‘Great staple in the community’: VUU opens on-campus barbershop

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) - Virginia Union University is giving students a way to stay well-groomed without leaving campus. They’ve opened their first ever barbershop on campus called Brand New Wave.

“The services we will be offering is barbering, natural hair, and color twist braids,” said owner of Brand New Wave, Ahmad Bizzell.

The opening of the new barbershop is part of Virginia Union’s program, “VUU is RVA."

The program partners with local entrepreneurs to give students a chance to get discounted haircuts, and to get experience through a work force development program.

“It’s all about getting a hands-on experience of learning of how to run a business and also learning how to manage a work and life balance,” said VUU Senior Vice President Corporate and Affairs Maurice Campbell.

The shop isn’t strictly just for student’s but for anyone in the community who’s looking to get a haircut.

“We want to bridge the gap between the university and the community," said Bizzell. “The barbershop is always a great staple in the community where people can come and talk.”

Now that the barbershop is up and running, students have the opportunity to gain real world experience and get a fresh cut to boost their confidence.

“It can turn a person’s day from being bad to being great just by changing their look and changing how they feel,” said Bizzell.

“They can just get their hair cut anytime with no restraint from class times, organizations and events,” said VUU employee Adolph Brown.

Hours and prices vary, but students are able to get a 10% discount with a student ID. To book an appointment, click here.

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