Lessons of the Barber Shop

The path to becoming the first female barbershop owner in Montclair was not an easy one for January Fonseca-Sabune, who grew up in Montclair. After battles with alcohol and addiction, January committed to rehab and found solid work in a local laundromat where she met cosmetologists who seemed to love their work. She fell in love with the history of barbering, its importance to the community, and the precision involved in it.

Fonseca worked her way to owning her own shop, and has earned major props along the way, winning several male-dominated barber competitions. You won't want to miss this colorful story of resiliency, passion, and a whole lot of hustle - lessons best learned in the barber shop.