Barber-owner Isaac Atencio says he joined advisory board to give West Side a voice

Isaac Atencio, co-owner of Salt Lake Barber Company and Culture Coffee, said at a Salt Lake City press conference that he opened his first shop on South Main about eight years ago and later expanded with a second barbershop in the Fair Park area and a coffee shop. "I am co owner of the Salt Lake Barber Company and Culture Coffee," Atencio said, describing his businesses and their locations.

Atencio said his public involvement began in high school with activism around DACA and immigration rights and that, as a business owner for the past eight years, he has engaged with local business councils. "My relationship with the community, has been kind of 1 that's evolved over time," he said, noting ongoing efforts to find where he can make an impact.

He said he was invited by Will Wright, whom he had worked with in the Midtown Business District, to "come into the BAB and and be a participant here," and that he sought to "lend a voice for the for Salt Lake City's West Side" within business settings where he felt that perspective had not been heard. Atencio framed his participation as representing neighborhood concerns within broader business discussions.

Atencio provided specific timing for his businesses: the first Salt Lake Barber Company opened "about 8 years ago," the second shop opened "just under 2 years ago," and Culture Coffee launched "just under a year ago." He did not specify dates for any upcoming BAB meetings or particular initiatives he will pursue as a participant.