The art of cutting hair is a talent Freddy Carrero, known as “FredFadezzz,” perfects with every fade.
Balancing school, a part-time job, and a growing barbering career, Carrero, a sophomore business marketing major, exemplifies passion and persistence as he carves out a name for himself.
Carrero’s pathway into barbering is deeply personal. Growing up, he struggled with self-esteem.
“I had a complicated relationship with my appearance,” Carrero says. “Being a bit on the heavier side, I was often the subject of jokes. But every time I went to the barbershop with my dad, I walked out with a confidence boost that nothing else could match.
“He would always tell me, ‘You look like a million bucks, papa.’ That feeling stuck with me.”
The first barbershop he went to by himself was in a converted RV, where long waits tested his patience. The memory of his dad’s words, paired with his growing fascination with cutting hair, eventually inspired him to pick up the clippers himself. It all started in an unexpected place: his bathroom.
“I began lining up my own mustache after a lot of convincing from friends,” Carrero says.
“My boys, Mike and Malike, would sit on my toilet seat while I practiced. Then, after watching hours of lineup videos, I finally convinced Malike to let me cut his hair. I recorded it, created an Instagram account, and just like that, ‘FredFadezzz’ was born.”
Malike Minto, a junior majoring in health science, also recalls the experience vividly.
“[Carrero] is a very close friend of mine, so he would always talk to me about cutting hair, and barber stuff. He always asked to cut my hair, but I would playfully tell him, ‘Nah, not yet,’” Minto says.
“I eventually came around. And fun fact, I was the first person he ever gave a haircut to. I was nervous at first, but also excited for him because I knew it was the start of something he’d been wanting to do. The haircut came out pretty good for his first time. I could tell that barbering came naturally to him.”
Carrero has been cutting hair for two years. While he continues to sharpen his skills, what remains constant is his love for transforming his clients.
“The best part is seeing the confidence and happiness on someone’s face after a fresh cut,” Carrero says. “It’s a powerful feeling, knowing you played a part in that.”
Minto agrees, saying he will always go to Carrero for haircuts.
“What keeps me going back to him is that he always gets me right and does a good job. He listens to any suggestions I have, and incorporates them into the cut every time.
“He also pays attention to how my hair grows so he can blend and cut it better,” Minto says.
Recalling this first haircut, Carrero says, “I had no cape, no professional setup, just the basics. The cut wasn’t perfect, but I felt this natural, free-flowing rhythm.
“It was the moment I knew I was meant to do this.”
From humble beginnings to a growing business, Carrero now boasts 20 to 25 regular clients. His strategy is building genuine connections.
“I meet clients through shared interests, like sneakers or casual conversations at my part-time job. Once I’ve made a connection, I introduce myself and hand out my business card,” Carrero
says.
“Instagram has been a major platform, too. People see my work on @fredfadezzz_27 and reach out.”
Minto highlights the benefit of having a student barber on campus.
“It gives students who live on campus, who aren’t able to go home to their regular barber, an option to get a haircut. Plus, getting a haircut from a peer helps build community, it creates opportunities for connections and helps break social barriers,” Minto says.
Carrero’s secret to retaining clients lies in personalized service.
“I take time to understand exactly what they want,” Carrero says. “We collaborate on styles during consultations, and I make sure they’re happy with the final result.”
Carrero currently cuts hair at 60 Connolly Parkway, Building 17N, Best Choice Barbershop, charging $25 to $30 for a haircut and $40 to $45 for house calls.
“After one whole year cutting in my mother’s basement, a close family friend who I call my brother, DJ, told me his barber was looking for another barber in his shop.
“At first, I was nervous and wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into, but after my first day, I knew I made the right choice. It all felt natural and like it was my destiny.”
Since then, Carrero has been building his clientele and growing his skills.
“Thanks to SCSU, I have been able to make connections and build some clientele, but I’m not satisfied until I’m fully booked,” Carrero says.
Balancing work and school is a challenge, but he’s found ways to stay organized.
“I use a scheduling app so clients can book appointments around my availability,” Carrero says.
Minto believes Carrero has shown significant growth.
“Not only have his cutting skills evolved, but the way he interacts with clients has improved.
“When he first started, he focused solely on getting the haircut done. Now, he makes an effort to get to know his clients and ensures they’re comfortable in his chair,” Minto says.
Not only are his customers supportive, Carrero says his family are also big supporters.
“[My parents have] provided the tools I need and encouraged me every step of the way. At the same time, they’re my toughest critics, and I appreciate it. Their honesty drives me to keep improving,” Carrero says.
Carrero’s ambitions reach far beyond his current setup. He has ambitions to own multiple barber shops, become a celebrity barber and create a fulfilling life for himself and his family after graduating.
Yet at the core of it all, his goal is simple: “I just want to make enough money to support my family and enjoy life without constantly worrying about finances. With barbering, that’s realistic for me because my skills are top tier, and I can work without looking at that clock.”
