Big Brother Ryan and Little Brother Eross
Meet Big Brother Ryan and Little Brother Eross who have been matched for 10 years now, first meeting in March 2015 through the Community-Based mentoring program.
Big Beginnings
Hair Studio Evolution, located here in Fort Wayne, was a dream made reality for Little Brother Eross’ parents, who had just immigrated from Mexico. However, it came with much hard work to make ends meet. His parents worked day in and day out in their shop, unable to take Eross and his siblings out to do things often. Much of Eross’ childhood was spent in the shop with his parents as they worked. Hoping to give their children an opportunity to get out of the shop and home, Eross’ parents signed them up for Big Brothers Big Sisters.
10 years later, Eross describes the Big Brother he was matched with, Ryan, as a real brother. However, it wasn’t always like that. Shy and nervous, he felt like he didn’t belong and was hesitant to connect with this new stranger in his life. Ryan remembers also being nervous, feeling like he had no idea what he was doing. But as they discovered everything they had in common and their similarities, a connection sparked.
“Looking back, it was the best decision I think I’ve ever made,” said Ryan.
Time Together and True Brotherhood
Soon, the match would create years of memories, filled with laughter, music, movies, and unwavering support for each other. These two can typically be found in the kitchen, whipping up a delicious meal themselves or trying Eross’ mom’s famous cooking.
According to Ryan, Eross’ family has “unlocked” his love for Mexican cuisine, and over many years of being invited to their gatherings and parties, Ryan is now part of the family. Having a little brother outside the family that he “can’t push around” has also taught Ryan how to be disciplined, humble, and a good teacher.
“My life before Eross was for me, and after, it’s for him,” said Ryan.
Both busier than they once were, they may not be able to meet as often as they once could, but they know they can always pick back up right where they left off.
“Now I see him as a blood brother to me. I see him as a person who I look up to, who definitely inspired me to be a big person, to be more mature for sure, and just enjoy life. He’s taught me a lot of things throughout the way,” explained Eross.
Cosmo and College
As Eross grew through high school, he realized his passion for the work he grew up around: cutting and styling hair. As he worked in his parents’ shop, he developed his skills, but he wasn’t about to stop there. His dream was to merge his love of cosmetology with his goal to go to business school one day.
“And that’s what I love about it. ‘Cause I feel like cosmo is more than just cutting hair. For me, it’s art,” said Eross.
This is one area where his Big Brother has been an exceptional help. Also having attended university for business, Ryan was there to help Eross grow and learn about things he should know going into college and his adult years.
“Whenever we’d talk about real-life things, he’d bring them up, and I’d go ‘You know, why not? What do you have to lose?’ He was always really gun-shy,” started Ryan.
“But to watch him actually apply that over time and just say ‘why not’ and ‘my dreams will work when I put the work in’… I just couldn’t be more proud of him.”
This Little has already made BIG moves on his way towards his goals:
- Graduated from Anthis Career Academy in cosmetology
- Competed in Skills USA for barbers, placing 1st in state and 4th in nationals
- Began college at Ivy Tech for Business Administration
- Attended New York Fashion Week, London Fashion Week, and Indonesia Fashion Week as a model hairstylist under Designer Mila Hoffman
Fashion Shows and Future Plans
Like we said, he’s doing BIG things. Through connections his parents made in New York, Eross soon received the chance to style hair for Designer Mila Hoffman’s models at New York Fashion Week. Working from 5 am until 8:30 at night, Eross felt “beyond blessed” for his opportunity. Next up, he was off to London Fashion Week, and he just got back from Indonesia Fashion Week.
This Little is reaching for the stars, hoping to continue travelling for fashion shows and to run his parents’ business one day. This isn’t a far-fetched dream for Eross. He’ll use his special recipe for success: hard work, positivity, and the attitude that you will succeed. Now, Eross’ siblings have all gone into the barber and cosmetology business too, and he sees a future where they could take the business global.
“Nothing’s gonna stop him. You’re going to know his name one day. I believe that,” proclaimed Ryan.
“Especially after all the things that my parents have been through, all the things my dad showed me, my mom as well, being a first gen… having all these opportunities feels so amazing and so grateful,” said Eross.
Whatever he does—and wherever he goes—Eross knows he has a Big Brother only a quick phone call away.
“There are a lot of ways that he supports me, whether that be through school, whether that be through my mental health, whether that be relationship-wise/ family-wise,” said Eross, who knows he can talk to his Big about anything.
Gourmet Dinner Mission Moment
Recently, Ryan and Eross spoke at the 2025 Gourmet Dinner fundraiser headlined by Jerome Bettis. They shared their story and a testimonial on the true impact of their friendship, hoping to inspire others to get involved.
“What I would say to those to get involved with BBBS is to just go for it, you know? Because you never know. That person could be somebody that you would have a strong relationship with, and it could be a person that you see more than just in the program,” said Eross.
“He’s my ‘hermanito,’ my little brother. If you’re on the fence about being a Big, I was there too… Got the call that I was matched, wondered what I was doing, and that was 11 years ago,” started Ryan.
“Just show up. Be there. Be a sounding board. They need you. If you don’t do it, who will? So, why not? Like I tell him, why not?”
Watch more of Eross and Ryan’s story here: https://youtu.be/WGsQS2aGFII?si=fDOn93rSKtKJREAB
