First Licensed Barber School Opens in California Prison, Offering 'Hope' to Selected Inmates (Exclusive)

Barber Victor Fontanez and producer Scott Budnick spent four years working on VicBlends Academy, which has opened at Valley State Prison in Chowchilla, Calif.

A New Beginning

Victor Fontanez, known as VicBlends, and Scott Budnick made history this year by opening the first licensed barber school inside a California State Prison. This initiative, called VicBlends Academy, was launched in August at Valley State Prison (VSP) in Chowchilla. The project took four years to come to fruition, with Budnick emphasizing the need for constant effort and determination throughout the process.

Fontanez, who has cut hair for celebrities like Tom Brady, Nelly, and even former President Barack Obama, shifted his focus during the pandemic to include motivational speaking. Budnick, a Hollywood movie producer and advocate for prison reform, discovered Fontanez's work during the pandemic and saw an opportunity to collaborate.

"I don't question a left turn from God, so I felt on my heart this was something that I had to do and something that I was being called to do," Fontanez said, reflecting on their joint mission to provide inmates with a purpose and hope for the future.

Building a Vision

Fontanez and Budnick met through a mutual acquaintance and combined their expertise to create a unique program. Their goal was to establish a barber school within a prison setting, something that had never been done before in California.

Budnick, who founded the Anti-Recidivism Coalition, was instrumental in selecting Valley State Prison as the location. He explained that VSP, formerly a women's facility, had a successful cosmetology program. When it transitioned to a men's prison, it provided the necessary space for a barbering program.

Additionally, California Governor Gavin Newsom's pilot program aimed to improve conditions in prisons by introducing youth offender programs. Budnick believed that the young demographic at VSP would benefit from learning barbering skills, offering them job opportunities upon release.

Overcoming Challenges

The journey to open VicBlends Academy was not without its challenges. One of the main obstacles was employee turnover at VSP. Budnick noted that many staff members involved in the early stages of the project were no longer present when the academy officially opened.

"It was all about keeping your foot on the gas and making sure there was buy-in at every level throughout the entire process," he said. Despite the setbacks, the team eventually gained support from various stakeholders, including the Correctional Officers Union and local law enforcement.

Program Structure and Safety

The VicBlends Academy is structured to ensure safety and effectiveness. Students are taught according to the California Board of Barbering & Cosmetology standards, allowing them to earn a license upon completion. The class size is limited to one to two dozen students at a time, with strict rules in place to maintain order and security.

Fontanez emphasized that participation is earned, not given. "You have to show that you're dedicated to rehabilitation," he said. All equipment is locked up and carefully tracked, with every item accounted for before anyone leaves the room.

Positive Impact

The response from the inmates has been overwhelmingly positive. Those enrolled in the program find joy in cutting hair, and many more are eager to participate. Budnick shared that the program has given participants a clear vision of their future and a sense of hope.

"We hope to be trailblazers of some sort," Fontanez said, expressing his desire to expand the program and open more academies in other prisons. Funding for the VSP academy came entirely from Fontanez, who invested around $100,000.

Budnick added that providing education and purpose to incarcerated individuals is crucial for their reintegration into society. "Making sure that they have education, that they have purpose, that they have hope, that they have a path when they come home," he said.

A Message of Hope

Fontanez and Budnick believe that rehabilitation is not a political issue but a moral one. They aim to give these men the tools they need to lead productive lives after their release.

"A couple of the guys came up to me while I was there and said, 'We feel human for the first time in a long time,'" Fontanez recalled.

Expanding the Vision

As the program continues to grow, Budnick and Fontanez are looking to expand their efforts. They hope to bring in more instructors and increase class sizes. Ultimately, they envision opening more VicBlends Academies in different prisons across the state.

Their work serves as a powerful reminder that everyone deserves a second chance. By providing education and skills, they are helping to build a safer, more compassionate society.

A Step Toward Change

The success of VicBlends Academy highlights the potential for change within the prison system. It demonstrates that with the right support and opportunities, individuals can transform their lives and contribute positively to their communities.

Fontanez and Budnick’s collaboration is a testament to what can be achieved when people come together with a shared vision. Their efforts are not just about teaching barbershop skills but about giving people a reason to believe in themselves and their futures.