Fall River Father and Son Open Family Barbershop Together

There’s something special about a story that comes full circle, and this one hits right at home in Fall River.

After more than 15 years behind the chair, building relationships and perfecting his craft, Mark Thiesen is opening the doors to his own shop: MJ’z Barbershop.

This isn’t just a new business. It’s a leap of faith and a valuable lesson on knowing when it’s time to bet on yourself.

From Customer to Career

Thiesen didn’t always plan to be a barber.

Before moving to Massachusetts from Arizona, he was studying medical coding, but after being introduced to Shear Genius at the Harbour Mall, something clicked.

“I was in there all the time,” he said. “I just always knew what a good haircut was.”

READ MORE: Fall River’s Harbour Mall Lives On in Sweet Memories

His attention to detail stood out, and a simple suggestion changed everything. “(Shear Genius owner) Lou (Gonsalves) told me, ‘Why don’t you go to barber school?’” he said.

Thiesen took that challenge seriously. After enrolling, he spent countless hours in the shop sweeping floors, observing, and learning. “Every day after school, I’d go there and stay for hours,” he said.

That dedication turned into a 15-year career built on consistency and loyalty.

A Family Dream Takes Shape

Now, Thiesen is taking the biggest step of his career, this time with his son, Jahyzen, by his side.

After following in his father’s footsteps and cutting alongside him for years, the two are now launching MJ’z Barbershop together.

“I just knew in my heart that it was time,” Thiesen said. “My son wanted it, I wanted it, and we had the support of our family.”

Built on Respect and a Vision Forward

Leaving after 15 years wasn’t easy. Thiesen credits much of his success to Gonsalves, who gave him his start.

“I’m forever in debt to him because he showed me the way,” he said.

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In a show of respect, Gonsalves supported Thiesen’s decision, allowing him to stay until his new shop was ready.

MJ’z Barbershop is now open at 4263 North Main Street as of April 1.

The Vibe of MJz

Thiesen said the vibe will be different, more relaxed and more personal.

“I want it to be more intimate for people who just want to come in and relax,” he said.

For him, it’s about more than a haircut. “It’s about 60 percent the haircut, and 40 percent the experience,” he said.

From sweeping floors to opening his own doors, Thiesen's journey has officially come full circle.