By Edward Henderson
Entering the doors of Freshly Faded barbershop is like crossing the threshold to another dimension. Sure the exposed brick and accented earth tones seem familiar, however there is an energy surrounding this tonsorial treasure that stimulates your sixth sense. Derrick Banks, 30, took great care in creating a space where patrons not only receive a premiere barbering experience, but also leave with an elevated spirit and self-awareness.
Son of the 4th District
Banks hails from Southeast San Diego, an origin he embraces with pride. Entering the barbering profession at 20 years of age, the region would prove to be a fertile starting point for his growth as a young professional.
“I chose to stick with barbering because it allowed me to express myself creatively,” said Banks. “It also afforded me the opportunity to be an entrepreneur in a certain respect so I would be solely responsible for my chair, what I wore to work and what I talked about.”
Banks spent a majority of his formative years at Imperial Barbershop where he honed his skills and took a deeper look into spirituality in order to connect with his higher self.
“As I grew as a person I wanted to know what my ancestors did before they were enslaved. I focused on those forms of spirituality,” said Banks. “It allowed me to see the common correlation between all religions. I feel like I can tap into that vibration and express it every day through the things that I do.”
This expression extended to his cutting style and chairside manner. Banks has the unique ability to improve his client’s outward appearance as well as their inward tranquility.
“Cutting hair is more than just a haircut, it’s an experience. Especially for black people. A lot of us don’t go to the psychologist or the doctor so I take it upon myself to be those things in a certain respect,” said Banks. “I can’t heal you like a doctor can heal you but I can see the subtle changes in your energy as I’m talking to you and manipulate those things in a way that work to your advantage.”
The Manifestation of Freshly Faded
The mind is a powerful tool for creation. Banks put this spiritual concept to the test when he set out to bring Freshly Faded into existence.
“It started as an idea. I just had an idea in my head where I could express my view of the world and my creativity and express that with a tribe of people that felt the same way,” said Banks.
Relying on the internet and independent study to arm himself with knowledge on how to start his own business, Banks eventually found the perfect location for his brainchild to come to life. Nestled in the corner of El Cajon Blvd. and Utah Street, Freshly Faded opened its doors to the public in 2013.
At the core of the shop, Banks’ spiritual awareness fuels every detail from the artwork on the walls, the music emanating through the airwaves and the incense flowing into the nostrils of his clients.
“I believe every human being walks around at a certain frequency and the environment that they walk into can make them vibrate at a higher rate or a lower rate,” said Banks. “It’s important that when people walk in here they vibrate at a higher rate.”
Banks also incorporates the use of technology to set his shop apart from others. Online scheduling allows his clients to get in and out of the shop on time, and his blog on the Freshly Faded website allows Banks to spread the themes of individual style, positivity and awareness to the world.
Looking Ahead
In the future, Banks plans to transform Freshly Faded into a franchise with multiple locations and possibly create a barber college and business incubator to teach self-governance in the business world.
“Now that I did it, I can show other people around me how to do it and we can manifest anything that we want to manifest,” said Banks.
At the close of our interview, Banks left a special message to black women as a sign of solidarity and support:
“Hold yourself in high regard and high esteem, there is a certain magical quality about you that no one else possesses in this world. You are the key to helping our dyer situation.”
Visit freshlfaded.com to schedule an appointment and learn more about the unique perspective of Derrick Banks.
