Celebrating 20 Years of Jonny Barber Shop: An Ellicottville Staple
Celebrating 20 Years of Jonny Barber Shop: An Ellicottville Staple
As Jonny Barber Shop approaches its 20th anniversary, owner Jonny Barlow reflects on the journey from cutting friends’ hair to becoming one of Ellicottville’s most beloved small-business fixtures.
Small businesses are near and dear to our Ellicottville community. Their specialized goods and services pepper the town with personality and love. Over time, these businesses grandfather themselves into the community, and after many years, become iconic and beloved. For example, if I were to say “barber shop” to you, one word probably comes to mind: Jonny!
The Jonny Barber Shop is nearing the start of its 20th year in business, and that is worth a celebration. Owner/operator Jonny Barlow has been barbering the gentlemen of Ellicottville solo for two decades and has become a great friend to his customers over the years. Like many, his passion started among friends and family and grew from there.
HOW HE GOT TO SNIPPING
“I was cutting hair for friends and myself, and then somebody thought I was doing a good job who was in the industry and suggested going into barber school,” said Jonny. At first he wasn’t sure about this career change, but Jonny said that the craft ultimately came easily for him when he was in school.
Jonny worked for a barber shop in Woodlawn, NY, outside of Buffalo, and continued to gain knowledge and experience after graduating from barber school. “That’s where I learned how to really give a good haircut,” he added.
Between his apprenticeship and the founding of Jonny Barber Shop in 2006, Jonny found himself as a yacht deckhand in Florida for a year, a move that shocked even him. “I felt like I was pulled there. I didn’t plan on doing any of that, but when I was down there, I thought, what else was I gonna do besides look at all these boats around here! I ended up living a year on the boat,” said Jonny.
Starting his business after his year abroad was both exciting and nerve-wracking for Jonny. On one hand, he was excited to be home with friends and family, and he knew that Ellicottville needed a barber. On the other hand, starting a business in such a small town isn’t easy. However, Jonny smartly weaponized his network of support to spread the word, and it paid off. “I knew it was gonna be tough. But with word of mouth and lots of people helping me get the word out, it slowly built, and here I am,” he added.
The original Jonny Barber Shop was located in the Old Schoolhouse. “It was a small space, and it wasn’t the best location, but it was all I could find to rent that was affordable,” Jonny reflected. He thought back to his first day in business at his brand-new shop. “I remember sitting around and having friends come in to support me. I put ads out there and I would go around town and talk up what I was doing, but I remember thinking that I really didn’t know what was going to happen.”
Business eventually picked up and Jonny grew faith in his career. He mentioned how barbering began to gain more popularity in social media, which helped his shop in the local community. “You see on the internet now, lots of barbers post their stuff, and it’s a huge business, it’s cool. Kids started coming in, and I started getting some regulars, and I was like, alright. I’m just gonna have to stick with it.”
A SMALL BUSINESS STAPLE
Jonny and so many other small business owners in the village define the character and charm that Ellicottville has. Supporting them helps foster such a tight-knit, friendly, and interpersonal community. “It’s a real personal connection, and we all share something - whether it be way from the past, or how we grew up and were raised in the community. There’s just so much you can relate to the community, and it’s really fun,” said Jonny.
GUY TALK: GABBING IN THE CHAIR
There is a special dynamic between a hairstylist and a customer. Jonny touched on this relationship and why he thought people feel so comfortable with their hairstylists. “It could be the proximity - I’m right there, and my hands are working near their head and their face, and they have to trust me with sharp objects,” Jonny chuckled.
He explained how it was interesting to learn about people’s lives, and about things that only close friends and family might know. It’s fun for him to remember stories he’s told so that he can check back with customers on their next visit. This commitment to a personal connection is why Jonny has become such a friend to the men of Ellicottville.
JONNY’S HAIR DOS AND DONT’S
After twenty years, Jonny Barber has seen loads of styles become popular, and then fall by the wayside for something new. If you’re to ask anyone which hairstyles look good and which ones look not so good, Jonny is a good ear to bend.
“I would like to see a lot more fades, a little bit more of the classical look. The kids do the long hair, the puffy style, which is fun for them. I just roll with whatever comes along and learn by watching videos and keeping up with the trends,” he said.
What he doesn’t want to see? The ‘70s long feathery cut. “That would be awful to see come back!” Jonny exclaimed.
If you or the men in your life are looking a little shaggy, go support Jonny Barber Shop at 13 Bristol Lane, Ellicottville. You can book an appointment at www.jonnybarber.biz. While you’re there, don’t forget to enter to win a box of haircare, styling pomade, and tools from UPPERCUT! Ask for more details in the shop.