Adrian Fanus is a young, respected and successful entrepreneur of a one of a kind grooming business  in Brooklyn New York called, ’Adrian Fanus Grooming INC.’ Although his clientele consists of ”A List” celebrities such as Chris Brown, John Legend, Grant Hill, Idris Elba and Forrest Whitaker to name a few, this native of Micoud Saint Lucia hasn’t forgotten his roots, and gives back to his community through various  recognisable charitable efforts. He is notably a man of great depth and calibre, which is examplified through his  daily positive and uplifting writings to family, friends and fans via his facebook profile. Excellence signifies him, and it is depicted in everything he does. I know that Adrian’s story will be inspiring to everyone, especially young men who aspire to live and lead their best lives.

 

 

Lovee: Hello Adrian, thank you for being so gracious and accepting my request to be interviewed. I was impressed by your kind approach to me when I launched my book, ”A Girl Like Me”. Although we did not know of eachother, as a fellow Saint Lucian, you wrote to me and congratulated me on my success and wished me continued blessings. It spoke so much about the man that you are, and how important it is to you for us as a people to encourage and support eachother, so thank you (Smiling).

 

Adrian: Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a part of your movement…(Smiling)

 

Lovee: What really stood out for me is the positive energy you continually put out there to others. Also, your intense passion for life, and your pursuit for excellence through your various initiatives, including your one of a kind grooming salon, which is really like no other. It is always refreshing to meet respectable and passionate young men as yourself, so I felt compelled to share your story, so it can serve as a source of inspiration to others. I have to ask, what inspires you to continue to be so positive in a world that can be so negative?

 

Adrian: I truly love life and understand that we are all here on borrowed time. Tomorrow is not promised and coming from humble beginning, I appreciate all that is good. I focus on the positive and magnify it. It can always be worse is one of my personal mottos. I was put here on this earth for a purpose and I can’t take anything that I accomplish with me. If my life does not add value to the life of someone else, then I have lived in vain. I want to be an ambassador for positive change and inspiration in the lives of as many people I can. This mindset keeps me positive and grounded.

 

 

Lovee: And that is indeed a life of purpose and depth. And of course, the high standards that you set for yourself is apparent, because you have managed to turn a regular hair cut into an entire grooming experience, in your words, ”it’s about impacting somebody’s life.” How did the concept for your salon and the grooming experience come about?

 

Adrian: I truly love people and making them feel good. I realized that guys would not only come for a haircut but also for the conversation. I wanted to create an oasis where people could come and unwind after a tough week of work. An escape, their home away from home that incoorporated an environment for privacy, relaxation, comfort and a haven for growth, networking minus the pretentiousness. I realized that this did not exist and wanted to create it.

 

 

Lovee: And you sure did! That is a brilliant  concept. What has the journey been like for you getting to where you are now?

 

Adrian: I moved from Saint Lucia to New York on April 2nd 2001 with $200 in my pocket and a dream. After I bought my clippers I had $25 left to my name. I was nervous. A friend had already arranged for me to work at a barbershop in the crown height section of Brooklyn. I started work the following day.

 

Imagine my surprise when I made $250 the first week of working. I was estatic and considerd myself a success with a $50 profit on my investment (laughing out loud).

 

Working at the barbershop taught me alot about myself. The road was rough, and I had to watch my temper, as the owner would short my wages. I would not be here today.

 

I failed the first time I took the New York State Barber Exams and was devasted, but this encouraged me to learn my craft better. I left that shop after two years and went to a new barbershop and started buliding my clientel all over again.

 

My focus became not just giving someone a good haircut, but to get them to come back because I did an excellent job. I must have passed over 10,000 business cards on the trains, people’s doorstep, in traffic and every business I went. ”paying my dues”.

 

Word spread and opportunities presented themselves. I was introduced to a few people who helped me become the grooming editor of a magazine, and then meet celebrities such as Forrest Whitaker.

 

I also learned to do makeup along the way.

 
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Lovee: What a story! I am so happy you overcame all odds and persevered. How do you generally deal with obstacles and adversities?

