Changing The World One Haircut At A Time
Today’s #MCM title belongs to South Bay’s well-known hair stylist and owner of ‘Get Faded Blown and Nailed Salon’, Shafic Tayara who is making a difference in the world by providing free haircuts to the homeless when he isn’t bringing out the confidence in his own clients.
Shafic, 30, was inspired to learn about the hair business when his father bought him his first pair of clippers at the age of 18. According to Shafic, “I always liked to get creative with different things and drew a lot in high school. Friends would ask me to give them haircuts and they trusted me because of my steady hand from drawing so much.”
His ability to envision an image stimulated his desire to make “bad hair into good hair.” He knew that he could essentially change a person’s confidence by seeing the bigger picture and using his creativity and artistic approach.
When asked what his technique is, Shafic jokingly said, “If I told you the techniques I use for my haircuts, I would have to kill you.” After some humor, he explained that his technique is to simply keep the client away from the mirror until the cut is complete.
His greatest role model is in fact a memory of his younger self at the age of 17. He recalls trying to create basketball teams without the support of any friends or family. “I was a big loner. I got cut several times and made fun of a lot,” Shafic remembers.
It was then that he realized he may not be able to control the things around him, what people say, think or do, but he was able to control two things. Those two things were his attitude and work ethic and till this day, Shafic believes that is all that has and will matter. Though many years ago, that mental freedom of his younger self still continues to inspire him when the going gets tough.
Shafic opened his own salon called, Get Faded Blown and Nailed earlier this year. His goal was to establish a business where negatives were turned into positives. He explains the meaning behind his salon’s name in that, “The name really means to get your hair faded, hair blown out, and nails done to look good.” In addition, the brand has expanded into a clothing line that was created to promote the message through his logo which is, “Hear, see, and speak no evil.” In result, it was a logo intended to block out negativity.
The brand has expanded far greater than Shafic imagined with hair products called ‘BLWN’ by FBN which is a hair care line including shampoo, conditioner, gel, wax, hair spray, and dry shampoo. Currently, nail polish is being produced and will be provided in the salon soon.
What seems to be most inspiring from Shafic’s career growth was that prior to opening his salon, he cut hair from his very own house- in his garage. Understanding the importance of branding, Shafic invested in a van that many people in the South Bay have seen.
He bought a van, wrapped it black and put his FBN logo on it. He knew that ultimately he would make back his money, so he went fully in. His bold risk was well worth it and his van is now a South Bay icon to many who know and don’t know him yet.
Outside of his busy work life, Shafic is making a difference in the world by providing free haircuts for the homeless. He realized the lack of humanity around the world and he remembers the feeling of not feeling cared or believed in. Those difficult times at a young age influenced his ability to develop a sense of putting himself in other’s shoes. He believes that energy is contagious and he hopes that through his acts, he can inspire others to be nice through acts of kindness.
Shafic believes that others can give back by having an independent mentality. “I believe if others have the mentality that they can change the world then everyone would be out on the streets doing something, not dependent on needing a partner to do so or waiting on others to lead the way,” he explains. For those who are simply too busy to help, Shafic suggests to just be kind to others.
After seeing the faces of the homeless men and women, Shafic feels the most impact. He explains that he always gives the mirror for them to see after he is finished and the appreciation in their faces mean a lot more than money. For Shafic, “Smiles stick to me, money doesn’t.”
Thank you, Shafic for making a difference in the lives of many.
