To some locals, Don Tinsley is simply the owner of Old Orcutt Barbers. He’s a man who smiles quickly and snips even more quickly. Those who know him well, however, also know that he’s a spirited sort with a drive to accomplish his dreams.
His aspirations have led him to become a business owner, raise stallions, and, most recently, create a community access television show that recently garnered a Western Access Video Excellence (WAVE) award.
“I’ve pretty much done everything in my life that I’ve wanted to do,” he said.
Tinsley accomplished that “everything” by being keenly focused even while his head was in the clouds. That formula has worked to keep him inspired and motivated, both traits he’s had since he was a boy.
When has was young, Tinsley’s father worked for Phillips Petroleum. On two occasions, the senior Tinsley was asked to travel abroad for work: once to Libya and once to Brazil. Though the young Tinsley didn’t end up going along, he had a great time imagining himself there.
“I could see myself riding through the desert on an Arabian stallion or swinging from a vine in the rainforest,” he said.
So is he a dreamer?
“Oh, very much so,” he admitted.
Most recently, Tinsley dreamed up Be Informed, his community access show. He started it last year by pulling together students from Santa Ynez High School’s film class to do the production work. Tinsley began working on a few human-interest stories culled from ideas from his barbershop clients. One piece, focusing on two seniors who have been and remain horse riders, developed into the segment he entered into the WAVE competition.
At 93 years old, Toppy Reese of Tepusquet rides his horse at least five days a week. Hattie Feazelle of Santa Ynez, 97, has ridden her horse in the Santa Barbara Fiesta Days parade since 1924—without missing a single one. Stories like Reese’s and Feazelle’s inspire Tinsley the most.
“I literally had goose bumps talking to Hattie Feazelle, hearing about what she’s accomplished in her lifetime,” Tinsley said.
The WAVE judges were obviously impressed, too. And Tinsley himself can be just as impressive. On a recent workday, he quickly clipped and snipped away at a client’s locks and just as quickly chatted him up about family members, the holidays, and the latest goings on. He seems to know all the details about his clients, and that’s what has led to the content development of his show.
So how does someone who’s already so busy find the time—and energy—to produce a community access show? Tinsley is quick to explain his secret.
“Perseverance, a willingness to do something that was a lifelong dream, which is contributing to my community, and making a difference,” he said. “And the love of people. And, of course, the support I receive.”
But Tinsley said he owes his show’s success to the community, and a debt of gratitude to his wife Kaye for her support, the students at Santa Ynez Valley High School who help produce the show, and the technicians at TAP in Lompoc and SMCTV in Santa Maria, the community access stations that air the show.
“It’s totally been an incredible experience for me,” he said. “I virtually started with nothing, and now I’m a national WAVE award winner.” m
Arts Editor Shelly Cone gets her waves at the beach. Contact her at scone@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Dec 11-18, 2008.