Mayor Eric Adams’ Unique Approach to Promoting Small Business Support

In an unconventional move, New York City Mayor Eric Adams recently made headlines for undergoing a laser hair removal procedure at a wellness spa in Harlem. The procedure, which took place at Harlem Zen on Frederick Douglass Blvd., was not just a personal grooming choice but a calculated effort to spotlight his administration’s commitment to supporting small businesses. While the mayor reclined in a chair, spa owner Angela McTair used a state-of-the-art laser machine to target his already seemingly hairless head. Adams, known for his 親和力 approach to governance, declared, “I’m going to surrender and submit,” as he prepared for the procedure, which is famously known to be painful.

The occasion served as a platform for Adams to highlight the Small Business Opportunity Fund, a public-private partnership launched by his administration in January 2023. The fund has distributed over $85 million in low-interest loans to 1,046 small businesses across the city. Initially seeded with $75 million from the city and private partners like Goldman Sachs and the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, the initiative aims to empower entrepreneurs by providing financial support to help them grow and thrive. For McTair, the fund proved transformative, as she received a $60,000 loan that enabled her to relocate her spa and upgrade her services, including the acquisition of the advanced laser machine used on the mayor.

A Painful Procedure for a Purpose

During the 10-minute laser hair removal session, Adams appeared surprisingly calm, even as the green laser pulsed over his skin. He used the opportunity to speak with a reporter about the impact of the Small Business Opportunity Fund, emphasizing the tangible results it has delivered. “I’m able to come into the community and say, ‘OK, we did this policy, we put these millions of dollars in, and now we can see the results,’” Adams remarked, his composure a stark contrast to the discomfort often associated with the procedure.

The choice of venue was no coincidence; Harlem Zen embodies the very spirit of entrepreneurship that the fund seeks to nurture. McTair, who was visibly excited to host the mayor, highlighted the significance of the fund’s support, stating, “With help like what you gave us, we were able to upgrade to this machine that you’ll be experiencing today.” The procedure, while unconventional, symbolized the administration’s hands-on approach to connecting with small business owners and showcasing the real-world benefits of its policies.

Mixed Reactions from the Public

Adams’ laser hair removal stunt sparked a mix of amusement and criticism on social media. While some praised his willingness to go to great lengths to promote small businesses, others mocked the spectacle, questioning his priorities. On Reddit, users who had undergone similar procedures described the experience as akin to having one’s skin “lit on fire,” adding a layer of skepticism to Adams’ calm demeanor during the process. Facebook users were even more blunt, with one commenter quipping, “This guy will do anything except his job as mayor,” while another remarked, “Oh dear, the photo ops.”

The criticism raises broader questions about the line between innovative governance and political theatrics. While Adams’ unorthodox methods have undeniably drawn attention to important initiatives, they also risk overshadowing the substance of his policies. It remains unclear whether the mayor paid for the procedure himself or if it was covered by taxpayers, further fueling speculation about the optics of the event. A spokesperson for City Hall did not respond to requests for clarification, leaving the public with more questions than answers.

A Growing Trend of Unconventional Governance

This was not Adams’ first foray into using personal grooming as a platform for policy promotion. Just a month earlier, he had his eyebrows threaded in Queens to highlight a public safety initiative on Roosevelt Avenue. Such stunts have become a hallmark of his tenure, blending personal visibility with policy advocacy. While some view these efforts as refreshingly authentic and engaging, others see them as distractions from the pressing challenges facing the city.

The debate over Adams’ approach underscores the complexities of modern governance in an era dominated by social media and public spectacle. As leaders navigate the fine line between connecting with constituents and maintaining gravitas, experiments like the laser hair removal procedure challenge traditional notions of what it means to be a mayor. Whether this strategy will ultimately benefit Adams’ legacy or detract from it remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Eric Adams is willing to take bold—and sometimes painful—steps to make his mark.

The Broader Implications of Adams’ Strategy

The laser hair removal incident reflects a larger trend in contemporary politics, where leaders are increasingly willing to step out of their comfort zones to capture public attention. Adams’ willingness to endure a painful procedure for the sake of a photo op speaks to the evolving expectations placed on elected officials in the age of viral media. While some may dismiss the stunt as trivial, it underscores the mayor’s efforts to humanize himself and make city government more relatable to everyday New Yorkers.

At the same time, the success of such strategies hinges on their ability to deliver tangible results. The Small Business Opportunity Fund, with its $85 million in loans distributed to over 1,000 businesses, represents a concrete achievement that resonates deeply with entrepreneurs like Angela McTair. By tying his personal actions to these policy outcomes, Adams aims to demonstrate that his administration is not only creating opportunities but also actively engaged in the communities it serves.

Conclusion: Balancing Spectacle and Substance

In the end, Mayor Eric Adams’ laser hair removal procedure at Harlem Zen serves as a microcosm of his governance style—one that blends spectacle with substance, personal visibility with policy advocacy. While the stunt drew criticism from some quarters, it also highlighted the real-world impact of initiatives like the Small Business Opportunity Fund. As Adams continues to navigate the complexities of leading one of the world’s most dynamic cities, his willingness to take risks and embrace unconventional methods will undoubtedly keep him in the spotlight—regardless of whether it’s for his policies or his personal grooming choices.

Ultimately, the success of Adams’ approach will depend on his ability to sustain the momentum of his initiatives while maintaining the trust of his constituents. If he can continue to deliver results like those achieved through the Small Business Opportunity Fund, even the most skeptical critics may find themselves won over by his unorthodox methods. For now, the nation will be watching to see whether Eric Adams’ unique blend of spectacle and substance will prove to be a winning formula for his mayoralty.