 

Adrian: I read this book a long time ago called, ” Who ate my cheese”. It was about two mice who had a large supply of cheese and didnt realize that it was slowly finishing. One day, no more cheese was left. One mice stayed there and wallow in self pity and the other was proactive and went to search for new cheese. I became that second mice and realized that I can’t change a situation once it has happened but I can control how I respond to it. I don’t allow myself to stress about anything anymore. I just focus on solutions.

 

Lovee: Great approach! (Smiling) You are a native from Micoud in Saint Lucia, what was it like growing up in Saint Lucia, and how has it contributed to the man that you are today?

 

Adrian: I can appreciate growing up in Saint Lucia a lot more now than ever before. Growing up and having to wear a uniform at school gave me a certain discipline that I still carry with me. My friends became my brothers and the love we shared for each other taught me loyalty and love. We played football, cricket, fished and spent green days by the river and hot days on the beach. St Lucia taught me to never take anything for granted.

 

Where it all began. The old barber shop in Micoud Saint Lucia, where Adrian worked

 

Lovee: I am surely attest to that. Those days were truly priceless, and it does instill a certain humility and appreciation for life and everything in it. As a child, what were some of your dreams and aspirations, and did you always display such great characteristics, or did it develop overtime?

 

Adrian: As a child, I wanted to be a pilot and then as I became a little older I was consumed with the dream of being a fisherman. I wanted to buy a boat then another and then a large fishing troller. No one would belive that now (laughing out loud). I was raised by my mother and grew up with my older sister. We came from an extendend family and they were supportive and loving. I was raised around women and the presence of men was small. For a young boy, that created a feeling of being lost, and you start searching for male influence. Most of my friends were in the same situation, so growing up, we became male role models to each ther.

 

Lovee: That is profound! ”We became role models for eachother.” It’s great that you all could have been that for eachother. You now live in New York. A place you call home. How has the transition from the islands, to living in a vast culture like New-York impacted/changed your life?

 

 

Adrian: I started visiting New York from the age of ten, and would spend the majority of the summers here. I hated NY at first. Concrete City was my name for it. I did not have the same freedom here as I did in Saint. Lucia, and would always look forward to going back home.

Now I love New York, especially for the diversity and culture. I became a man in New York. My transition from Saint Lucia was a slow one. When I moved at nineteen years old, I was ready and focus. Coming from a smaller island creates a need to over compensate and want to accomplish so much. I felt I had to make my whole community proud of me.

 

Lovee: Most of us from the islands sure feel that need and pressure. I know that your mother, Ms Austina Fanus, former political nominee for the Micoud North constiuency in Saint Lucia plays a major role in your life and your success, tell us a little more about her, and her infleunce in your life.

 

 

Adrian: My mother is such a strong woman. She always kissed me and told me she loved me. I admire and respect her so much. My mother has always been the breadwinner for the family and it shows in her work ethic ( I got that from her).  She is such a  selfless person and would give her last to help anyone in need. She made sure I had the best and was well traveled and cultured. Thats my ROCK!!!!!

 

Lovee: Awww, it’s always great to hear a man speak so highly about his mother. It says alot. She must be so proud. One of the things that is admirably about you is your ability to speak openly and candidly about issues that are often difficult for men to discuss even privately, and you put yourself out there in a way that is not customary of black men. Have you always been so open and candid with expressing yourself to others? And do you think it’s important for men, especially black men to show more of a softer, emotional side? And how do you find the courage to do so?

 

 

Adrian: I know who I am because I know who I am not. Too many times black men manhood is challenged when they express their emotions. My mother is a very open and vocal person and I got that from her. My friends were never in the habit of telling each other ” I Love You”. It is considered taboo for a man to say that to each other and I changed that with my family and friends.

If you live your life worrying about what people say you will die very unhappy. I choose not to.  We are facing an epidimic out here of self destructive lifestyles that is promoted in the media and music and I want to encourage young men and women to do better.

Yes, men need to be honest with their emotions and feel free to express them. Find people who you can talk to and give you constructive advice.

 

Lovee: I am loving you!  (laughing out loud) You hit the nail with every word. Wish every man who is struggling with their manhood could read your words. I especially love what you said about knowing who you are, because you know what you’re not! That’s deep! (Smiling) What are some the great challenges that you were forced to face with on your journey?

