In Tallahassee, barbershops have always been places where men gather, talk and get fresh cuts. But Jasmine Marshall, a local barber, is changing the game.
Growing up in Tallahassee, Marshall never imagined she’d be a barber. But today she’s not just well-known in the community — she’s paving the way for women in a field usually dominated by men.
Marshall’s story starts on the south side of Tallahassee, where she grew up in a tight-knit neighborhood. She spent a lot of time with her dad, who worked as a mechanic, and her uncles, who went to the barbershop all the time.
“I grew up watching the men in my family get their hair cut,” Marshall said. “I’d sit in the shop, fascinated by the barbers as they worked. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was learning. I always thought, ‘I can do that.’”
But becoming a barber wasn’t an easy choice. Her family didn’t think it was a good career, especially for a woman.
“My parents were a little hesitant,” Marshall said. “But they always told me to follow my passion. So, I decided to take the leap.”
Marshall went to Tallahassee Barber School, where she realized she was one of only a few women in the class. “I had to prove myself every day — sometimes more than once a day,” she said.
It wasn’t just about learning how to cut hair; Marshall had to fight for respect from the other students. “People didn’t think a woman could handle the pressure of the trade. But I was determined to prove them wrong,” she said.
Even when people doubted her, Marshall didn’t give up. “It wasn’t just about being able to cut hair. It was about showing that a woman could do this job just as well — if not better — than anyone else,” she said.
Today, Marshall is the proud owner of She Fade It Barbershop LLC., a popular barbershop in Tallahassee located on West Pensacola Street. She’s known for her precise cuts and great customer service.
“When you walk in here, it’s not just about the cut; it’s about the vibe,” says Marcus Johnson, a second-year education major at FAMU and a client. “She’s got a way of making everyone feel at home. And the cut? It’s always on point.”
For Marshall, barbering isn’t just about giving someone a fresh cut. It’s about building relationships and making people feel good.
“I love getting to know my clients, hearing their stories, and making them feel good about themselves,” she said. “A good haircut isn’t just about looking good; it’s about feeling good.”
Marshall’s clients agree. “She’s just got an eye for it,” says Tyrell Walker, a Florida A&M alumnus and another client. “I can tell her what I want, and she makes it happen.”
Marshall’s success isn’t just about her — it’s about breaking barriers for women in the barbering industry.
“When I first started, I didn’t see a lot of women barbers, and I didn’t have anyone to look up to,” she said. “Now, I want to be that person for someone else. If my story can inspire even one young woman to pursue a career in this industry, then I’ve done my job.”
She also loves mentoring young women who want to become barbers. Marshall regularly hosts free haircut events for local students and partners with community organizations to give back. “Barbering has given me so much — now it’s my turn to give back,” she said. “I want to show women that there are no limits to what we can achieve if we work.”
Marshall has big plans for the future. “I’ve got big plans,” she said. “Eventually, I’d love to open a larger shop, maybe even a school, to help teach other women how to become barbers. There’s so much potential for growth in this industry, and I want to help others tap into that.”
Marshall’s story is about breaking stereotypes and showing that women can succeed in industries where men have been in charge for years. She’s learned that success isn’t just about cutting hair — it’s about creating your own space and showing the world that anything is possible if you work hard enough.
“It’s not just about haircuts,” she said. “It’s about showing people that you can do anything if you’re willing to put in the work.”
Through her determination, Jasmine Marshall is changing what it means to be a barber in Tallahassee and inspiring women everywhere to go after their dreams.
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