Kojun Hayes, 49, converses with customers while working at the register at Kindred Market, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Athens, Ohio. As a Storefront Manager, Hayes' job entails training newly hired workers, working the register, stocking shelves, and other jobs. Hayes has been in Athens for the past 30 years, originally growing up in Batesville, Ohio.

Kojun Hayes waters plants outside Kindred Market, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Athens, Ohio.

Kojun Hayes ascends the stairs to his office at Kindred Market, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Athens, Ohio. Hayes has a tattoo of the Hindu god of wisdom, Ganesh, due to his admiration of the deity. He has had to cover it up in the past four trips to India as a result of cultural differences. Hayes considers himself spiritually observant of Zen Buddhism.

Kojun Hayes works in his office at Kindred Market, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Athens, Ohio.

Kojun Hayes drinks coffee while working in his office at Kindred Market, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Athens, Ohio. Kojun drinks black coffee three to four times a day and says it is his lifeline.

Kojun Hayes stocks items on a shelf at Kindred Market, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Athens, Ohio.

Kojun Hayes uses his computer while at home, Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, in Athens, Ohio. Hayes has lived in his home for the past 15 years. Hayes hosted meditation clients at his home for many years until his dogs kept disrupting sessions. Hayes has over 8,000 books in his attic he inherited after his parents passed from Alzheimers in the early 2000s. Hayes hopes to host a yard sale at some point in the future to sell off the many items he has collected over the years and to pay off the debt he has incurred from his past wine business in Athens.

Tibetan prayer flags are seen outside Kojun Hayes' home, Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, in Athens, Ohio. Kojun burns the flags three times a year once they are worn out and puts up new ones from monasteries he visits.

Kojun Hayes embraces his dog, Malfoy, 15, while at his home, Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, in Athens, Ohio.