Entrepreneur seeks to expand product line to the Midlands
Robert Jermaine McFadden, a Charleston-born Navy veteran and barber with over two decades of experience, is making waves in South Carolina’s grooming industry. From cutting hair in Walterboro to training aspiring barbers and launching a distributorship for a natural hair and skin care product line, McFadden’s journey reflects a blend of resilience, entrepreneurial spirit, and a commitment to giving back to his community.
McFadden’s barbering career began after a brief stint in the Navy, which he left in late 2002 due to personal circumstances. Returning to South Carolina, he enrolled at Howard’s Barber College in Goose Creek in 2003, where he completed the required 1,500 hours to earn his barbering license. The process included passing both a theory and practical exam, laying the foundation for a career that would span multiple cities and roles.
“I wanted to turn my passion into something tangible,” McFadden said.
His professional journey took him first to Professional Barber Shop in Walterboro in 2004, where he worked on a percentage basis before transitioning to Southern Styles, a shop offering booth rental. After a brief conflict of interest, McFadden relocated to Charleston in 2005, settling at Diamond Cuts on Reynolds Avenue. There, he honed his craft and built a loyal clientele, remaining until 2012. Between 2012 and 2014, he took on his first instructor role, marking the beginning of his mission to educate and uplift others in
“I’ve always had an educator’s mindset,” McFadden explained.
After obtaining his On-the-Job Training (OJT) instructor license around 2012 or 2013, he began offering aspiring barbers a more affordable alternative to traditional barber schools. His OJT program allows students to learn both the practical and theoretical aspects of barbering while balancing work and family responsibilities. Currently operating as an independent contractor at Game Seven Barber Shop on North Main Street in Summerville, McFadden is mentoring prospective students and tailoring schedules to fit their needs.
Beyond the chair, McFadden is eyeing a larger footprint. He plans to launch a mobile barber unit by the end of 2026, though he’s adjusting timelines as he prepares for his wedding in October 2024.
“That definitely took priority,” he said.
In a bold new venture, McFadden recently became a South Carolina distributor for Monarch 44, a local com-
pany producing natural hair and skin care products. The line includes offerings like Alkeblan antibacterial spray, a skin soother and antiseptic; Sykeja peppermint tea tree and aloe scalp wash; and Icy-Oma, a Vicks-like balm for congestion relief. Prices range from $23 to $40 for items like shampoos, oils, and butters, all crafted with ingredients such as shea butter, honey, and sunflower oil.
“These products work for coarse, medium, and fine hair—really any texture,”
McFadden noted.
Starting in Summerville, West Ashley, and North Charleston, McFadden aims to expand distribution to Greenville and Columbia, targeting barbershops and salons. His vision extends beyond sales— he wants barbers to embrace retail as a way to boost income and enhance client services.
“It’s about expanding their finances and education,” he said. He’s also open to recruiting salespeople outside the industry, seeing Monarch 44 as an opportunity for
broader financial stability.
For those interested in his barbering services, OJT program, or product line, McFadden is reachable at 843-628-9585 or via social media as Robert J McFadden on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. As he builds his legacy—one haircut, student, and product at a time— McFadden remains driven by a desire to serve and empower his community, proving that a barber’s chair can be a launchpad for much more.
