then spending some time at Camp Northend)
Flipping records at Hardy Boys and Lunchbox

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Where do I even begin? I wouldn’t be where I am today without the unwavering support of the people who’ve believed in me from the start—especially the clients who followed me all the way from my early days at SportClips.

That’s also where I met Hannah Baxter, the most incredible person I know. She is co-founder of Hare Bandits and later became my first hire at The Jade Rabbit. Hannah has believed in me through every phase, and she’s worked tirelessly alongside me to build the communities we’re so proud of today. She also played a key role in helping me meet my spouse, who has been my rock and biggest cheerleader through it all.

I didn’t grow up with a lot of support, so having such a solid circle now—clients, teammates, chosen family—has made all the difference. I carry that gratitude with me every day, and it fuels the way I show up for others.

Website: https://www.thejaderabbit.hair/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaderabbitclt/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/storm-lover-227332190/

Other: Hare Bandits Non-Profit:
@harebandits
www.harebandits.org

My Poetry Book:
https://www.8thandatlaspublishing.com/product-page/just-be-paperback

Image Credits
1, 2 & 7 – Corine Olarte
3, 4, & 8 – @unknownvision Peter Baba
5 – Hannah Watanabe