Barbers Inc, a Downtown San Jose barbershop, is well known for its precise and talented work, but most importantly for authentic and inspiring employees.
The shop was established in 2011 by Dave Diggs, a former San Jose State engineering student. Diggs changed his career path after his sophomore year, and in doing so he also changed lives.
Diggs has inspired those around him by creating an inclusive community for his clientele as well as his fellow barbers, whom he describes as family.
“Some days you spend 10 hours with them, maybe even have dinner or a drink together,” Diggs said. “It’s hard not to become friends.”
Hassan Kahlid, a San Jose resident, said he’s been going to Barber’s Inc ever since he moved to the area. He discussed the familiar atmosphere that exists in the shop.
“Sometimes these guys will be yelling at each other, having fun,” Kahlid said. “I grew up with a bunch of boys and honestly it just feels like I’m right at home.”
Diggs combines old school barbershop techniques with modern styles to ensure he can appeal to his variety of diverse clients. He said a large motivation for his tireless approach is the clients he works for in the area.
“Downtown San Jose is underserved,” Diggs said.
He explained that his passion for connecting to the community through his work was first ignited when he began cutting hair for students, faculty, and athletes at SJSU.
He eventually became a well-known name in the barber industry after he established Silicon Valley Creative Marketing and Digital Media, a media production company .
Diggs is also the author of “Social Media Strategies For Barbers And Stylists”.
Diggs’ clientele of professional athletes and celebrities is also a significant reason for his fame.
Dr. Michael Cheers. SJSU professor of journalism and mass communications, is a regular customer and friend to the business.
Barber’s Inc is particularly special to Cheers because of the space it represents.
“The barbershop is a Black man’s country club,” Cheers said. “That’s where we go and socialize, get a haircut and just get overall news.”
He explained his first experience with Diggs was in 2012 when his regular barber referred him to Barbers Inc, located just a block from SJSU near Eighth and East Santa Clara streets.
Cheers said after meeting Diggs, he realized his personal journey was fascinating.
“Just sitting that day getting a haircut, I realized he had a compelling and engaging story,” Cheers said.
Following his first visit to Barber’s Inc, Cheers spent several months talking to each barber to hear their stories.
These conversations resulted in Cheers’ documentary film “The Barbershop Diaries.”
The documentary was produced by Diggs, Cheers, and his photojournalism students. The film highlights the arduous pasts of several barber’s and how their work transformed their lives.
“The beauty of it is that they are master barbers,” Cheers said. “They practiced their craft, and they take it seriously.”
Popular barber Victoria “Vice” Thompson travels all the way from Oakland to work at the location in Downtown San Jose.
Thompson’s work as an accomplished barber holds heavy significance to her personal life and identity.
“It fills a void,” Thompson said. “There are no Black women barbers in San Jose.”
Similar to her fellow barbers, she said the reason she loves her craft so much is largely because of the community.
Thompson explained the connections made through her work are some of the most valuable aspects of the hair-cutting industry; and she’s watched some of her clients grow up and move through the motions of everyday life.
“Your clients want to tell you about things,” Thompson said. “They become part of our lives.”
Thompson also expressed that when she has a bad day, seeing familiar customers keeps her motivated.
Barber’s Inc is not only close to its customers because of the compelling and passionate employees, but also because of the business’ dedication to community service.
According to Diggs, the business has been involved in multiple community service projects including free haircuts for underprivileged youth, Thanksgiving grocery giveaways, and youth basketball.
Kahlid acknowledged the shop’s admirable dedication to serving the community.
“That’s what you want to see any business owner do, putting it on themselves to help the community,” he said. “That just adds more character to the place.”
Diggs demonstrates that although the shops’ surface level purpose is to simply cut hair, he has managed to create a community and safe space for his clientele and employees.
