Lonnelle Green of Easton, owner of Fade2Black Barbershop with locations in Federalsburg and Easton, is partnering with the Talbot County Department of Social Services to make a difference in the lives of foster children on the Mid Shore. Green answered the call from the Department, which was looking for local business partners to help make a difference with the region’s youth.
Pictured is Lonnelle Green of Easton, owner of Fade2Black Barber Shop, one of the newest business partners with the Talbot County Department of Social Services, cutting the hair of fifth grader Jeremiah Carter of Easton.
Initially, he decided to offer discount cards to foster youth. The discounts include free haircuts every second Wednesday of the month, a $5 credit toward any of his barber services, and free style and product consultation. His commitment has grown, however, and he is now offering apprenticeships in barbering for older foster youth who patronize his shop.
He comments, “I could have been one of these children growing up. These children need successful male role models and through providing these discounted services to them, I can offer that. It is a ministry for me.”
Green worked with foster youth at Adventist Behavioral Health for four years and developed a passion for the population. But his entrepreneurial spirit since his own youth got him to consider barbering as a career. He completed Avara’s Academy of Hair in Dundalk, MD, before opening his own barber shops in Federalsburg and then Easton.
He adds, “I always liked to cut hair, but when I became a dad, I decided I needed to establish my own business. I decided to invest in myself and it has really grown. In the last year, I have expanded and am bringing on additional help.”
According to Green, there are fewer barbers than cosmetologists in the region. By apprenticing youth at his shop, he is hopeful that some of the youth will consider the same career he chose.
He states, “It is hard for foster children to find their identity sometimes. I can relate to their search. Through this partnership, I can help build self confidence in these adolescents and help them conquer their self-doubts. If you look good, you feel good.”
Green also offers multi-cultural support for foster parents who are dealing with different ethnicities with their foster children. He can suggest haircuts and products to help them manage their foster child’s hair.
He likes the one-on-one relationships that can be built within the culture of a local barber shop. He can get to know is his clients and families better than in a larger chain hair salon, creating a bond of trust.
Having always been committed to the community, Green found that this new partnership with the Department of Social Services was a logical next step. He is a board member of Friends Helping Friends, Inc. In the past, he has offered free haircuts at the Denton Fun Day. This year, he offered Back to School events at his salons in Easton and Federalsburg where he provided $5 haircuts, food, and a DJ.
He adds, “Social responsibility is important. It doesn’t matter what’s in your wallet, it’s what’s in your heart.”
Paris Quillet, Special Projects Coordinator at the Talbot County DSS, adds, “I have known Lonnelle since we were in school together. It is fantastic that he has stepped up to offer these services to our region’s foster children. We hope other businesses will do the same in the coming year.”
Fade2Black Barber Shops are located at 204 S. Main Street in Federalsburg, MD and at 316. E. Dover Street in Easton, MD. The shops offer traditional barbering for men and short female styles for women. In addition to Green, participating barbers are Don Chester at the Easton Location and Tay Kimble at the Federalsburg location. For further information, contact Lonnelle Green at 443-521-0716.
For information about becoming a business partner of the Talbot County Department of Social Services or supporting some of its initiatives for foster children in the region by providing a professional service, contact Paris Quillet at 410-770-5870.
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