From Barber Chair to Boardroom: How VicBlends Built a Grooming Empire

Fontanez first gained prominence during the pandemic when he used his chair as a stage for motivational speaking. His videos, which blended sharp fades with candid life advice, struck a chord with millions. While he initially viewed barbering as a way to perfect his craft, he eventually realized his true strength lay in his ability to listen and connect. This gift proved vital during his high-stakes meeting with President Obama, an encounter he describes as a career-defining test of composure.

Following a personal struggle with Bipolar I disorder in 2023, Fontanez began rethinking his professional path. He partnered with industry veteran Joey Thomas, who previously held executive roles at Dude Wipes and BIC, to build a company that moves beyond traditional, musk-heavy marketing. The brand, Betterdays, aims to position self-care as a modern essential for men. With an initial launch featuring Rebound Cream and Grip Powder, the duo is focusing on intentional product development, including custom-crafted scents that avoid the pitfalls of white-label manufacturing. For Fontanez, the venture is about more than profit; it is an effort to redefine masculinity by creating a space where men can find identity and support outside the constraints of old-school norms.