Anthony Nappa hopes to set an example for other small business owners by donating $3 of each service he and his staff at Saving Face Barbershop provide through March 29 to Chilean relief efforts following a deadly earthquake.
Nappa, 20, may have opened the barbershop in Camillus just seven months ago, but business has been going so well that the Cicero native decided to give back.
“Being a small business and just trying to grow — you don’t generally take the initiative to donate or give to efforts like this,” Nappa said. “Why not take on the responsibility a little bit, and give back? Hopefully other small businesses in the community will take my lead.”
Nappa said the idea generated out of a promotion brainstorming session with a friend, who suggested he donate some of the money paid by Syracuse University students.
That was a good starting point, but Nappa wanted to take it further. The shop will also accept donations directly to the efforts.
Nappa got his start as a barber at age 12, when he began cutting his own hair, then his friends’ locks. He began apprenticing a barber locally and said he’s been “doing it ever since.”
Meeting new people and constantly networking is an appeal of the trade, he said.
“And its a trade I can take it anywhere — as long as I’ve got my hands, I can make a living,” Nappa said.
His new shop is a team effort, he said, between himself and three other barbers.
Saving Face Barber Shop is located at 4300 W. Genesee St. in Camillus. Appointments preferred but walk-ins are welcome. Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Call 834-2887 for more info.