22-year old Claflin University alumni Michael DeVore wins the 2015 international "Ozy Genius Award" for his Live Chair Barbershop app.
"Every time I can get someone to listen to me, I'm pitching a new idea," say DeVore.
Behind this app, was when DeVore came across a classmate at Claflin University who was complaining about how he couldn't afford to get a haircut. He then thought about the other students who probably had the same problem. Then he thought about all the barbers he'd visited who didn't have websites, efficient appointment booking systems or a marketing presence.
When you enter Live Chair created by DeVore, an app that aims to connect barbers and students. The app will also provide discounts for college students and a platform for companies to connect with new customers.
"Teachers always tell us, 'You want to go work for someone,'" DeVore says. "But I've always been a rebel. I want to do something different."
In the competition, hundreds of applications poured in with ideas in pitching novels, films, apps, businesses and much more.Only 10 participants were chosen across the world. The participants were also judged by a panelist of judges that included Laurene Powell Jobs, Founder of Emerson Collective, and David Drummond, chief legal officer and senior vice president of corporate development at Google.
The Claflin alum will be receiving $5,000 from OZY to put towards Live Chair and well as being flown to California in the future to connect with other Genius Award Winners.
We stand to congratulate and applaud DeVore on his distinguish achievement and a excellent job well done. You are an alum that is achieving it up on the daily and showing that HBCU alums are HISTORIC!