21-year-old student opens large-scale barbershop in Fort Myers

In Fort Myers, United States, a 21-year-old college student took an unusual step by opening a large-scale barbershop without ever having professionally held scissors. Jose Cintron, a student at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), opened Hause of Fades in the University Village district, near campus. The establishment occupies approximately 2,000 square feet and features 17 chairs, where ten barbers are already working.

The operation is led by two managers who have years of experience behind the chair but face the challenge of managing a shop for the first time. Nataly Galarza, 26, and Angel Giovanni Andalon Ojeda, 27, were chosen to run the day-to-day business. The duo highlights that the environment was designed with a modern concept, described by Galarza as a "contemporary masculine cave," including a pool table, flat-screen televisions, and LED lighting.

Cintron began building the space two years ago when he was 19. The process faced delays due to legal issues with a neighboring women's salon that held exclusive rights to the location, in addition to the need to divide the space with a new wall. Despite the obstacles, the young entrepreneur maintains his routine by balancing night classes, morning workouts, and part-time work at a landscaping company.

The relationship between the owner and the management team is long-standing. Galarza met Cintron when he was a frequent client at the first salon where she worked; after one of his appointments was canceled, she offered him her free chair. Andalon Ojeda, for his part, met Galarza in barber school and had already seen Cintron as a regular client at another establishment.

For the managers, the owner's lack of technical experience was not an impediment. Andalon Ojeda stated that Cintron's community vision was enough to justify the investment. Galarza explained that they provided consulting on client preferences and chair comfort, but most strategic decisions came from the student.

The barbershop operates Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., with Sunday service available only by appointment. The location is at 19810 Village Center Dr. For professionals in the field, this case illustrates how management and business vision can be just as important as technical skill when opening a new venture.