THE BARBER LOUNGE
Barbershop looks to offer customers a different experience
WILTON, N.Y. >> New local business The Barber Lounge is aiming to offer a different kind of barber shop experience for customers.
The Barber Lounge, owned and operated by Matt Shufelt, opened in early February as the first business in a new building at 628 Maple Ave. in Wilton.
In this spacious 2,000-square-foot shop - complete with seven chair stations and multiple lounge areas - Shufelt’s goal is to create a setting where old school meets new age.
“This isn’t your typical barber shop,” Shufelt said, noting that the barbers can deliver a diverse array of styles, including on long hair or ethnic hair. “I wanted to do something different here.”
The Barber Lounge was designed to be a welcoming environment.
“I wanted to build a barber shop that anybody could walk into and feel comfortable, and know that they’re going to get nothing shy of what they’re looking for,” Shufelt continued. “It’s a spot for everybody, where you know you can come in and get the best quality services, and you get a great value.”
Currently the shop has three licensed master barbers: Shufelt, Tristan Saunders and Madison Butler.
All three have been barbers in the Saratoga Springs area for several years before joining this new venture.
Shufelt first got his start in this field as a 17-year-old freshman on the Morrisville State College men’s hockey team. When he began giving haircuts to his teammates, “I liked it,” Shufelt said. “I realized I really enjoyed it.”
After college, and after gaining professional management experience working in sales, Shufelt decided to pursue barbering as a career.
A friend, Michael Egan of Major League Barbers originally taught Shufelt how to cut hair. “He’s the one that put the clippers in my hand,” Shufelt recalled.
Beyond that initial gift, Shufelt credits his success in the industry to his mentor Vincenzo Federico of Vinny’s Barber Shop, where he worked prior to starting this new business. “Vinny taught me everything I know,” he said.
Now that he’s operating his own barber shop, Shufelt has decided to place great emphasis on atmosphere. With modern design features by Joshua Brenenstuhl Construction and Michael Biss Woodworking, paired with great conversation and sports on television, “It’s a really laid back spot where people can come in, get a haircut, have a drink while they wait if they want,” he said, sharing that the shop has complimentary wifi, coffee, water and juice boxes for the kids. “We try to make the experience different and pleasurable for our clients.”
Looking ahead, the Saratoga Springs resident intends for The Barber Lounge to be an integral part of the community.
“This type of business is all about being involved in the community,” he said, mentioning partnerships with local veterans organizations and youth sports leagues.
In addition to aiding the community, Shufelt is passionate about helping the shop’s staff as well by offering opportunities, through apprenticeships and employment. He said, “I want to be able to provide an outlet for people to make a good life.”
The Barber Lounge takes walk-ins, or appointments can be made by phone or online at the shop’s website.
The shop is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, with walk-in hours beginning at 9 a.m. Details about an upcoming grand opening celebration with the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce will be announced soon.