Kingdom Made Barbershop
245 Univeristy Avenue C1A 4M1 Charlottetown, PE, Canada

Okay, maybe tomorrow. I’ll update you all from here at mom and dads as I enlighten you to who I’ve been becoming throughout this journey as well as some long lost dreams that are once again right in front of me, and many incredible friends who helped me land back on my feet. If it’s one thing I’ve learned, life’s about falling and getting up again. The getting up being the important part. Learning how to let go of the things that cause you to fall, the words that used to c...ut so deeply, and the people that spoke them. What I’m saying is, the process of daily receiving forgiveness to in turn forgive those in our lives that treat us.. less than desirably to then see them how our Maker sees them. How he sees us. Humbling. We’re JUST as broken. It’s that perspective I have now that allows me to continue to to my best with being forthright and honest and shamelessly sharing where I’m at now where before I was crippled by fear, doubt and everything else that came along with allowing yourself to break. And the beauty that lies within that, is that I knew that was what was taking place this time - through the broken there was always a light glimmering awaiting the day that I would one day be able to pick up where I had left off. While allowing the things that were out of my control to run their course. To come full circle. Because I knew that no matter what it was going to lead me right back to where I needed to be. In the arms of grace. Too good for anyone of us to say we deserve. Yet comes in at the most unexpected time to remind us that we are His. No matter what. So sure, I guess I do need a little more time to decompress and get my bearings so to speak. Resting in the knowledge that love meets us wherever we are. Whenever. By far the most powerful and intimate tool at our disposal. Safe to say I’ve learned a few things about love. So I speak these words straight from the heart, as it continues to be filled with joy and healing by the day. All in his timing. Love you all, Zack.

Good evening everyone, and thank you for taking a moment to listen, as it was never our intentions to leave you all in the dark this long. No one could have prepared me (Zack) for what trials lied ahead and of course, the length of that season. As a friend recently put it, it looked like life came crashing down. Certainly did. That’s real life. And these same walls in which I experienced some of the most difficult trials, I also made some of the closest friends. Brothers. M...entors. Role models. Bending ears. Open minds. Watching each other grow, and fall, and rise again to bear one another’s burdens as we are called to do. So, as I was in the dark myself, for a time. I knew it wasn’t going to last forever. Naturally as the fog continues to clear and the light shines brighter on the things that lie in front of me - the people that have been put in my life along the way I can’t help but feel the excitement build. For this place was more than just a shop for me, it was a second home. IS a second home. And in such a short time it has seen a number of rapid changes and ideas... learning experiences.. but now again a place I see a place full of community and life. Which brings us to where we are all now. Tonight. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33. Posted on our board. A humbling process in learning what it means to truly seek first the Kingdom in my own life is all. To understand the gravity of what that looked like - and the correction that followed. Because that’s what we built this place to do. As you can understand, it’s something I had to truly learn to do in my own life. In order to again be confident in re-opening our doors and being the owner, the individual and leader this shop so needs. What it’s team deserves. And once again be in a place to share our passions with the people we love the most. Which thankfully so happens to be a tremendous amount of you. I look forward to sitting down in front of the camera tomorrow morning, I’ll have a coffee and fill you in a little more before we prepare to see you all once again. I so appreciate you taking a moment to read this tonight. For coming along this journey now as it begins to come full circle.

To my Kingdom Made family. Friends, clients, investors and product suppliers I’d like to take a moment and address our situation as it stands today. I have walked through hell and high water to get to this point but I do wish to clear a few things up. Without getting into details, the turbulence I had been experiencing in my life that was taking up the attention and care this place has always needed are no longer present. And the lessons, virtues and character I’ve come to s...ee in myself now will carry forward into this new life I now see before me. I knew this day would come, I just didn’t realize how long it was truly going to take. You all know how much I love this place. This Island. The community that surrounds us, the family and friends I’ve come to know and build such incredible relationships with. For a time, yes absolutely the circumstances I was facing did indeed seem too large to handle. They were. I hadn’t had the strength in me, nor the voice even to explain what was taking place. Thankfully, I had many friends that helped me keep my head above water as I was amidst the storm. Keeping the perspective that one day my heart was again going to be free to absolutely pour myself back into everything I loved and had thought was once lost was merely a preparation stage for what was about to come. To turn around and say, well that wasn’t so bad. I’m sorry it took a while and for the inconveniences it caused, but in the meantime there wasn’t a second I didn’t lose hope. And it’s because of that I find rest this evening knowing that what’s in store tomorrow will continue to not only bring further clarity but I’ve also got a few things I’ve been saving for when I knew I was ready to face the light of day again. Music has again been one of my most favoured ways to find everything from healing to inspiration and expression as is why it is universally spoken and understood. Here’s a by product of that process. Colours of the Wind. A... personal arrangement.

We had anticipated on opening our doors today, eager to share this space with you all again. After a meeting with a colleague this morning, I saw a heap of new but welcomed challenges that I knew could be handled in a day. But one that affirmed a very positive shift in focus. So, here’s the progress so far - I will be unplugged for the day but will put together a more informational post this evening. ... Second shot is the photo booth in our back corner!

Big progress is being made here at the shop the past couple days. Keep you all updated as the work continues today into tonight. It's never to late to begin again. ...

