JACKIE’S ICED OUT BARBER AND BEAUTY SHOP

Known popularly as MLK Street, Martin Luther King Boulevard is the main artery running through Las Vegas’ historic African-American community. It is named for a phenomenal man who continues to inspire millions to exceed expectations and aspire to their highest selves.
Counting herself among those who have found such inspiration: Jackie Starr, owner and operator of Jackie’s Iced Out Barber and Beauty Shop — which, by no small coincidence, is located at 1100 N. Martin Luther King Blvd. Originally from St. Louis, Starr relocated to Las Vegas and opened her shop on July 3, 2004. It is now one of the most popular hair-care businesses in Las Vegas.
“I call my barber and beauty shop ‘the community shop,’ where anyone can come and feel comfortable,” said Starr. “And it doesn’t matter where you are from, your age or income level. We are all family.”
The community surrounding Iced Out never goes unnoticed by Starr, and she is passionate about doing more for the people she serves. “Last year was our first year collaborating with Gladys Knight, and we promoted a communitywide stimulus for people affected by the bad economy,” she said. “We sponsored 88 free hair cuts for our community children, ranging in age from kindergarten to the 12th grade. It was a great time, and we plan on doing more to keep our community smiling.”
Starr has also developed very strong relationships in the entertainment industry. “I first met Gladys Knight’s husband while he was getting his hair cut by one of my … stylists, Debbie Johnson,” said Starr. “We would always have great conversations, and I built a wonderful relationship with him and his wife … and we decided to do an event for the community.”
Starr is also well-acquainted with famed boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. “I met Floyd when I was working over at Hair Unlimited … and we immediately connected,” she said. “We have been friends ever since, and as time has gone on, we have never lost contact with one another. Now, he is my client and I cut his hair and his children’s hair once or twice a week. We were friends before he became my client, and that is what sustains us.”
Iced Out has an estimated traffic flow of hundreds of people each week — numbers that have caused Starr to seriously consider expansion. “I wanted to expand the shop back in October, and I researched the cost that would be involved, (which) ranged from $75,000 to $100,000. I realized that I didn’t own the building … and decided to wait a minute before investing in a building I didn’t own.”
Recently, when she appeared live on the Enterprising People radio show on KCEP-FM, 88.1, the station received a flood of calls from listeners expressing their love for the well-known businesswoman.
“I felt wonderful about all the well-wishes that came in on the radio show, and it is a great thing to know that people like you,” said Starr. “I try to do right by everyone and it is a blessing to have people talk so good about me. I just try to stay humble and give all credit to God. It is not me.”