The sound of a clipper, or watching the precise movement from a blade, is in view when you step inside Gem City Barbershop.<\/p>\n
Benjamin Santiago stated, \u201cI\u2019ve been a licensed barber since I was 18.\u201d Santiago is also now a barbershop co-owner.<\/p>\n
He and business partner Donald Woods opened the shop in 2023 after months of pursuing and planning. Woods said, \u201cI kept going up and down the bayfront and seeing this location pretty vacant for a while, so I started taking note, looking in, and doing some research.\u201d<\/p>\n
Santiago stated, \u201cIt started off with just me, and then we got extra barbers down the road.\u201d<\/p>\n
Now, the seven chairs inside are filled with full-time professionals. That includes Breanna Bachmann \u2014 the only female in a shop full of male barbers.<\/p>\n
Bachmann stated, \u201cYou know what? I\u2019m the oldest girl of all brothers. Mom\u2019s back then \u2014 it\u2019s very expensive to get all your kids\u2019 haircuts at once \u2014 so I decided I\u2019d be a barber.\u201d<\/p>\n
She\u2019s a multi-service barber who went to cosmetology school and does everything from color to braids and designs \u2014 showing how her job carries physical significance.<\/p>\n
Bachmann added, \u201cThey come to you for their weddings, for their first day of school. They come to you when they are sad and just want a pick-me-up.\u201d<\/p>\n
For clients, eyebrow enhancements, hot towel treatments, and facial services are also offered.<\/p>\n
Santiago stated, \u201cA lot of men don\u2019t really take care of their face, so I can help you with that, too.\u201d<\/p>\n
As the only barbershop along Erie\u2019s bayfront, the shop sees plenty of visitors \u2014 from hotel guests to people just in the region for the day \u2014 along with loyal regulars.<\/p>\n
But Gem City Barbershop also serves as a mentor to many in the industry who have not yet earned their barber license. They shadow the professional barbers over time to further learn the trade and train for the future.<\/p>\n
Co-owner Donald Woods stated that he is \u201c\u2026proud of everybody here.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pride shown from a non-barber who has been in the industry for many years and continues working to provide cross-trained professionals the chance to serve the Gem City area.<\/p>\n