A hairstyle and a haven.
Two things Shawn Johnson can offer you at his barbershop 5th Street Fades.
Johnson said his doors are open for those who want a cut or some conversation.
“Anybody is welcome to stop in, get a cut, enjoy some TV and AC,” Johnson said with a laugh. “I like to entertain a room.”
Johnson, a 2008 Riverside graduate grew up in Fombell and then North Sewickley Township.
“Riverside is my family,” Johnson said.
The new entrepreneur has been cutting hair since high school, but it all began a little before that. He said it was either 5th or 6th grade when he first took a chop of hair. His cousin asked “who in this room can draw the best?” Johnson was nominated. His cousin then said, “You are cutting my hair.”
And the rest is history.
After that, Johnson was basically delegated the “Family Barber.”
And despite his journey to find his purpose in life, a journey in which he dabbled in law school at Penn State and laying brick and blocks, he finally gave into his true passion and attended the Barber School of Pittsburgh in 2014.
“Every single time I would try something, I found I was still cutting hair and loving it,” he said.
Johnson’s professional journey began with an apprenticeship at Young’s Barbershop, then he was a part-owner of Lgnds Barbershop—both located in Ellwood City. He said he is thankful for both of those opportunities.
All along the way, Johnson knew where he wanted to be; he wanted to stay in Ellwood City.
“It’s the heartbeat of the area,” he said. “I want to be a part of revitalizing this town.”
He remembers being a young man and hanging out around town and recalls a desire to open a place of his own where people would feel welcome. He can trace these memories back to 7th grade when he would write down names for his future business.
“I’ve always wanted to be in Ellwood City,” he said. “I have great memories of a great childhood.”
For Johnson, it isn’t just memories or a dream anymore. His dream of owning his own business became a reality last year when he opened his doors. Featuring his design style which he refers to as modern vintage, the barbershop is located diagonally across the street from McDonalds where the Uneeda Tire shop used to be.
He offers Low Fades and Tight Haircuts alongside facial steamer and beard maintenance services. Fades and blends are offered from 6 inches to 12 inches. He provides many styles some of the most popular being flat tops and military cuts.
“I am constantly studying and researching the new trends,” he said.
Most of his clientele are men, but women looking for short faded cuts are also mixed into Johnson’s clientele.
Johnson describes his barbershop as specialty boutique and caters to clients of all ages and backgrounds.
“I will cut anybody’s hair,” he said. “We are all human, and we as a community are all family and friends- we are responsible for it and need to put back in ten times what we have been given or taken”
He offers discounts for military, senior citizens, and kids.
Being an entrepreneur has been a humbling experience.
“Part of the challenge of being an entrepreneur is that you have to look at yourself and you gotta fight every day,” he said. “I love having the freedom to express who I am in my business.”
Johnson said the support from family, friends, the community, and other business owners has been phenomenal.
“Everybody here wants everyone to be successful,” he said. “This is the hometown that raised me, and I want to be part of its future.”
5th Street Fades is accepting new customers by appointment only, Sunday through Friday 9-8 (Closed Saturday).
Book your appointment at book.thecut.co/5thstreetfades or call 724-977-1086.
5th Street Fades can be found on Facebook: Click Here
What happened to Chicky Francine?