Highlighting Women of the DMV for Women’s History Month Series: (Fe) Phylicia Goins
This pandemic brought upon many challenges for us all. When we were all on lockdown in March 2020 I don’t believe any is thought it would last as long as
This pandemic brought upon many challenges for us all. When we were all on lockdown in March 2020 I don’t believe any is thought it would last as long as it did. Two weeks turned into six weeks, six weeks turned into three months and three months turned into the rest of the year. When things started to slowly open back up at a limited capacity one of the challenges I and many other individuals had was getting their hair cut.
I knew I wanted my usual shadow fade but I just didn’t have the right barber for the job. So I opened google and typed “Best Barber in The DMV” and the first name that popped up was ShesTheBarber aka (Fe) Phylicia Goins. So I quickly made my appointment and received one of the best cuts I’ve ever had in my life. Immediately I was hooked and she’s been my barber ever since. As we continue to highlight the women in the DMV for women’s history month I had the pleasure of sitting down with Fe and talk about her journey and what can people expect next from her. Check out our conversation below!
Q: Thank you for taking the time to be here with us today! As a mental health advocate, I always start my interviews by asking How are you doing? How has your 2021 been so far?
(Fe) Phylicia Goins: Thank you for having me here today! I am doing very well and 2021 has been a great jump with many small victories and good challenges so far. I’m looking forward to the upcoming months ahead!
Q: For the people unfamiliar with you and your work, where were you born and raised?
(Fe) Phylicia Goins: I’m Phylicia Goins, commonly known as Fe. I was born and raised in the DMV. Born in Alexandria, VA, and raised in many areas within the metropolitan area.
Q: What was growing up like for you here in the DMV?
(Fe) Phylicia Goins: Growing up here in the DMV was special, because it’s the nation’s capital! People from all over the world come here and that allowed me to see different cultures, which I believe influenced my passion for traveling. But let’s take a step back… I remember when DC was Chocolate City. My grandmother lived in DC and use to work at Republic Gardens in NorthWest for over 20 years. I remember block parties, Phillips Seafood, Caribbean Fest on Georgia Ave, Chuck Brown, Live GOGO. Those were great times! Gentrification happened and still is happening. I now live in SE, just to hold on to what’s left!
Q: So as someone who has received an amazing cut from yourself and brags on your services how did your journey start as a barber and is this something you always wanted to do?
(Fe) Phylicia Goins: I was first introduced to barbering in 2011, during my 2nd week of freshman year at Norfolk State. I met a new friend named Clifton and he was the school barber. When we were 18, he saw something in me that I couldn’t see for myself. I can remember it like it was yesterday. I snuck over to the freshman boys dormitory after visitation hours for a haircut. I set there intrigued as Clif worked, I asked many questions, & watched as he cut hair.. my turn came up for a haircut & during the haircut, he asks me to cut his hair. Never have I touched clippers!.. so I finally agreed to his request as he believed in me to cut. Sometimes it takes just one person to believe in you so you can see what’s in yourself. Years later I drop out of college & went to barber school. I fought for my life and barbering saved mine when I had nothing else to turn to.
Believe in yourself through the highs and lows in life, Don’t forget the reason why you started, follow your gut, have some GRIT, grind with grace, pay it forward, and always appreciate what you have in front of you to manifest more abundance!
Q: Do you remember the moment you thought to yourself “Okay this is what I want to do for the rest of my life”?
(Fe) Phylicia Goins: I knew being a barber was something I was going to do for the rest of my life when I found out it was saving mine and that I can as well help others along the way by pushing through my journey. I see my craft now as a stepping stone for my sole purpose that I’m destined to reach. Barbering will forever be my foundation.
Q: I understand that you are the owner of “She’s The Barber LLC”. Your site offers a range of services from men’s and women’s haircuts, Alaskan face masks, therapy, and restoration treatments, and you sell your own merchandise! What gave you the confidence to launch your own business?
(Fe) Phylicia Goins: My product line is an extension of my brand. It allows supporters from all over the world to connect in some way… Like teaching students in Nigeria on Zoom is my way of sharing a wealth of information. Adding products allowed me to regain my time back, so I can give my clients the best grooming experience they ever had. As a licensed master barber and licensed instructor, I find it essential that I provide my customers with products that hold integrity. I wouldn’t give anything to you that I would give to myself.
Q: As a barber in this industry what has been one lesson you have learned that still sticks with you today?
(Fe) Phylicia Goins: One lesson that sticks with me today: Give yourself grace throughout your journey.
Q: If you were not a barber, what would you be doing?
(Fe) Phylicia Goins: If I was not a barber, I will be studying a passion. I look forward to sharing with everyone soon!
Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?
(Fe) Phylicia Goins: In 5 years, I see myself integrating other ideas together to make what I want to see come to reality.
Q: As we focus on women’s history month, who are some of the women that inspired you in your journey?
(Fe) Phylicia Goins: Some of the women that inspired me on my journey would be Rapsody, my Coach Lashawnda, and my Partner Alexis.
Q: What does women’s history month mean to you?
(Fe) Phylicia Goins: Women’s Month means to me to acknowledge all the fruitful contributions that women have given to our world.
Q: For the women and girls out there that want to follow in your footsteps, what is some advice you could offer them?
(Fe) Phylicia Goins: Believe in yourself through the highs and lows in life, Don’t forget the reason why you started, follow your gut, have some GRIT, grind with grace, pay it forward, and always appreciate what you have in front of you to manifest more abundance!
Q: What can the people expect from you next?
(Fe) Phylicia Goins: People can expect an expansion!
Q: Lastly If you could use three words or less to describe how want 2021 to be for you what would those words or word be?
(Fe) Phylicia Goins: The best is yet to come!
Q: Thank you so much Fe for taking the time to talk with us!
(Fe) Phylicia Goins: Absolutely no problem! Thank you for having me!
To keep up with everything (Fe) Phylicia Goins has going on please follow her socials and her website below.
