Our Story: Traditional Barbering with a Modern Legacy

*** The Leap of Faith ***

Mark-Jason Solofa is a licensed California Barber, but his journey into the craft was anything but typical. A first-generation immigrant, Mark-Jason spent 17 years in the corporate worlds of banking and insurance. In 2008, amidst the financial market crash and a looming layoff, he faced a crossroads.

As a single father seeking a career that allowed for more time with his daughter—and as an immigrant pursuing the American Dream—Mark-Jason chose to reinvent himself. He used his severance and unemployment benefits to follow a long-held curiosity: The Art of Barbering.

"Every time I visited a barbershop, the barbers actually looked like they enjoyed what they did. The fellowship, the music, the laughter—and they always looked sharp. I knew I wanted that life."

*** Mastering the Craft ***

To become a truly diverse Men’s Groomer, Mark-Jason pursued an education that blended modern style with classic technique:

• Paul Mitchell The School: Graduated with Cutting and Color Honors.

• Hinton Barber College: Completed intensive Barbering training in Vallejo, CA.

• Certified Barber Instructor: Pursued advanced training to teach the next generation of tradesmen.

Mark-Jason’s expertise eventually led him to become a West Coast Regional Educator and Platform Artist for American Crew, where he traveled the coast teaching professional hairstylists and barbers the nuances of precision cutting and product knowledge.

*** The "Service with Aloha" Philosophy ***

Born in New Zealand and raised across Samoa and Hawai’i, Mark-Jason’s business is rooted in the "Aloha Spirit." This cultural foundation of hospitality, respect, and community is what sets our shops in Berkeley and Castro Valley apart.

We believe that a great haircut is merely the byproduct of an exceptional service experience. Our mission is to provide a private, premium space where gentlemen can gather, build relationships, and leave feeling motivated and well-groomed.

*** A Premium Grooming Lifestyle Brand ***

Today, Mark-Jason Solofa Men’s Grooming is more than a barbershop—it is a lifestyle brand dedicated to preserving the values of Traditional Barbering. Whether you are visiting us for a signature haircut or a classic straight razor shave, you are participating in a tradition of craftsmanship and community that is unique to the Bay Area and the global barbering community.