How We Started
The roots of The Shop 1500 go back to the efforts of Bill Green ‘77, a former St. Olaf student and the long-serving Director of Multicultural Affairs and Community Outreach (MACO) and Assistant Dean of Community Life and Diversity. During his 25 years at the college, Green worked tirelessly to create an inclusive environment and promote cultural awareness on campus. One of his personal missions was ensuring that Black students, who often had limited hair care options in Northfield, had access to barbers. He regularly brought barbers to campus to serve his students, offering a much-needed service and fostering community.
In 2023, inspired by Bill Green’s legacy, students Aidan Lloyd ‘24 and Giovanni Green ‘23 sought to continue his work. They launched a pop-up barbershop in partnership with Trendz Barbershop in The Pause, offering services every other Monday. The following year, Lloyd championed the idea of a permanent space, and when President Susan Rundell Singer heard about the initiative, she pushed forward the effort to make it a reality.
Today, The Shop 1500 stands as a testament to Bill Green’s vision and the determination of students who believed in the importance of this space. With the leadership of current students Jerome Covington ’25 and Maroova Elkemary ’26, The Shop 1500 has become a permanent fixture on campus, continuing to uplift the community and build a new legacy for generations to come.
Our Passion
At The Shop 1500, our mission is to provide exceptional hair care services to all St. Olaf students, especially for those with textured hair, who often face limited options for quality care in the greater Northfield area. We aim to create a home away from home—a place where students can find not only exceptional service but also a sense of belonging. Whether it’s a fresh cut or an important conversation, The Shop 1500 is a place where students and staff can relax, recharge, and celebrate culture, unity, and excellence.
Our Aspiration
We envision The Shop 1500 as more than just a service; we want to inspire other colleges and universities to follow suit, creating inclusive spaces where students, especially those from historically marginalized communities, don’t feel alienated or “othered.” Our goal is to foster a welcoming environment where students can feel at home and see themselves represented. As we grow, we hope to set a standard that others can look to, showing how essential cultural spaces are for creating a truly inclusive campus experience.