what a wierd week...

So maybe not so weird kind of normal actually. Spent a day at Covenant Barbershop with my boy Luis and actually ended getting a few haircuts in. My brother came in then I cut Audie (owner of Audie's Olympic Tavern in Fresno) and a couple of other walk in regulars. It really made my day....A bit out of practice but still felt like I belong there!!

What else happened....Oh yeah the United States got screwed out of the 2022 World Cup by FIFA and gave it to Qatar....Kind of lame but as a football fan in the U.S. we have to push on and continue to show support for the game in our country. I know this has nothing to do with barbering but man I really love the game!!

Ok back to the whole barbering topic.....So as I am hanging out in the shop I am watching Luis as he does his fades and the one thing he continues to tell me to do is to work in steps. The more I think about this the more it really applies to all haircutting. Not just clipper cutting ball hair cutting in general. When you are a young barber or even a stylist it is easy to get a head of yourself but if you take this stuff one step at a time your speed and skills will pick up and you will become that professional that you desire to be!

One last thing check out JoshXOs Weapon of choice airs live every Tues Thurs and Sun @ 7pm pst on www.joshxo.tv Pretty informative stuff!!

Cheers

The holidays are upon us....

and the truth is I am ready for it to be over. The job that pays my bills is driving me nuts. I mean Christmas stuff up two weeks before thanksgiving how lame!!

So it is really easy to get cranky during the holidays but just remember the person in your chair may be just as cranky as you are....make there day a little brighter. Bend over backwards to give all your clients the best service you can. Make there holidays a little better even if that person is just a walk-in.

A thank you, good conversation and a handshake can go a long way!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!
Frankie The Barber

here is what is going on....sigh

In a fit of desperation to not only see my wife build her clientele and just see me get to cutting the way I want to I came up with a brilliant idea. The Fresno Bully Rescue is holding an event called "Blues and Bullies" so I contacted them last night and said my wife and I are interested in making a donation for there raffle at this event. They were so stoked!! The wife is donating a certificate for a cut and color and I am donating two certificates for haricuts and they men will also receive a gift pack from a product company.

You know the old saying you need to spend money to make money....sometimes you need to give stuff away to get people in the chair!!

I called my buddy Luis today and asked....If I can get some clients built up could I use his extra chair and he said "Yeah". So it's a step in the right direction. Try to learn as much from Luis as I can....learn as much on my own as I can and just push forward.

Fingers Crossed!!

Richie The Barber / Bound By Ink Magzine

So as I said in my last post I have been in and out of the hospital with my family this week. I did cut out for a little bit and hit the bookstore and have lunch with my wife and finally get my hands on the new Bound By Ink Magazine and was really stoke with the fact there was a whole editorial and article with Richie The Barber.

So if you are unfamiliar with Richie The Barber he cuts out of 264 Customs Tattoo shop and he is also a 2nd generation barber, following in the footsteps of his grandfather....“My grandfather was a barber and he taught me at a young age, so I’ve always cut hair for as long as I can remember. He’d tell me to always have imagination,” Richie says in reverence.

Been crazy this last week...

So I had 4 days off in a row from the job I hate and was hoping to fill a chair in my buddy Luis's shop Covenant Barbershop (www.myspace.com/covenantbarbershop) but on Tuesday evening my Dad was rushed to St. Agnes Medical Center with chest pains. Turns out he did have a heart attack and had to undergo emergency open heart surgery. So to say the least I have been a bit preoccupied!!

So one of the things I have been thinking about is making sure your tools are taken well care of and sometimes it is easy to forget to keep them cleaned out and oiled and make sure your shears are sharpened as well. If your tools are not up to par you are not going to be able to give a quality hair cut!

Good tools means good haircuts...trust me!

Hawleywoods

So as a fan of Hawleywoods Barbershop and Grooming products I thought I would share these videos with you...enjoy

Enjoy

Close Cut

Close Cut (Barbershop Documentary) from Felix Nelson on Vimeo.

"The Town" hits screens Friday....

