From South Jersey, Jay “Hollywood” Goldberg lives with a rare bone disorder and has faced addiction and personal loss—yet he’s built a barbershop rooted in resilience, identity, and community. Lou Bravo turned legal battles and substance abuse into fuel for reinvention, rebuilding his life and business through leadership, faith, and family. In Philadelphia, Dominic Muniz—the “Hair Wizard”—channels his late mother’s legacy, using his platform to teach, advocate, and inspire. Michael “Shock” Shockley left behind the corporate grind to pursue his passion full-time, creating a mobile barber brand that empowers through personal connection. Raised in a crowded immigrant household, Derek Huynh defied expectations, choosing purpose and independence over tradition and pressure. Jurgens “Jay” Solorzano faced job loss, divorce, and the pandemic—but turned hardship into opportunity, launching Faded Crown Barbershop out of his garage. After a near-fatal accident and financial collapse, Isaias Perales rebuilt from the ground up, launching two businesses with his wife, grounded in faith and hustle. Devin “Redd” DeGroat survived a devastating motorcycle crash and came back stronger, building a shop devoted to mentorship, consistency, and community. And Kristen Dutch-Cline, raised on Air Force bases, shaped by tough teen years, and nearly lost to the streets before finding her way behind the chair.
Together, these stories show that barbering isn’t just a trade—it’s a tool for healing, legacy, and transformation. I AM FADES is about more than fades and clippers—it’s about the power of purpose in every stroke.
