Senator Portantino Honors Luke Walker's Barber & Beauty Care from Pasadena as Small Business of the Year

Sacramento, California – Today, Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D–La Cañada Flintridge) welcomed and honored Luke Walker and his family as the Small Business of the Year at the California State Capitol.  Each year, one business from each Senate District is recognized by the California Small Business Association.  Senator Portantino chose Luke Walker’s Barber Shop & Beauty Care shop from Pasadena as this year’s small business of the year. 

“The city of Pasadena has been the beneficiary of Luke’s talents and civic engagement for years. Multiple generations of Pasadenans have benefited from Luke’s work in the church and community service. His business has provided a foundation for many new barbers in our community to obtain job skills and become productive participants in our local workforce.  He is very deserving of this recognition,” commented Senator Portantino.           

Luke Walker's Barber & Beauty Care shop was established in 1975 by Luke Walker. His business has trained many barbers who have started a business of their own. Mr. Walker’s career began in Arkansas where he began cutting hair in college. Here he met his wife of 56 years.

“My family and I are extremely proud of our business and are honored to be recognized by Senator Portantino as the Small Business of the Year.  I hope to have made a difference in our community these past three decades but never expected to be recognized for it.  I am grateful to our community for supporting our business and for my friendship with Senator Portantino,” commented Luke Walker.

In addition to his business, Luke has helped raise over $250,000 to fight sickle cell anemia in partnership with other barbers and hairstylists. Mr. Walker is actively involved in his church's small group, is the deacon board, and worked with Aspires West to assist in after school programs. 

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