Meet Alex Popplewell | Father, Husband, Brother, Son, Barber

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alex Popplewell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alex, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When I opened my own barbershop, I had already spent over a decade in the industry— over 12 years of cutting, learning, grinding, and dreaming. It all started up north, where I got my foot in the door as an apprentice in my hometown. Then, in 2007, I made the move to San Diego, chasing new opportunities and a fresh start.

I landed in North County, working at a local shop by day and sometimes heading to the coast on Sundays to cut hair for the Marines. Those years were packed with lessons—some learned the hard way—from every shop owner, every fellow barber, and every client in my chair. Over time, an idea began to take shape: one day, I’d open a shop of my own.

That idea stuck with me through life’s big moments. I got married in 2017, and when my son was born, the hustle reached a whole new level. By 2019, with a daughter on the way, it hit me—if I was ever going to make the leap, it had to be now.

I had the vision. I had the drive. I had the work ethic to back it all up. My kids gave me purpose, and my wife gave me the support I needed to chase the dream. I mapped out a business plan, clocked extra hours, and picked up side gigs— working security at bars on weekends and driving Lyft on weeknights—all to stack up the funding I needed.

Then came the break: a storefront opened up for lease right in my neighborhood. It was perfect—close to home, close to my heart. So I bet on myself.

In 2019, Black Sheep Barbershop & Shave Parlor opened its doors for the first time. It wasn’t easy, and it didn’t happen overnight, but every step of the journey led me here. And honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

I started Black Sheep with the idea of being proud of who you are. Being a “black sheep” is often seen as a negative label—implying someone is an outcast or a troublemaker. But I wanted to flip that script and celebrate the uniqueness and individuality that come with being a black sheep.

Being a black sheep means you’re brave enough to challenge the status quo, question the norms, and forge your own path. Black sheep are innovators, thinkers, and creatives. They’re not afraid to stand out from the crowd, to take risks, and to pursue their passions—even if they’re not mainstream.

Being a black sheep means you’re resilient, adaptable, and resourceful. You’ve learned to navigate challenges, overcome obstacles, and thrive in uncertainty. You’re a problem-solver, a critical thinker, and a master of reinvention.

Most importantly, being a black sheep means you’re true to yourself. You’re not trying to conform to someone else’s expectations or fit into a predetermined mold.

So, being a black sheep is a badge of honor. It says you’re bold, fearless, and proud of you being unapologetically yourself!

That’s the brand—and our story is unfolding right now.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I like taking anyone visting me to the beach, usually carlsbad or encinitas, or la jolla if i really want to show off where i live. Then downtown to little Italy or Seaport village. Then maybe back around my area to have some drinks and watch sports on the docks at Lake San Marcos.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My wife and kids and every barber and shop owner I’ve ever worked with. They were all the biggest and most impactful parts of my journey.

Website: blacksheepbarbershops.com

Instagram: @jack.of.all.fades @blacksheepbarbersm @blacksheepesco

Image Credits
black sheep team