Ndale O’Brien, better known as Dale Of Fade, is a barber who turned a basement hobby into a growing brand. Cutting hair has been part of his life for as long as he can remember, and today he is working to franchise his business under the name Fade Mansion.
From Basement Chair to His Own Shop
Dale’s start was humble. With no shop of his own, he built a makeshift setup in his basement and began cutting hair for anyone who would sit in the chair. Talent and persistence brought in more and more clients, and eventually he had enough steady work to move out of the basement and open his own shop.
A Barber Who Travels
As his reputation grew, so did his client list. Dale has worked with well-known names including Don Casanova and DJ Bliss, and his work has taken him to Costa Rica, Dubai, Paris, Trinidad and Tobago and beyond. He has cut hair in front of the Eiffel Tower, in the Costa Rican jungle and in New York’s Times Square.
He was also featured in The Sneaker Game, a reality series directed by Marcus Reyes that explores sneaker and fashion culture.
The Fade Mansion Concept
Fade Mansion combines Dale’s two passions: hair and fashion. Customers can get a fresh cut and then shop for sneakers and clothing in the same place. The idea is to create a destination rather than just a barbershop, reaching new audiences and opening extra revenue streams. Having built a strong following in New Jersey, Dale hopes the franchise model will make his brand known across the country.
Giving Back
Alongside his business plans, Dale is committed to giving back. He wants to offer haircuts in low-income communities around the world, starting with a mission to provide free cuts for homeless people in India. For him, a simple haircut can do a lot for someone’s self-esteem and confidence.
His Advice
Dale credits travel with shaping his outlook. “Travel broadens the mind and unlocks new capabilities,” he says. “Interacting with people from around the world will teach you to appreciate what else is out there other than how you grew up. You can never stop learning.”
With a clear vision and a growing brand, Dale Of Fade is focused on building his business while continuing to see the world.