And most people who know me know I love anything having to do with Boston, Irish Mob, etc. (The Departed best movie in years). But as a barber I am really stoked about the look that Ben Affleck has taken. The truth is I would never of expected to see Ben Affleck to take suck a short tapered cut....actually looks good. Can not wait to go see this movie.....Oh Slaine is in it!

So it is product review time - Hairgum USA has teamed up with Mister Ducktail to come out with a grease and a shampoo. The grease has what my kid said smelled like vanilla cherry coke and truth is she was not far off. It has a Cherry cola scent to it which I really like and the shampoo has the same scent.

The shampoo or as they like to call it a "Degreaser" is kind of cool cause it has these little micro-beads in it that kind of acts like and exfoliant to help get the grease out and truth is it kind of feels cool when you wash your hair. The question really is "Does it work?" and the answer is it does actually help.

I only have one complaint and I am starting to get over that and that is the size of the grease tin. The tin is only 1.3 fluid oz. which is pretty small but the longer I keep it around the more I like the idea of keeping it in my back pocket along with my comb.

It is definitely worth checking out...if your local barber does not have it let me know and I will have some available in a short while for resale ( hopefully sooner then later).

Been crazy....

So I have been a bad blogger. On the side I book shows for the kids in the town I live in and so that has been keeping my attention for the last few weeks and hopefully since the show is next week things will start to slow down.

Lately I have been on a mission of sorts trying to understand what it takes to open a business. What business you ask well a barbershop, silly!! As I e-mail people and talk to em I find the biggest expense is your property. If you open a business in a location with high rent that means you have to charge accordingly to make sure you are able to cover your costs. There are so many variables: location, services, target demographic....etc, etc.

For me I do not want some cut rate chop shop that you charge 7 dollars or less. I want something that barbers would be proud to work at and men would be happy to come to for a haircut and a shave.

Takes a lot of time to really figure out what you want and how to do it right...not something to rush into lightly that is for sure!!

Just a thought!! Have a great weekend

Barber Versus Stylist

So today Ivan Zoot posted a link to an article by a gentleman named Carlos Rogers from Philadelphia. (Barber v. Stylist article....please read) .

So as I sat and read the article I actually became kind of annoyed because many traditional barbers that are out there- there are just as many barbers that are changing things. Bringing traditional barbering in with new skills and new styles.

Even us simple minded slack jaw barbers know we need to know what is going on so we can make a living. (please note the sarcasm!!)

I am a barber...proud of my trade and we as barbers proudly embody. This gentleman say he started in the barbershop then why the cheap shot?

Thank you and good night!!

Soccer and Barbers...not a bad combo

Tonight is more video content then anything. Just some cool stuff to watch that I have found...especially since I am a soccer fan....so enjoy!!

Lets start with a shop called TURNSTYLES located in Oxted, Surrey. (www.turnstyles.co.uk/) This soccer themes barbershop is kinda dope really especially if you are a fan of football. It is kind of like Sports Clips here in the US except for it revolves around the sport of soccer and it seems like they people that work that actually cut hair. (just call it like I see it). Just watch it for yourself and enjoy.



World Cup has come to an end but if you missed the next couple of videos courtesy of Adidas All I am going to say is as a barber I really like these videos!!

How to start a barbershop...

This article is one reason why I love the internet. When you pay attention to other people who are leaders in your trade and see whats going on then you get to find things like this. I followed a link on twitter courtesy of Ivan Zoot (head educator for the Andis Company you can follow him @clipperguy).

Enjoy

• Overview

  If you are in the hair styling industry, one of the most frustrating aspects to being an independent contractor or employee is that your level of clientele may hinge on the professionalism of your barber shop owner. If you believe you can do a better job managing a barber shop and reel in more clients, perhaps it's time you put your theory to the test. Managing a shop requires dedication, time and energy, in addition to excellent people skills and a good business sense. Observe your employers before you jump in, detailing how you will improve your barber shop.
• • Determine what services you will offer based on services provided at previous employers or local competition. If you are already in the industry, one of your greatest sources of feedback is your current clientele. Ask them what changes or services they would like to see implemented. Determine if you will open a co-ed shop or offer additional services such as pedicures, manicures, waxing and shoe shining.

