COLUMBUS, Ohio — Intentional or not, perceptions of people are often created based on the first impressions of appearences. George Kelly, of London, Ohio, is using his “bad boy” appearance to change perceptions and do some good.
His facial mane is hard to miss, being that it’s 18 inches long.
What You Need To Know
- The Bearded Villains is a nationwide organization
- Members must have a beard at least three inches long
- Each chapter supports various charities
- Member George Kelly also competes in competitions that support charities
It’s groomed to perfection every day and these luscious locks are the key that got him into his brotherhood, the Bearded Villains.
Showcasing his glorious facial hair proudly, the organization is using its name and mission to tear down perceptions.
“People with beards are usually thought about as a bad person,” Kelly explained.
But as the saying goes, he urges others to not judge a book by its bearded cover.
“We’re all big softies, we all have a big heart and think that’s a big part of why we’re all in this,” he said about the Bearded Villains. “We have extra and can give, so why not give.”
The Ohio Chapter of the Bearded Villains is a bearded brotherhood of men with big hearts looking to do good.
“We did Buckeyes for Boys Ranch a few years ago for one of our charities,” Kelly said while listing off charities they support. “We did goody bags for homeless not long ago. Juvenile diabetes. The Special Olympics.”
Kelly said those interested must have at least a three-inch beard to join the Bearded Villains, starting the measurement from the bottom of the lip.
His beard is the longest in his chapter. When asked how he’s grown a beard so long, he’ll say it takes a lot of patience. Patience is the name of his fiancé.
“Well, I made a joke that I’d trim it whenever we got married and so far we haven’t gotten married five years later,” he joked.
Luckily for him, his fiancé said she loves it and doesn’t want him to trim it.
Together, they have a very handsome 9-month-old son named Keegan. They hope he too will want to grow out a beard someday.
In the meantime, dad has to put his beard in a bun around Keegan because the curious tot is prone to pulling the whiskers. But those long red whiskers need to be protected because the facial mane is award-winning many times over.
Kelly was a finalist in last year’s National Beard and Mustache Championship.
Now, he’s aiming to compete in its longest beard category, meaning he has to grow his beard to be at least two feet long.
He’s also competed in numerous regional competitions, many of which also support good causes. For instance, he got first place in Beards Against Human Trafficking.
Kelly typically places either first or second, and even has won a few Best in Show.
Beard competitions aren’t judged based just on the length. Judges are also looking at the thickness, the density, and the collar.
Some competitions even have a freestyle category where contestants basically create works of art in their mustaches or beards.
