By: Nadia Castro

On the fast pace street of Euclid there is a barber shop called Downtown Fades that provides haircuts for all ages ran by a hard-working owner, Ernesto Lopez.

It started when Lopez was fifteen, he started becoming intrigued with cutting hair because he did not like the way his sister cut his when she would cut it. His sister would cut his brothers hair as well as himself because his father could not afford taking the kids to the shop. He did not know barber school existed when he was young, so when he did he started going to learn the profession at 21 in Pomona.

During school, Lopez struggled with learning from the teachers because they were not giving him much of an opportunity to be hands on, so he practiced on his own. He went on to work at a barber shop that put him on the back burner and wasn’t as appreciated for his skills.

On June 2, 2018, Lopez opened his own barber business, however, it was a rough start. The business prior to Lopez’s had customers that were against the barber shop.

Lopez stated, “They harassed me for opening up, I would get pizzas delivered that I didn’t order, and I would get calls that people have someone watching me or prank calls. It made it difficult for customers and me.”

City hall did not approve Lopez for the shop at first because there was already a barber shop in downtown Upland. Nevertheless, Lopez had fate in his business and went to plea his case on how the shop was not technically in downtown Upland, but on Euclid. Success! They approved the shop. Throughout this time, Lopez was determined to open his shop and he did so without any help, not even loans. He did what he had to do to survive.

The business was booming, but tough times hit the shop when the pandemic came because Lopez had to close up the shop until he was given further notice. The main concern was not knowing when they were going to be able to open up again.

He stated, “I had four workers, but since I had to close, they all went to work at different places. They all have families to feed and need to work, so I understand. Now that I opened up three weeks ago, I’m still by myself, so it’s not back to normal, but I don’t think any business is normal right now”

He recently took on his brother in law to cut hair, teaching him how to cut hair and be apart of the business.

Lopez is taking walk-ins and appointments even though other places are not, he does not want to cut himself short. He loves that he’s back to work because it’s his escape and he wants to be there for his customers. Lopez talked about how one of his customers was waiting for him to open up, so he shaved his head at home to maintain instead of going to another barber. He expressed that he lost some clientele, but he did gain more within social media, and by being open.

The barber shop is a professional and family environment. Lopez provides a comfortable waiting area with eye pleasing murals all around the shop, and a section for the shirts they make and sell. He has a universal style and can cut hair of any gender or age. He is proud of how far he’s come keeping faith to have a place where people can go get their money’s worth at a barber shop.

From struggled beginnings to a local barber shop Lopez keeps a determined mindset of carrying his business along.

“This business is new, friendly, and experienced. We’re consistent and you’ll get your money’s worth on your cut”

Located on 147 N. Euclid Ave. Upland, CA., 91786. Give them a follow on Instagram: @Downtown_fades

The Story of An Upland Barbershop: Downtown Fades