Dad And Me Events Are Shattering Parenthood Stereotypes, Thanks To Newport Beach Company

CORONA DEL MAR, CA — Move over, Mommy and Me, because if one Orange County company has anything to say about it, Dad and Me is here to stay.

Fodada is a Newport Beach clothing line with a mission of promoting positive relationships between dads and kids, according to owner and founder Bobby Barzi. Father of two sons, he is on a mission to improve relationships between fathers and their children across the country.

"The Dad and Me time is all about a father and child being able to say, 'I had time with you, we had fun and we learned something,' regardless of how old the parent or child is," Barzi said.

Fodada's Dad and Me events have included such outings as robots, hikes, architecture and cooking — you name it.

"The different activities we plan try to break down the stereotypes of fatherhood," he said.

In February, 2017 Fodada is helping Orange County dads help out with a difficult morning routine: fixing hair.

Complicated hairstyles aren't just for moms anymore, according to Barzi.

The trend of fathers helping kids with their hair has grown over the past year, with viral videos of a single dad who decided he was going to assist his peers learn how to get their children ready for school and more.

This opportunity is now available to Orange County dads at the Ashtin Salon in Corona Del Mar at the Dads Do Hair! event.

According to Barzi, the roles of parenthood aren't just a "mom's job" and a "dad's job."

"Learning how to get your child's hair ready for school or an event is a parent's job," he said.

For Barzi, it doesn't matter what fathers and kids do together, but the important aspect is to be engaged on any level.

This is just one small program of many, according to Barzi.

"It's a different sort of event, cool and memorable for everyone who attends," he said. "Our partner, Ashtin Salon, is owned by an amazing new dad, Metin Serdan and his wife, Ashleigh."

This locally owned boutique salon has caught the trend of fathers who want to learn how to do their children's hair but is even more in line with Fodada's mission to encourage the bond between dads and kids.

"Our local community partners, such as Ashtin Salon, get what we do," he said. "Asheligh and Metin are awesome people. Metin became a dad about a year ago, and he is very engaged in our mission."

The Dad and Me campaign is a way for dads to promote and celebrate their roles and set up their children for a lifetime of healthy development, he said.

Dads Do Hair! is just one of the many opportunities available to Orange County dads.

"This is a free, and fun, session for dads to learn some basic styling techniques for their kids hair while having fun with some crazy styles and, of course, with a lot of fun and quality time, together," Barzi said.

On Tuesday Feb. 7, at the Astin Salon, watch for dads and kids wearing their Fodada gear.

"Our clothing helps fund our programs," he said.

The Dad's Do Hair! event is open to dads and their kids (either girls or boys,) ages 4 to 99. Dads are encouraged to come with a plan of what they want to learn in mind.

"We recommend one child, per dad," Fodada said. "Feel free to bring their favorite clips or hair accessories should you like (or if they want you to)."

And remember to RSVP, as space is limited.

WHERE: Ashtin Salon, 2600 East Coast Highway #120, Corona Del Mar, CA.

REGISTER AT: http://www.fodada.com/event-registration

Fodada, photo