  • Step 2

    Contact your state's cosmetology board or licensing department to learn the requirements and fees for obtaining a barber shop permit. For example, in the state of Texas, a barber shop must have at least one sink, wash basin, or hand sanitizer for every three chairs or stations. Obtain your business license and sales tax permit.

  • Step 3

    Develop a business plan that details operating costs, start-up costs, advertising costs, staff requirements, anticipated clientele and how you intend to compete. Create a competitive pricing list to determine what type of profits you can expect and how much you can afford to spend on your rent. Generally, your rent should not exceed 10 percent of your projected gross revenues.

  • Step 4

    Scout out potential locations for your business. Moving into a location that has already been zoned for barbering will significantly reduce your workload and eliminate the need for building permits or zoning approval. Busy barber shops may have a waiting period between clients. Look for a location in a shopping center or near other businesses that your clientele frequent. Contact a commercial broker to show you vacancies. Be sure to thoroughly research your broker and ensure that he understands your business needs.

  • Step 5

    Hire an attorney to review the details of the lease agreement, such as the landlord's responsibility with repairs, expansion potential, early lease termination clauses and what happens if an adjacent business moves out. Hire an accountant to learn the tax requirements for hiring an independent contractor or an employee.

  • Step 6

    Get your shop inspection ready. Purchase salon insurance. Equip your facility with adequate equipment, supplies and cleaning products. Address all public safety, licensing and sanitation regulations. Then contact your health department to set up an inspection.

  • Step 7

    Hire well-groomed, licensed barbers. If hiring contractors, ensure that they have liability insurance coverage. Develop a dress code policy for your employees. Encourage employees to avoid gossip.

  • Step 8

    Offer discounts to your existing clientele for customer referrals. Host a grand opening. Submit press releases. Get your barbershop listed in local directories. Start a website for your shop.

I love razors.....

So last week I am hanging out at my buddy Luis's shop Covenant Barbershop here in Fresno and a rep from a company called MD Barber Supply out of Bakersfield shows up pimpin' his wares.

While he is chatting with Xavier it dawns on me that this company has a really solid razor I have been wanting to get my hands on. It is at this moment he whips out there newest toy.

MD BLACK DRAGON Razor

Black handle....Stainless steel, powder coated and well just damn cool in my opinion!! Crap man my favorite color is flat black! When you put your razor blade in you see the edge of the blade against the black.

Good balance and not a heavy weight razor at all.
for more info www.mdbarber.com

The Art of Shaving has teamed up with Gillette and has given us the new Gillette Fusion but please understand you can not buy this at wal-mart or any other discoutn retailer. It is chrome and really kind of cool.
"... perfectly balanced and weighted to feel like a natural extension of your hand, maximizing stability and control. Gentle micro-pulses help you reduce friction and increase razor glide*. The built-in spotlight, the first of its kind, reveals details normally in shadow - such as under the chin and jaw line - to help you avoid missed spots and make every stroke count. The sleek, contemporary handle is an ideal combination of ergonomics and innovative design, handcrafted in polished chrome and wrapped in a matte black, thermo-resin grip."

There are just fancy words for a good razor...I have had the opportunity to use this razor truth is it is a good razor. The gift sets make a great gift for your pops or someone cool.
more info www.artofshaving.com

Courtesy of Ivan Zoot....enjoy

Classic Barbering

Traditional, Familiar, Consistent...

What it is: The traditional barber shop hair cut. Performed on dry hair. Lightly misted with water for control during cutting.

Who it is for: Men and boys in search of classic looks with contemporary style.

Specialized tools: Classic barber tools are the only real way to go here. Electric clippers and trimmers and long bladed scissors and blending shears are the tools of barbering.

