By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post
Leo Vasquez Jr. and a group of three others have opened a hip new hair studio called the Fade Factory off of East Eighth Street.
Vasquez, 30, a barber since 2017, decided to go out on his own after working for Park Avenue Salon. Vasquez is the only barber in the shop. The other three are cosmetologists — Kelsi Nuss, Josh Heredia and Manny Peralta.
Vasquez, who is originally from the Dodge City area, is a graduate of Old Town Barber College in Wichita. He specializes in intricate haircuts and bald fades with a razor. He creates team logos, numbers, zig-zag patterns or stars. The shop offers undercuts for women, as well.
Vasquez said he would eventually like to have someone on staff who could do braids.
"We go beyond the razor and implement color, as well," he said. "That also separates us from the rest of salons and shops here."
He said he enjoys both the creative and social aspects of being a barber.
Most Fade Factory cuts cost $35. Kids' cuts are $25. Designs and color are extra. The shop also offers services for beards and waxing.
Most haircuts are by appointment, but the shop also offers walk-ins. The shops usual hours are 9 a.m. to 6 or 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. However, Vasquez said the staff is willing to be flexible.
Vasquez and the three cosmetologists each have their own app on which customers can book appointments. To make an initial appointment, you can call the Fade Factory at 785-498-3233. The shop is working to consolidate those apps into a single site.
Vasquez said his goal was always to open his own shop.
"I felt I needed to give back to my clients something bigger than what I had currently," he said. "The space was not what I envisioned where I could grow."
The Fade Factory, 129 E. Eighth, is a warehouse space with a large overhead door that has been decked out in windows. The space is meant to accommodate photography and videography. It is the back half of the building, and the entrance is on the east side of the building off the alley.
Vasquez has purchased a portion of the building with hopes of expansion.
"It has a real industrial look and is what our typical vibe would be with music," he said. "Most importantly it's a big, creative space."
Being downtown is important to Vasquez. He said he hopes the location will continue to allow him and his co-workers to be integrated into the community.
On its opening day Aug. 7, the shop sponsored an event with free hair cuts and school supplies for kids. The shop gave away 100 haircuts.
He also said he would be interested in being involved in the Hays Arts Center art walks, although the shop is not on the walk tonight.
For more information, you can follow the Fade Factory on Facebook.
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