SHOP TALK: Central Barbershop offers precise haircuts, easy-going environment
Central Barbershop offers quality haircuts, providing an easy-going, comfortable environment just across the street from campus.
Founded in 2015 by owner Nate Wood, the shop quickly became a hot spot for college students. Wood wanted to create a convenient place to cater to college students for a good haircut.
Walk into the shop and you'll be greeted by Wood or the other two barbers, Vinnie Ortiz and Terrence Thomas. Decorated with all things CMU, the shop creates a familiar environment for a student, not to mention the comfortable couches to lounge in while you wait for a haircut after a long day of classes.
Central Michigan Life sat down with Wood to talk about the barbershop and the culture it has cultivated.
Business: Central Barbershop
Address: 1809 S. Mission Street
Phone Number: (989) 317-0105
CM Life: Why should CMU students choose to get a haircut here?
I’d say over 75% of our clientele attend CMU. We’re in a prime location, right off of campus and within just a couple of minutes to most of the apartments around us. We try to make everyone feel like their own individual, and take the time to converse and make them comfortable while getting a precise cut.
Describe the atmosphere within the barbershop.
We always have good music, or sometimes we put on a movie. The barbers and I like to joke around with each other and our clients, and it just creates a fun, comfortable atmosphere. We have a lot of sports memorabilia from the town and from previous CMU athletes, too. I wanted to show how much the school means to the shop and to let students see how much success has come from the university.
What stands out when comparing you guys to the other local barbershops and salons?
When going to a lot of other places in Mount Pleasant, there’s usually a lack of diversity. Here we have just about every race, creed and color. We offer a lot of haircuts that you usually wouldn't see at other barbershops. We make sure to learn how to cut every type of hair, so our clients are confident they’ll walk out looking fresh.
How did this idea come to mind?
There weren’t any barbershops hiring in town at the time, and I noticed there weren’t any shops in town that focused their attention on CMU students. I wanted a place to cater to students, offer quality haircuts, good line-ups, and good fades. So, I decided to open up my own place.
How did this opportunity to have your own business arise?
An opportunity arose to create the barbershop I’ve always wanted, but I had to take it upon myself to make sure it was on par with my original vision. I knew I was good at cutting hair, but I still needed some confidence. Just telling myself, “if I open a shop and my reputation proceeds me, then clients will come through the door,” really helped me make this step.
What brings people back to Central Barbershop?
Good haircuts. When a kid walks in and wants a specific haircut, we’re going to give them exactly what they expect. For example, if someone wants a bald fade, they’ll get a zero on the sides. A lot of places assume the client doesn’t know what they want, when in reality they do. Sometimes you want a good conversation at a barbershop but not always a good haircut. Here you get a good haircut, conversation and a fun experience.