Ivan's unique approach: I have a cosmetology license and a barber license. This unique, combined educational background allows me to draw form the best of classic barbering, combined with the latest in contemporary cosmetology. The art and science of hair cutting is melded to create unique, classic but contemporary men's hair cutting looks. An Andis Master clipper and T-Outliner trimmer are my tools of choice for unparalleled barbering excellence. The 44/20 blending scissors is another legendary tool I choose to employ for creating finished looks that look great from day one until the return visit to the shop.

Clipper cutting videos

ANother video hits the web.....Enjoy

Get Faded from Acquired Taste on Vimeo.

It was a good day.....

Got up this morning and watched US advance to the next round....Australia win and lose....Found a bar to watch games at....Greg is coming into town tomorrow and so I get to kick it with him.

All in all it was a good day!!

Trying to learn all over again....

The last couple of weeks on of the shop owners has been on vacation. As Aaron has been enjoying the sandy beaches of Cancun, Mexico I have been filling in for him in the shop. Normally I am only there two days a week (Tuesday and Saturdays).

This week Stance (Majority owner of the shop) and been giving me advice as I work and it has been really great except for the fact that I am working really hard to break all these stupid habits that I developed over the last few years that has actually been detrimental to me actually getting a head as a barber....And the funny thing it is the small things that kind of muck me up as I work.

All I know is that speed comes in time but right now it is about developing my skills and the more I cut the better I get and the more comfortable with my tools I become....

I do not want to back to my two days a week, but I must!

5 bucks of all haircuts......

If you have in your possession either a Emerald City Supporters (ECS) membership Card or a Pacific Coast Blues membership card you are eligible for a 5 dollar discount on all haircuts with me at M & M Barbershop in Fresno,California.
All haircuts are 15 dollars and this offer will make your cut....well 10 bucks!! Between May 18th and May 29th I am in the shop Tuesday - Saturday. After that I return to my normal days of work which is Tuesday and Saturdays. Walk ins will be welcomed but I will take appointments.

Please note that this special is not available with any other barber at M & M Barbershop.

For more info call: 559.480-CHOP (2467)
M & M Barber Shop
7509 North Willow
Fresno,California
93720






WWW.WEAREECS.COM
WWW.SOUNDERSFC.COM
WWW.CHELSEAFC.COM

not a bad Saturday...

So the morning started out a bit slow at the shop but after around 10 or so get steady. 9 haircuts in today and that makes me happy because each day I work in the shop I see myself getting better. Do not get me wrong...I got a long way to go but feel I am in the right direction.

Football rules!!! Chelsea not only won the premiership but today the beat Portsmouth 1-0 giving them the FA Cup. By winning the FA Cup at Wembley this afternoon, Chelsea have secured the first ever Double in the club's history. Tonight the Seattle Sounders won against the NY Red Bulls 1-0 with a goal by Freddie Montero in the 85'.

Starting next week for the next two weeks I will be in the barbershop Tuesday - Saturday til the end of the month!! Sweet huh

Been interesting...

First I need to thank my boss at starbucks for giving me the time off I needed so that I can spend the next two weeks in the barber shop. One of the owners is going on vacation and asked if I would cover while he is gone and so I jumped on the opportunity.

So recently I stumbled on a fairly new grooming product called Suavecito Pomade based out of Santa Ana (at least that is what the box said). If you are a user of Layrite or Holdfast then this is for you. Cost is 10 bucks a can which is what drew me to the product. When I ask Pedro (owner) why he sells it cheaper then his competitors his answer to me was "I'm in business to
give an honest product at an honest price in these hard economic
times. I'm not greedy, trust me if I could sell it for cheaper I
would." So check em out at

www.suavecitopomade.com

Weekends over...

Now back to the normal hustle of Starbucks and the shop. The tattoo expo was fun unfortunately did not make the money I was hoping to but that's alright cause I did meet a few interesting people. Hope to have some pictures soon from the weekend. Best thing was both my dad and older brother shelled out the 20 bucks to come down on Sunday and hang out at the expo.

All weekend I spent with my buddy Luis and Steve (works at Covenant with him) and all I could think about really was Tuesday getting here so I could get back into the shop and cut hair. Thats the only thing I want to do. I want to get to that point where it all just kind of clicks and what I am doing makes sense!

