“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…”
Celebrating 20 years of Fringe felt just like that.
Not a typical celebration, but an act of rebellion—to lift up, to give back, to keep showing up.
We started in 2005 with a simple vision: to create a space where art and hair collide. Where diversity, expression, and community are not just values—but everyday reality. We’re proud to have celebrated women, artists, and inclusion in the workplace and in the arts from day one.
Fringe has always been about more than hair.
It’s about home.
The Lower East Side, our roots, our neighbors in Chinatown, and the small local businesses and restaurants that feed our souls (and our bellies!).
It’s about giving back, lifting each other up, and yes—laughing and dancing along the way.
I wanted Fringe to be a safe space. A space for people to do their work, live their art, and chase their dreams.
It was built by artists—literally. Special thanks to @freestylearts! To every artist who has ever shown their work here, and to every stylist who made Fringe what it is—thank you.
Fringe is where lifelong friendships formed, where dreams started, and where stylists have gone on to open salons across the city and work in film and beyond.
And a special shoutout to Rosie, who came all the way from Portland—and who opened the Fringe in Portland, Oregon. Your journey and connection to this space means the world.
Huge thanks to University Settlement, to Baba, my partner and director of the performance project. Thanks for MCing and collaborating with us all.
To Tiffany and Allie for all their help organizing and supporting this milestone. You made it all come together beautiful.
To our clients—your loyalty, your trust, your presence—that is the heartbeat of it all. Thank you for allowing us to do what we love, every day.
20 years. So much gratitude. And still… we’re just getting started.
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