 

 

Adrian: One of the greatest challenges was moving to New York and being away from my family and friends. It took me eight years before I was able to go back home. To long for the nostalgia of Saint Lucia. I was sick. I tried not to think about home. That was rough. That was part of the sacrifice I had to make to be out here.

 

Lovee: There is always a sacrifice or a price to pay. I know many people can empathise with your struggle. That is one of the hardest things for many, not being able to go home. But thankfully, no situation is permanent. You are also the father of two handsome young boys, how have they changed your life and the man that you are today?

 

Adrian: My sons have kept me grounded and saved my life. You become a lot more aware of the decisions you make knowing that they will affect your kids so you have to choose wisely.

 

I know with kids, their ears are closed to advice but their eyes are always open to example. I am mindful of that and wanting to leave them with a great head-start on life is my misson. I work for them. I want to leave a name behaind that means something and a legacy they can build upon.

 

 

Lovee: I know your children will be proud. What was your relationship with your father like?

 

Adrian: I do not have a relationship with my father. I am okay with that now. I understand that children may come through you but are not from you. He is the second half of the vessel that I came into being but not the source. The source is the universe. I have made my peace with the situation.

 

Lovee: ”The source is the universe.” Well said. We are indeed all children of the universe. You know, this is something I have observed, and since I am passionate about the youth, and I know that you are too, I have to ask this. One of the things that is apparent in our culture is the absence of fathers in their children’s lives, and the high percentage of single mothers in the home. In almost all of my past interviews, most of the fathers were noticeable absent, including in my life. Often, these young men and women grow up to be outstanding individuals without their father’s presence, but there are many who fall through the cracks. How do you think we as a people and culture can help end this vicious cycle, and get our men to take up their responsibilities as fathers?

 

Adrian: Life is all about choices. Young men and women need to understand the word RESPONSIBILITY! One of the main reason of sex is to procreate and this have gotten overshadowed by just the object for pleasure. Young men and women need better sex education and working on being independent, self sufficient and to follow their dreams before focusing on a family. We need to raise the value and the importance in the media. Magazines and songs that promote being a responsible parent is honorable.

 

 

Lovee: Great advice. Responsibility and accountability is definitely something we need more of in our culture. I know that you have a few causes that you are actively involved in back in Saint Lucia. What are they? And why is it important to you to give back?

 

Adrian:  Part of my company is called AFG CAUSES. We have provided relief for the victims of the earthquake in Haiti, the landslide in St Lucia, and recently we worked on a project to provide school bags and supplies for students in St Lucia.

 

It is important to give back because it is our human obligation. We would not be here if our mothers, doctors and nurses first neglected us when we were first born. Our whole existence is dependent on others. We should not turn a blind eye and always be mindful of that.

 

 

Lovee: Well said. Ghandi said, ”If you want to find your self, lose yourself in the service of others.” I believe this to be true. If there is any advice that you could give to the youth about success and what it entails, what would it be?

 

Adrian: What is it that you can think about doing for free? Then pursue that and you will be successful. Success is not about having lots of money but doing that which you love and make you happy. It requires sacrifice and hard work. Not everyone will believe in your dreams and that’s why it is your dream. Hold it close to your heart, do not let go, and keep working on it. Remember it is never failure until you stop trying.

 

 

Lovee: Great, great advice. ”It is not failure, until you stop trying.” Indeed. You have already attained quite a great deal of success. What is your ultimate dream for your life?

 

Adrian: My dream is to develop AFG into a global conglomerate that can help provide employment for over 50,000 people.

 

Lovee: Very ambitious, but I believe that you have what it takes (Smiling). I wish you all the best as you push forward. I ask this questions to all my guests, what would you like your legacy to be?

 

 

Adrian: I would like people to say that he lived a life that added positive value to the life of everyone he met. He lived a selfless life and gave of himself.

 

Lovee: Something tells me that your legacy will come to pass. Thank you for such profond and uplifting words. I know that God will continue to use you as an example, and use your life to inspire others. Continue to be a positive light to all you encounter. God bless.

 

Adrian: Likewise. Thank you and God bless.