I will leave it at that for the night!!

Saturday is upon me...

I am really looking forward to the Fresno Tattoo Expo...will not be in the shop this week but instead I will be selling merch at the expo, spending time with friends and maybe making a few bucks. Really looking forward to this weekend.

So for now enjoy this video that features Syndicate Barbershop in Long Beach,Ca

Sydicate Barber shop 4-29-2010 from Losey on Vimeo.

Can not wait for Saturday to get here!!!

So I am really excited because Saturday morning I have two clients already booked for the day. "What is the big deal" you may ask...the big deal is they are two shaves. One is a head shave and the other is a face shave.

This cat Courtney is getting married Saturday afternoon so him and his brother are making the trip into Fresno from Dinuba for shaves.

Then next week is just as awesome...you will not find me in the shop next Saturday but instead you will find me at the Fresno Tattoo Expo hustling products from Lucky 13 Barber Supply and also High Life Pomade

Now I just have to tough it out at Starbucks to get to the days I look forward to!!

Not a bad day...

So today I got six haircuts in which was not bad considering I have only been back behind the chair for a little while.

As the day was coming to an end sat talking to the owner of the shop just about my skills and it was funny cause he said a haircut is simple "Top, Side and Blend" that simple as long as you have the right tools know what your tools do.

This is not the first time I have heard this. Just like a cook in the kitchen or a mechanic in the garage they know what there tools do and how to use them. As a barber if you do not know how to handle you clippers or your razor or even your shears your kind of screwed. Take time to learn your tools....get comfortable with them

It all takes time...

So last Saturday I started at M&M Barbershop out in north Fresno...Three chair shop father and son and then there is me! Two days a week may not sound like a lot but for me right now it is a good start. It lets me get my hands back in practice and almost learning over again....and that's good for me.

In a couple of weeks I am joining my buddy Luis at the Fresno Tattoo Expo where I will hope to have product from Both High Life Pomade and Lucky-13 Barber Supply. This weekend will be held May 1st and 2nd.

Mail Call....

So mail came and there it was staring me in the face my package from Layrite. I have been using the pomade for a long time now...hell I was the only barber in Spokane,Washington using this stuff. This package a bit different because not only did it have a fresh can of wax, hairspray and aftershave but it also had there liquid shave cream....and so far this stuff rules!!

Grab my coffee mug a few squirts of the cream into the mug....grab my shave brush and I am set. Lathers up nice and shaves off clean. Finish it off with a splash of the Hawleywood's #9 After shave and you are set for the day!!

I should start taking advantage of this mobile blogging thing

Saturday at Reuben's

So I went and spent a few hours at Reubens yesterday...did a few simple cut...Got in over my head with a homeboys "taper" and just watched Reuben work for a bit.

We talked about an apprenticeship and he said that I could not work for free....his words were "Thats just not right" but what he did say was that he wanted to see me around the shop more often....watch, ask questions understand the tools...etc

Reuben is a good dude and I think he will work with me the best he can....really does not have room for another barber but at least he wants to help me and I do not have to quit my job or cut my hours back!!

Oh yeah and I did get to use my new Andis Nano magnetic gaurds this weekend....they are freakin' sweet!!

Frank's Chop Shop

So if you are familiar with Franks Book then you probably already know about Frank's Chop SHop in NYC. This week I stumbled across a youtube page for Franks CHop SHop and it's kind of cool...not super long videos but cool just the same!!....Below is one of those videos - Enjoy

"Good Hair" by Chris Rock

So last night the wife and I rented a documentary called "Good Hair" by Chris Rock and it is about...well black hair. There is no other way to explain it. It was quite funny and a bit inciteful!

If you find it rent it.....seriously...pretty good movie

Boys of sping can kiss my ass.....it's almost Football season!!

So the Sounders are in training right now as I type this...planning all my trips for every match they play in CA (v. the Galaxy on the 4th of July in LA).

Please enjoy the folowing video
Cheers

Good shave never goes out of style

Waldorf Barber...

