Student Opens Hause of Fades in University Village
The new barbershop at Florida Gulf Coast University features 17 chairs and a team of 10 barbers.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Florida Gulf Coast University student Jose Cintron has officially opened Hause of Fades in University Village. The shop celebrated its debut with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on October 18, 2026.
Why it matters
The opening represents a successful collaboration between a local student entrepreneur and his family, adding to the retail landscape near the university campus.
The 2,000-square-foot shop operates with 17 barber chairs and a staff of 10 barbers. The business is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., with Sunday hours available by appointment.
The players
Jose Cintron
He is a Florida Gulf Coast University student and the 21-year-old owner of the new barbershop.
Nataly Galarza
She is the 26-year-old manager overseeing daily operations at the new business.
Angel Giovanni Andalon Ojeda
He is the 27-year-old manager assisting in the administration of the shop.
The details
Co-owned by Cintron and his parents, the space required the construction of a new wall to divide the building from a previously established women's salon that held exclusivity rights. The shop amenities include a pool table, flat-screen TVs, and LED lighting.
Timeline
Construction for the new barbershop began in 2024.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on October 18, 2026.
Owner Jose Cintron is expected to graduate in fall 2027.
Market Landscape
This opening reflects the broader expansion of commercial services in the University Village corridor catering to the student population at Florida Gulf Coast University. The business positions itself within this competitive retail hub by offering a specialized amenity-focused experience.
Students and local residents in Fort Myers can now visit the shop for grooming services during extended operating hours. The inclusion of a pool table and TVs offers a different service environment compared to traditional walk-in barbershops in the region.
The takeaway
Starting a business while managing a full-time university course load remains a challenging but viable path for students. Entrepreneurs in similar positions should prioritize clear communication with landlords regarding commercial space division requirements.
What happens next
Jose Cintron is currently scheduled to graduate from Florida Gulf Coast University in the fall of 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about new businesses coming to the area by checking our Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WGCU News | PBS & NPR for Southwest Florida.
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