Young barbers overcome adversity to open 2 new barber shops in Bemidji (2024)

BEMIDJI — Two young barbers who have overcome significant adversity are bringing the local barber shop scene back to life.

It’s been about three years since Bemidji had an old-fashioned barber shop. Sure there are plenty of hair salons in town, but after Michael Flaherty of Fade Masters died in 2020 and Ted LaFriniere of Headquarters Barbershop died in 2021, there were no barber shops. By comparison, Bemidji had 12 barber shops listed in the 1964 city directory.

That changed this year when Mandez Ransom, 33, realized a long-time dream in March by starting the Icuttz Barber Lounge in the former Headquarters location at 216 Minnesota Ave. NW. Eric Bower, 36, followed suit this summer when he opened The Gentleman’s Barber Shop at 1510 Bemidji Ave. N.

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An early start

Mandez Ransom was a senior at Minneapolis North High School when he cut hair for the first time. His family was having a cookout, and a cousin didn’t have money for a haircut.

“So I told him we had some little clippers upstairs, and I could try to do something,” Ransom recalled. “From the moment I had the clippers in my hand I just felt like I knew what I was doing. It turned out good, actually. And from that moment I kind of knew that I wanted to be a barber, for sure.”

Mandez was the middle child of a family being raised by a single mother in a tough neighborhood.

“My biological dad wasn’t around, so it was just my mom and the three of us,” Ransom shared. “My older brother liked to be outside, running around with his friends. So it was just me and my sister at home a lot. So I had to learn how to cook, and kind of just step up and be a father figure to her.”

During his high school years, Ransom took part in a construction program and spent summers working in that field. But he knew that wasn’t a career path for him. He wanted to be a barber.

“I remember a senior essay I had to write,” Ransom said. “Basically you had to write about your plans for the next step after high school. I wrote that I wanted to go to barber school, I wanted to get my license, go work in a shop and eventually open my own shop. My goal was always to have a shop open before I turned 35.”

Young barbers overcome adversity to open 2 new barber shops in Bemidji (1)

Dennis Doeden / Bemidji Pioneer

He worked construction for a couple of years, did some babysitting and sold cell phones, trying to put away enough money to attend barber school. His mom remarried, and his new stepfather gave him the funds he needed to enroll at Moler Barber School in northeast Minneapolis.

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After graduating in 2013, Ransom worked at several barber shops in the Minneapolis area. He developed a loyal clientele, and at one point started cutting hair in his garage. But that goal of owning his own shop remained, and it finally came to fruition this year.

Ransom met his fiance, Kaylee Brunelle, in the Twin Cities. She grew up in Cass Lake, and wanted to move back to this area. Ransom wasn’t sure about making the move up north.

“I figured it's just another smaller town,” he said, “but I didn't realize the demand that Bemidji had for barbers. I think my favorite part about cutting in Bemidji is the diversity. I've met people from all over the world.”

Icuttz Barber Lounge is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Turning it around

Eric Bower wasn’t sure what he wanted to do after serving six-plus years in federal prison for selling drugs. But he knew he had to turn his life around.

“I have a buddy who has a drywall company, so he gave me a job right away when I got out,” Bower said. “He kind of helped me adapt to the world.”

After five years of drywall work, Bower decided to pursue a different career path.

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“I saw all my friends who were in drywall, their backs hurt and everybody was going to a chiropractor,” he said. “Another had to wear a back brace. Another can’t play golf anymore. Another has to sleep on a Lazy Boy.”

Young barbers overcome adversity to open 2 new barber shops in Bemidji (2)

Dennis Doeden / Bemidji Pioneer

So Bower decided to go to barber school.

“I had been saving money from drywall work,” he said. “I believe the best barber in the Upper Midwest area is Brendan LaFrance. He owns Dakota Barber Academy and Tailor Made Barber Shop (in Fargo, N.D.).”

He enrolled at Dakota Barber Academy and nine months later was a licensed barber. After working at a shop in Detroit Lakes for six months, he opened his first shop in Mahnomen near his home in May 2023, and this year opened a second location in Bemidji.

LaFrance said he was impressed with Bower’s determination.

“All credit goes to Eric,” LaFrance said. “He drove to Fargo every day from White Earth, through the winter and everything to get to school. Most days he was the first one there. He really pushed himself to get out there and open up not one but two businesses since he’s been out of school. I share Eric’s story a lot when I’m talking to people about just what you can do with your life.”

Bower splits his time between the Mahnomen and Bemidji shops. In Bemidji, he’s open Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays. Appointments can be made online at the-gentlemans-barber.com.

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“I like the old-fashioned barber shop,” Bower said. “The Bemidji community has been very welcoming.”

LaFrance added, “Eric is very friendly and a very funny guy. He’s got the ability to joke with everybody. That goes a long way in this business. Building up that personal rapport is a huge thing in this business.”

