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Settling in at the bar – or should we say the “reception desk” – at this boutique barber shop on Grand Avenue in the Grove, we got a chance to chat with Vinicio Larios, CEO of Fade Masters of Miami.
Between appointments on this bustling weekday in the Business District we talked about the history of his business, his life and achievements, and his recent involvement with the Coconut Grove BID. This amiable, yet seriously driven 30-something entrepreneur had some interesting stories to tell indeed…
But first, let’s just say this about the space: Fade Masters of Miami is simply dripping with style. It’s got an industrial feel, with the tactically centered bar built out of corrugated metal accented with a warm-wooden surfaces, set against a solid brick wall.
From this vantage point, we can take in all the action – as patrons belly up to enjoy cold beer, whiskeys, water, and cafecitos while waiting their turn in one of a several classically styled chairs, listening to smooth tunes, enjoying the vibe, relaxing a bit. Above us all, bright industrial halogens hang from a black matt ceiling, providing stark contrast. This is nothing like a chain-run cuttery, and that’s exactly how Vinny wants it.
BID: So how did you get your start cutting hair?
Vinny: I’ve been a barber since I was 13 years old in Nicaragua. I would go to school all day and cut hair at night and on weekends.
BID: 13 years old, you’ve been perfecting your craft this long!?
Vinny: Yes, 13. My grandfather was a barber. When I was still in high school, I got a small loan from my mother and opened my own shop in someone’s garage. I moved to Miami when I was 21 and started working for the Miami Fade Masters.
The name, Fade Masters of Miami, is aptly put to use, linguistically speaking. Because they specialize in the contoured blending of hair, mustaches, and beards that has become so popular in recent years. From the standard flat top to the trendier pompadour that fades seamlessly into a hipster’s neck and beard, Vinny and his team, make your hair look as though it grows that way.
And of course, Fade Masters of Miami specializes in sharp edges and cut-away patterns made from straight razor shaves; after all, no truly hip Miami barbershop could succeed without being able to. And hey, if you want to leave the place looking like Kid from Kid’n’Play, well, buddy – if you’ve got the height – they can cut you the look.
BID: What were the origins of this remarkable styling salon?
Vinny: We’ve been in business for 10 years, first in Little Havana until January of 2022. We recognized that the old Grove was finding its groove again, and we wanted to be a part of it. And kind of like us – the building is new, yet it also fits into the old style of the neighborhood. And it was a great decision.
BID: And you became involved with the Coconut Grove BID?
Vinny: We knew we wanted to be a big part of the community. So yes, from the very beginning, the neighborhood has been very welcoming, and working with Cynthia [Seymour, Executive Director-Coconut Grove Business Improvement District] at the BID has been great in the providing promotional support and awareness. We also recently partnered with the Grove chapter of Miami Mom’s Club [a moms’s and mama’s-to-be social club] on a Halloween event for the kids. It was really fun – and now we’re making plans for the holidays, too.
But in addition to retaining a neighborhood “mom and pop” feel that blends into the old Grove as beautifully as his stylists’ work, Fade Masters of Miami draws an A-List crowd, like local comedians, artists, NFL Players, and even a Heavyweight Champ has donned one of Vinny’s distinctive barber capes.
So how does Vinny do it? By maintaining a balance of old school style and 21st Century marketing, including a heavy presence online and in social media. And featuring bi-lingual (Spanish and English) stylists is definitely key to success in Miami.
BID: Anything else to add, like plans for the future here?
Vinny: Oh, absolutely. We also operate a boutique in back of the shop. We call it our “speakeasy,” our little den where we sell streetwear brands like Yeezy, Jordan’s, Nike, Supreme, and FOG. Called Faded Soles of Miami, it’s not so little anymore. This spot is really catching on and we’re looking to grow it more, maybe put in a separate entrance.
Faded Soles of Miami is a joint venture with Vinny’s wife, Estefania. They wanted to bring a different concept to the barbershop, so Faded Soles and Fade Masters partnered together in a way that would provide their clients and the community in general options to set off their hair styles. Says Vinny, “We’ve had a great time planning the clothing and shoes we bring in. We hope our clients love the concept and collection as much as we do!” Visit instagram@fadedsolesofmiami.
Strategically based at 3540 Grand Avenue, just to the west of the Grove’s main business district, the folks at Fade Masters of Miami believe attention to detail and personal touches make all the difference. At Fade Masters, all the stylists and barbers are classically trained, blending old school and new school techniques with the latest styles and trends.
“I’ve been going to Fade Masters for years! Their location is impeccable, and their services are the best!”
And many Fade Masters of Miami patrons new and old agree, such as Rafael Morales who shared this Google review a couple months ago: “I’ve been going to Fade Masters for years! Their location is impeccable, and their services are the best!”
This review, too, by Andre Bowers: “[Fade Masters Miami is] One of the best places to go in Miami for a cut. They accepted me as a walk in, got me in the chair, and my cut started within five minutes. Not only is it a good atmosphere with great service but they can really cut hair, too… With me being a young black man that was my biggest fear, going to someone new – and they got me right for my wedding.”
“Took a while for me to find a good barber here in Miami… Found Vinny and I’ve been going ever since.
And finally, kudos from Isabella Mambi, who trusts Fade Masters of Miami to expertly dude-up her five-year-old son here with a good fade: “Took a while for me to find a good barber here in Miami. Found Vinny a couple of months ago and have been going ever since. I even take my five-year-old and we’re both happy with our cuts. This is definitely the place to go for a good fade.”
About Fade Masters of Miami
Fade Masters of Miami is located at 3540 Grand Ave., Coconut Grove, FL 33133. For information, call 786-615-4005 or visit www.fademastersofmiami.com to check out examples of their craftsmanship, images of the handsome shop – and to make an online appointment!