Sitting here looking at there website and there training schedule and really wishing I could go to Ireland!!

That would be BADASS!!!

I am on a video kick, baby!!!

VIMBY - My Baby Jo

Duane Peters Gunfight...Hawleywood's

So in case you have not seen this...it was filmed at Hawleywood's.
Enjoy

I got to thinking today....

So like every morning I get up and head to the local corporate coffee chain that I work at but as I always do think about how there has to be somewhere in this area for me to cut hair (since God knows that is where I would rather be).

The following statement is a general statement and my opinion from experience:

Traditional barbering is very important and I think that sometimes the hair industry has the tendency to snub there nose at barbers . I personally have seen (and experienced) that barbers do not want to help train younger inexperienced barbers. I also feel that if we do not see older more experienced barbers step up and help train and teach younger guys then our trade will suffer!

Education is important!!! This is something I have learned from my wife who is a hairstylist. The more a person learns the better they are going to be at their craft...this is true in any trade but especially in the hair business. In traditional mens haircutting...a mens haircut is well - a mens haircut. What about those haircuts that would not be classified as "traditional" but more trend oriented are you going to turn them away.

What I am trying to get to is that "traditional" barbering and "modern" mens grooming should be able to go hand in hand....please not I am not talking about that whole wierd "metro-sexual" trend that popped up a few years ago. Seek out education even if it is through product companies like (I know they are just trying to sell there product but you can learn something from 'em)...Find other barbers who have something to teach you. It is the best way to better yourself.

I really hope this made sense...it made sense in my head!
Cheers
Frankie

Ebay RULES!!

So the other day I just spent like an hour browsing Ebay and realized I could get a grip of equipment withouth breaking the bank...Chairs, warmers and a few other things as well.

I should just stock pile and open a shop somewhere!

I hate it when plans go bust...

Since December I have been planning this trip to Long Beach and today plans went bust!! No education, no enjoying my weekend just stuck at home....again!!

Right now at this moment I am on the search for some education....something I am in dire need of so I can work in my field...you know cutting hair!!

If you are out there and have and education recommendations please let me know!!

the importance of a mentor...

So earlier this week Ivan Zoot (andis co.) posted a blog about some of his mentors and it kind of got me thinking about the importance of mentors. For me there are men in this trade that I have so much respect for...men that have kind of changed the face of barbering a perfect example is Don Hawley who owns Hawleywoods Barbershop in Costa Mesa and Long Beach and also owns Layrite Pomade...guys like Ivan Zoot and a few others.

I began to realize though that the one thing since the beginning of my journey as a barber I have been missing is a mentor...someone to teach me the trade show me the tricks no one else knows...etc. The hair game is an industry that mentors are still important....whether you are a Hair stylist or a barber!

If you are in a position to mentor the younger cats in the your shop of salon....do it and if you are the rookie in the shop or salon do what you must to learn as much from the experienced ones in your shop or salon.

Cheers!
Frankiie

Found this today.....

Ah Friday and I did not work today!!

So I need to get my hands working again....Man I miss cutting hair!! So what did I do grabbed one of Beth's surplus of many mannequins and started cutting and this is what I got. Kind of like it but one of the problems with working on mannequins is that you can not really do short clipper cutting on them. So what does that mean for me....no way to work on fades, taper fades and all the crap that I need work on so I can work in the central valley!

blah!!

Ivan Zoot from Andis will be doing education and people from Barbers Only Magazine are also going to be at ISSE this year....so I am excited!!

I am getting antsy becasue my CA barbers License expires this spring and since coming back to California I have hardly been able to cut hair and the truth is it really sucks. Two years licensed here and I am hustling coffee at starbucks. Please do not get me wrong I am grateful for my job but would rather be cutting hair!!!

I am not sure where to go from here...thats for sure!

Scissors & Sinners presents...

the internet....

The more I drunkenly stumble around the web the more resources I find. Even as a barber I need to better myself and the more I know about mens grooming ang cutting the more useful I can become.

Do not get me wrong I love the old school barbershop I think it is just as important to move a head as it is to keep traditions of the past!!