Young barbers overcome adversity to open 2 new barber shops in Bemidji (2024)

FAQs

Young barbers overcome adversity to open 2 new barber shops in Bemidji? ›

Eric Bower has opened barber shops in Bemidji and Mahnomen after graduating from Dakota Barber Academy in Fargo. He opened The Gentleman's Barber Shop at 1510 Bemidji Ave. N. this summer.

Why are so many barber shops opening? ›

People are having their hair cut more and are wanting to look after themselves. 'Since Covid, I've seen a massive increase in male grooming and there's been more shops open because of it. A lot of places are doing appointment-only now but we're still a walk-in business.

What are the risks of opening a barbershop? ›

You likely have a substantial amount of money invested in your salon and barber shop equipment, including chairs, dryers, sinks, and product inventory. Damage from severe weather, electrical outages or brownouts, fire, vandalism, and criminal break-ins could be devastating to your business' survival.

Is opening up a barbershop profitable? ›

Absolutely, barber shops can turn a profit. With the right mix of skillful service, strategic location, and sound management practices, you stand a good chance at success.

What is the secret to success in the barbering industry? ›

Be consistent in your work

Being consistent is the key to everything in life, but especially to being a barber. You need to be able to deliver results that your clients love every single time they come to see you. When people love their cut, shave, or their regular service, they'll keep coming back.

Why do barbers not cut hair on Mondays? ›

Historical Significance and Work-Life Balance. The origins of this tradition date back to the earlier days of barbering when barber shops were open six days a week, from Tuesday to Sunday. Monday was the only day off for barber shop owners, who otherwise worked long hours during the week, to rest and recuperate.

Why do people quit barbering? ›

It Can Be Draining

You are not just standing, you are rotating, angling, stooping, craning, and requiring all-out physical exertion to do your job right. Sometimes, barbers simply can't hack it because their bodies can't handle the extended periods of physical exertion.

What is critical success of a barbershop? ›

Balancing quality and profitability requires a focus on customer retention. While delivering consistent, quality haircuts is essential, so is creating a comfortable and engaging environment for clients. Investing in the team and community initiatives can also contribute to long-term profitability.

What are the weaknesses of barber shops? ›

Examples of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats for the SWOT of a barbershop
StrengthsWeaknesses
Skilled and experienced barbersLimited marketing budget
Excellent customer serviceLimited range of services compared to competitors
Trendy and inviting salon ambianceDependence on a small, local customer base
7 more rows
Nov 21, 2023

Do barbershop owners make a lot of money? ›

How Much Do Barber Shop Owner Jobs Pay per Year? $35,500 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $63,500 is the 75th percentile.

Why should barbers start an LLC? ›

By establishing your barbershop as an LLC, you can separate your personal assets from the liabilities of your business. You can also help enhance your professional image, building credibility with your customers, partners, and suppliers.

How much do most barbers make? ›

Barber Salary in California
Annual SalaryMonthly Pay
Top Earners$74,017$6,168
75th Percentile$62,700$5,225
Average$46,632$3,886
25th Percentile$35,000$2,916

What are the disadvantages of being a barber? ›

Disadvantages of Being a Barber
  • Hard Work on Quite Less Pay.
  • No passion and progress.
  • High Maintenance Clients.
  • Keeping up with modern trends.
  • Building up the client list.
  • Must be quick on their feet.
  • No room for error.

How to make $100,000 a year as a barber? ›

A barber can make $100,000 a year by providing excellent customer service and building a strong client base. This can be done through offering quality haircuts, styling services, and other beauty treatments. Additionally, the barber should strive to create an inviting atmosphere that customers enjoy visiting.

Why is barbering so hard? ›

The challenge is often in mastering the technical skills required for precise and stylish haircuts. This calls for practice, patience, and a genuine passion for the craft. As with any skill, repetition and perseverance are needed to become proficient.

Can barbers make 6 figures? ›

In 2021, the average barber salary is $35,700 per year. That said, we've all seen barbers on social media bragging about six-figure salaries. Below, we'll break down some of the most common factors that determine a barber's income and chat strategies to surge your paycheck as a professional barber.

Why is everyone becoming a barber? ›

Barbers make good money, often get to run their own shops, and learn specialized skills that cannot be replaced.

Are barbers becoming more popular? ›

The average number of Barbers per 10,000 people has more than doubled in the last 10 years, going from 1.4 per 10,000 people to 3.1 in 2023.

Is the barber industry growing? ›

The barbershop industry is expected to grow by 2.1% annually from 2021-2026. The average price of a beard trim in the U.S. is $15. Barbershop industry revenue is expected to grow by 5.5% in 2022. The global barbershop market is projected to reach $26.64 billion by 2025.

What state do barbers make the most money? ›

Top 50 Highest Paying States for Barber Jobs in the U.S.

Topping the list is New York, with Vermont and Pennsylvania close behind in second and third. Pennsylvania beats the national average by 6.9%, and New York furthers that trend with another $8,718 (16.7%) above the $52,123.

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