I have been a barber for 12 years, my uncle and cousins are also barbers who taught me the trade. My father was born in Italy so I am first generation Italian. Besides cutting hair I love music, art and cooking. My barber shop has won Best Of New Haven 2021 and 2022, and won Connecticut Magazine’s Best of Connecticut 2023.
About Mark Fernicola
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My family is Italian, my father was born in Buccino and my mother’s side is from Caserta
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I love being a barber, it’s an awesome feeling to make someone’s day better and have them feeling great about themselves
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Work hard, stay humble. Take care of your trade and your clients and they will take care of you
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Cutting hair and cooking more
Mark Fernicola & Our Community
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
New England Brewing Company, Amity Meats, Woodbridge Social, Thai Stories
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Worked 6 years in Woodbridge but have been coming to town since a teenager
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
All of my clients
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
B17, the old skate shop that is now Thai Stories. I had spent many weekends and a few birthdays there
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
How close knit it is
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
My best friend Paul, because our conversations are always so entertaining. You can probably find us at NEBCO or Woodbridge Social
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Jaws, the Sopranos
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I used to play the saxophone when I was a kid
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The first season of True Detective
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My friends and family, other barbers I look up to
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Love, honor, loyalty
