Just hair me out on this, it’s the story of how a barbershop can change the world.

“My daughter, Faith, is a neuroscience and cognitive science major. She’s taught me so much about mental health … ADHD, autism, depression, aggression,” said Joy Johnson, owner and operator of Cut’N Corners & Convos Barber Shop in Tempe.

“These things come up in conversations with my clients daily. I said, ‘You know what? Let me become an advocate for change, an advocate to help.’ ”

In the interest of transparency, I’ve been one of Joy Johnson’s clients for more than a decade. She’s probably my oldest friend in Phoenix, and I’ve been hearing about Faith since she was a kid.

Still, I was surprised to learn the 22-year-old University of Arizona graduate had started a nonprofit, A Pretty Smart World, and was hosting her first event at her mother’s shop this month.

“Stim ‘N’ Style,” Faith Johnson said. “Everybody stims, but there are certain people who stim differently.”

She was using the language of mental health care advocates. “Stim” is short for “self-stimulation,” or soothing behaviors that are common among people with neurodiversity issues.

Faith Johnson, for example, said she has ADHD and that fidget spinners and other toys help her keep calm........

© Arizona Republic