Mack Smith was born and reared in Plain Dealing, Louisiana. He was born the son of a barber and carpenter, Mack Smith, Sr. At an early age, he decided that he wanted to make barbering and hair styling a career. With the help of his mother and father, he went on to accomplished his dream.
He went to Las Vegas to work as a stylist with his uncle, Booker Burney, who, along with Mack, are now co-owners of Hair Unlimited. Hair Unlimited is well-represented with talent and expertise. It has made productive members of society for many of Mack’s cousins and nephews. Some have even gone on and opened up their own shops. Of course, he is a member of the American Barber Board. He has also been a participant in many hair shows and won numerous awards.
Mack is known as a “connoisseur” of hair, because he does it with style, grace, and a love for the art. He has made many a celebrity look “mo better”. His list of notables include: Don King, Tommy Hearns, Mr. T., The O’Jays, The Treniers, Bill Cosby, Muhammad Ali, “Iron” Mike Tyson, and many other professionals. But his love for the general populous is overwhelming.
Mack is quite active in the church. He prefers not to be specifically associated with any one group that helps the underprivileged, but he is a philanthropist in his own way. He helps to feed and clothe the needy. All in all, thirty years is a long time to be willing and able to say, “I Love My Work.” As Mack would say, “God will bless the child that has his own.”
When Dr. Martin Luther King said be the best that you can be, Mack Smith and Booker Bourney must have been listening. Best wishes and continued success and thanks for giving Las Vegas another institution.
Thanks to Gwendolyn Jackson, a teacher in the Clark County School System, and a niece of Mack
& Booker for contributing to this story.
When in Las Vegas, do visit and support the black owned businesses there – it’s a good bet!