Craft
Build technical skill through deliberate practice, clear instruction, repetition, feedback, and attention to detail across hair textures and service types.
Founding 25 priority listProjected opening January 4, 2027
EmpireBarber & Beauty Training CenterRequest InfoBuilt by a working Master Barber
Real-world experience.
A higher training standard.
Empire Barber & Beauty Training Center is being developed in Albany to connect technical education with sanitation discipline, client service, business awareness, and professional accountability.
The founder
Thomas Grisby
Thomas is a Master Barber, educator, entrepreneur, and U.S. Army combat veteran. He entered the barbering industry in 2014, developed his craft through apprenticeship and professional shop experience, and opened Fade & Beard Barbershop in 2020 before expanding the business into Empire Barber & Beauty.
Years behind the chair shaped a clear belief: technical ability earns attention, but professionalism, sanitation, communication, and consistency build a durable career.
What Empire stands for
Craft. Discipline. Ownership.
Discipline
Develop the sanitation, punctuality, preparation, station, communication, and follow-through habits clients and employers expect.
Ownership
Understand client retention, personal branding, shop operations, career planning, and the responsibility that comes with professional independence.
Black-owned
Representation with responsibility.
Empire is built to show aspiring professionals that ownership, teaching, craftsmanship, and community leadership belong in the same room.
Veteran-owned
Service translated into structure.
The training model reflects preparation, accountability, attention to standards, teamwork, and a commitment to helping others advance.
Founding 25 priority list
See what Empire is building.
Explore the program and join the priority list for accurate updates about licensing, schedules, and admissions.