Shane Superville
Senior Reporter
shane.superville@guardian.co.tt
People interested in learning the essentials of barbering and hairstyling can now look toward another avenue to learn the trade with the opening of the Master of Fades Barber Academy in Valsayn.
The branch is the second location of the Master of Fades brand which has its first outlet at The Falls, West Mall.
Speaking with Guardian Media at the official opening of the second outlet at Valpark Plaza, on Sunday, owner and founder Faisal Mohammed said the newest location was a significant milestone in the brand’s history as it offered the next generation of stylists an opportunity to learn from his staff, who he considers to be among the best in the industry.
But apart from expanding their customer base further eastwards, Mohammed said the latest branch was a testament to the continued support from family, friends, clients and employees. It was also a symbol of years of hard work and dedication to his craft.
Mohammed opened his first barbershop in El Socorro in 1993 and has experienced several robberies and the loss of employees over the years, but was proud of the work accomplished even in the face of these challenges.
He said this latest initiative was his way of helping grow the pool of accredited, skilled barbers locally.
“The objective is for those who don’t have the opportunity to go to the US, they can come right here to the salon in Trinidad at the Master of Fades Academy in Valpark.
“They can do one-day workshops, even someone who’s just looking for a new career path, they can join a one-day seminar that delivers a lot of insight on barbering and from there you can decide if you want to make this a career and we can help you grow in that field.”
He said he was eager to impart years of knowledge to youngsters and those ready to try a new career path.
Mohammed opened the West Mall branch of his salon during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. He said while he was met with some apprehension from friends, he believed the brand could thrive even in the midst of the economic difficulties at that time.
He said his key to success has been in creating an environment where all people were welcome and appreciated.
“Our branch is very family-oriented, they feel that appreciation when they visit us and I just wanted it to expand that to Valpark.”
Mohammed also teased his interest in opening other branches across the Caribbean, with Guyana being a possibility. However, he said he intended to focus on growing the brand locally and training future barbers before venturing outside Trinidad and Tobago.