We had the good fortune of connecting with Bradley Palermo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bradley, why did you pursue a creative career?
Ive always done hair and music. Even when I was touring a lot in my bands Femme Fatality, and later in The Sudden Passion and as a solo act, I was always coming right back back home to take haircut clients. I think the two go well together, and I’m just not a guy who’s going to sit in a quiet office. Val Barber is the kind of place we’re I’d actually hang out, where I do hang out. It’s got good music, good people, and often times my dog Dale. It keep life fun.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Val Barber opened in 2022, and we are, of course, a barbershop. I like to think we aren’t like other barbershops. We certainly don’t look like your normal place. This room had a long history of hair before we ever moved in, and we try to pay homage to that.

I’ve been in the business for decades, and I was lucky enough to get the right people to work here having worked with them on the past or connecting through mutual acquaintances. We’re a small shop, w 5 great barbers, in a solid location in Valley Village. We have live music occasionally. We’re proud to be in The Valley but I like to think we’ve got a vibe that would work just as well on the East side.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I like Crossroads Kitchen down in Melrose for food. I’m vegan, and that’s got to be one of the best vegan places in Los Angeles. We’ve got the Dive Bar from the film Magnolia across the street. It’s called the Foxfire. I take everyone there. I live in Van Nuys, and we’ve got a Valley Museum out there. That’s fun to check out. They’ve got all the old signs and memorabilia from the old days of The Valley:

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Ego Is The Enemy by Ryan Holiday is a book that changed my life. I think I read it about 9 years ago, and it really set me up for everything that’s happened since.
Learning how to not focus outcomes or recognition and instead focusing my efforts and having discipline opened up a lot of positive opportunities for me.
It’s not something I’m always great at, but I’m always learning.

Website: https://valbarber.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevalbarber/?hl=en

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