When the ceiling collapsed in the back, I knew this was the one opportunity I was going to have for a while to give this place the overhaul it so desperately needed. Metaphorically speaking - feels a lot like my life the past little while. Here's where we got yesterday. Today, we are cleaning up debris and getting the front of the shop polished as we assess the water damage in the back and make a new plan of attack. ... A lesson to take it a day at a time, and not to waste the precious time in fear or worry of what may or may not be to come but rather focus on what's right in front of us. Have a blessed day today, and we look forward to catching up with all of you in a couple days.

Morning all! The team and I are taking one more day to put everything together. Once I saw that we were back on the right path I said, what’s one more day! ... Seriously though, thanks for holding out. You’ve all been so kind. We’ve made some massive changes to serve this Island in the level of excellence and Joy we’d always hoped. See you all around the bend!

Good morning Kingdom family! We have been in the dark lately as there has been massive shifts in some of our personal lives that caused some hardship for a time. Some of you saw me vent a few days ago via our story, for my sake it was to at least show you all that I was walking through a difficult time. Not to mention there were mountains in the background we were also climbing, valleys we were walking through as well. We also have all learned so much from these experiences.... Learned how to lean on one another, to grow and find joy amidst some of our toughest battles. We appreciate everyone understanding that life can get messy and it unfortunately can affect productivity and business. The good news, is that we are now a day away from fully reopening. The website will be live shortly, and you will see that we are truly rebuilding this shop now to be what we've always dreamed it could be. And we dream big. So, thanks for sticking it out with us. Can't wait to see you all again. Zack and the Kingdom Made Team.

Love is active. It is moving. Healing. Restoring, and kind. And after taking enough of it in these past couple weeks I would like to tell you all where I have been. Speaking from the heart.

As someone who has learned a lot throughout the years in this industry, but also a lot about life in the process as well I wanted to share my heart a little today. Get some things out in the open so we can then move into a new direction with a clear head. I have many people I've wanted to get in touch with again lately, so I figured this was a good place to start. ... https://youtu.be/II6nkPvZyUk

Hey everyone. The shop is going to be closed today. And here’s why. Truth is, I’ve walked through the most intense season of pain, mental health struggles and darkness I’ve ever had to face. ... Mental health is a killer. I should know. It almost took me out a little over a year ago. Something that I’ve only recently been able to find victory in again. This shop is an extension of who I am. I built it out of love. From the heart. So when my heart, mind l, soul and body were tattered it only made sense that the shop was going to experience the same thing. This is the place where I am going to be sharing my story, and do actively most days. Even when it’s messy. And I’ve found myself leaning on those who would listen for a time when I needed it the most. Now that the storms are over, I’ve learned everything I’ve needed to know so far. Only saying all of this now because there’s nowhere left to go but up. I’m an honest guy at the shop. Makes sense that I’m an honest guy here too. I don’t make excuses, but I at least like to keep things straight. I’m not perfect. No one is. A dear friend reminded me that we are all in transition. Underground is where life begins. And He holds the time when I will rise. I’ve been underground for a while but have found tremendous hope, peace, wisdom and direction in the process. I love you all, dearly. And I’m grateful for the love and encouragement I’m so blessed to receive more and more every day. Thank you.

We filmed this because a large part of my process of healing and finding my joy and passion again was diving deeper than ever before back into them. Music has always brought me such comfort as it has allowed me to better express my feelings. Struggles. Thoughts. I often found myself running to the piano when I had something I either had to get off my mind, or work out. As a dear friend once said, use your gifts wisely. I’m glad I heard that when I did. I still have my days.... But they are less and less now that I’m finding victories in more areas of my life. Which in turn, gives me the confidence and assurance to boldly face another day. And the problems don’t go away. So it’s best to hear that now. But you find better ways to deal with them. And not on your own. So don’t be afraid to reach out when you need it. Your emotions are valid. Your thoughts are valid. Your pain is valid. If you feel like no one is listening, then it’s time to begin finding those who will. We’re out here. And we’re here for you. This shop was here for me when I needed it the most. And now that I’m in a new season of consistency and confidence I can see that although things may not be where I want them to be, I am certain now that I’m on the right path to get there. And to take care of those who I’ve been wanting to for so long. You cannot take care of others if you first do not take care of yourself. Over the coming days and weeks I will be more available. My team has shown me what an immensely impactful support system they are. I wouldn’t be anywhere close to where I am now without them, and through them and so many others I have learned now what it takes to be a leader. A true leader. One that can daily also seek correction and guidance and not let pride or ego get in the way. The only one you need to be in competition with is you. Don’t let others idea of you get in the way of your light. If they’re pulling the dimmer, they’re not interested in seeing you shine. Our mission now is to help as many people shine and exude confidence and joy in every situation. To be the ear that I so needed from many of you were for me in my time of need. I can’t say this enough but thank you. All of you. I’m not perfect, that doesn’t mean perfection isn’t worth chasing every day. Love you all. Zachary Evan James

This is an honest perspective of my circumstance but certainly not where I’m going to be for long. I’ve just finally gathered up the strength to share it because I’ve watched God take a broken fella and piece him back together all while preparing a place for him to share his heart. I know I’ve been quiet for a while. But it’s only because I’ve had to work in the background before I could focus again on what was ahead of me. Not an ounce of your love or support has gone unnoticed. It’s only up from here. Cheers for now.