Barbershop Dreams
Wilfredo "Frank" de La Mota intently focuses as he shapes and styles a child's hair. He has "FRANK" embroidered in white capital letters on his barber's shirt. Photo courtesy of Wilfedo "Frank" de La Mota.
“When you’re a Barber you end up becoming someone’s phycologist, therapist, mentor... its a conglomerate of skills that you have to possess to be a successful barber in your community.”
By Yandell Echavarria
In this episode, explore the incredible story of Wilfredo de La Mota, or “Frank.” He is a Dominican barber at "The Best Barbers," a barbershop located in the Bronx. Frank has been cutting hair for over 35 years and shares his journey from a rural area in the Dominican Republic, to owning a barbershop in the Bronx, which became a pillar of his community. He discusses overcoming challenges such as immigration, racism, and even the pandemic. Tune in to hear how Frank’s shop transformed into a cultural hub, blending history and politics, all while keeping his neighborhood looking sharp.
Yandell Echavarria recently graduated from high school and is headed to Pace University. His passions include communications, acting, journalism, and technology. He enjoys going on runs, exploring the city, spending time with friends, and eating out.
The Summer Youth Podcast Academy is The Bell’s immersive beginner podcasting workshop for New York City public school students. This year’s academy was made possible by support from the Spotify Studios Union.
