A place of her own

Published 3:00 pm Wednesday, September 6, 2006

POULSBO — A barber pole doesn’t spin around outside, but there’s one painted on the door providing just a hint of what’s behind it.

After years spent working for another business, Rachel Mercer decided it was time for a change in scenery.

“I wanted this to be my last hoorah, so five years ago I decided I wanted to cut hair,” Mercer said as she reflected on the road that led to her opening her own barbershop on Viking Avenue of May.

Upon completing her training at Gene Juarez, Mercer knew where her interest lay and instead of working for a salon, she decided to specialize in men’s hair.

When she returned to Little Norway as a stylist, Mercer said she enjoyed working two and a half days for another local barbershop, but then the unexpected happened.

“I was booked for my two and a half days. When this shop opened up, and I decided to take it,” she said.

What she inherited with the purchase was a functional building with all of the right pieces, which was in need of a few modifications, she said.

“I redecorated and repainted it, and wanted to give it a homey touch,” she said.

Her touch includes a carpeted waiting area with comfortable couches and chairs, so customers can relax as they wait for their appointments.

That relaxed atmosphere doesn’t change when customers climb into the chair, either, she said.

“I’m not in a hurry, and I really like to take my time and listen to my customers to find out what they want,” she said. “I want them to be happy with their haircut.”

Many customers have problem spots in their hair or things they’d like to change, and Mercer said her goal is find a way to meet those expectations and needs.

Whether it’s a standard buzz cut, something as chic as highlights or anything else a customer can think of, Mercer said she can make it happen.

“There’s not much we can’t do here, but one of the things that sets us apart is our hot lather and hot towel,” she said.

Instead of using electric clippers to trim the backs of customers’ neck or sideburns, Mercer said she still uses the old-fashioned hot lather and straight razor method, which is a rarity these days.

“I think the thing that sets mine apart is it’s more warm and feels like home,” she said.