Business Spotlight
The Neighborhood Barbershop
Dustin hasn’t always been a barber. He spent his early career as a traffic collision investigator for California’s Orange County Sherriff Department for nearly 10 years. After moving to the Falls Church area, with a desire to get into a line of work where he no longer “had to wear a bulletproof vest and a heavy belt,” Dustin’s first thought was to fill a niche serving the same space as barbershops of times past. He wanted to echo that kind of rich history as a community staple, where the model is that they aren’t a business, but a clubhouse — that the haircuts are just a way to pay the bills.
Dustin enjoys the eclectic nature of Falls Church. He describes it as the perfect size for a city, with a great mix of businesses and no shortage of attractions, such as breweries, shops, and restaurants – making it the perfect place to open up his barbershop.
In building a neighborhood staple, it was vital for Dustin to be able to give back to the community that so lovingly welcomed and supported him and his business. The Neighborhood Barbershop is constantly seeking new ways to give back, and already has many community events under its belt. Dustin recalled their annual “25-Hour Chop-til-we-Drop” event that they hold on the day that Daylight Saving Time ends (November 7th this year), where they cut hair for 25 hours continuously to raise money and support local homeless shelters in Falls Church and Arlington. Last year, they sought 25 local businesses that each supported one hour, while also fielding cash donations. This event also includes a 50/50 raffle, where the winner splits the pot halfway — with the remainder being donated to charity. Dustin mentions that “there are many generous people in Falls Church that want to help and give back – they just don’t know how.” Dustin also described their “Shutdown Cutdown,” an event where barbers offered free haircuts to furloughed government employees. With their incredible community involvement, it’s no wonder they’ve been able to create such a wonderful neighborhood cornerstone.
While The Neighborhood Barbershop has had great success with its mission and purpose, it has not come without its hardships. Dustin recalls that 2020 was a particularly difficult year, recounting the struggles they encountered during the pandemic. “The uncertainty was terrifying,” Dustin explained, mentioning that they had to make many changes to protocols, services, and staffing in order to adhere to government regulations. Dustin feels so grateful for his community having supported him and his team throughout the pandemic, and is thankful that they have been able to bounce back successfully. “Peoples’ hair is still growing,” he says, and offers up that they are here to continue cutting it.
Although The Neighborhood Barbershop has only been open for a few years, its impact and mark on the community has been incredible. Dustin’s vision has truly come to life, and he feels fortunate for the support of his community every day. “I love that we can just do some good while we’re goofing around all day,” he says with a laugh. He and his other barbers cannot wait to continue hiring new staff and meeting new friends and family at the barbershop, each and every day.
