Central city barber shop in new hands

NEW ideas and a respect for tradition are at the forefront for Ladish Barber Shop coowners Ashlea MacDougall and Rhonda Bamford.

The pair have taken over the former Selwyn Grave Barbers shop, at 276 Moray Pl, and have refreshed and rebranded it as Ladish Barber Shop.

‘‘We have a great fondness for Selwyn and a respect for the traditions he built up over many years, while also bringing in new ideas of our own,’’ Ashlea said.

The main focus of the business will remain on providing barber services for men, hence the Ladish Barber Shop name, although haircuts for women are also available.

Ashlea MacDougall has 37 years of experience in hairdressing and barbering, including working with Selwyn Grave for three years, and is leading the team of three barbers.

Working alongside her on the barber’s chairs are former Selwyn Grave barbers Ellis and Mike, both of whom have their own following of clients.

Business partner Rhonda Bamford has a range of business experience, including farming, and is looking after the financial side of Ladish Barber Shop.

‘‘We think our skills really compliment each other and we are very happy to have taken over the business,’’ Rhonda said.

The Ladish Barber Shop team are committed to providing ‘‘quality services for the young and young at heart’’, and are happy to welcome longstanding Selwyn Grave clients, as well as new customers.

There are three barber’s chairs operating throughout the day, and no appointments are necessary — just walk in for a cut.

‘‘Monday this week was the first time we were all together as a team, and it has been really good — we are excited about it,’’ Ashlea said.

‘‘We are already seeing a steady stream of familiar faces among our customers, and they appreciate having the same services on offer.

‘‘We have had a lot of positive feedback already, which is nice.’’

Rhonda said the central location of the barber shop, on Moray Pl close to George St, was ideal for the dropin nature of its services.

‘‘We are easy for everyone to access, including corporate staff, people coming from the bus hub, and high school pupils — it’s great,’’ she said.

The Ladish Barber Shop is open from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Thursday, and from 8am to 6pm on Friday.

PHOTO: BRENDA HARWOOD Bustling . . . The Ladish Barber Shop (formerly Selwyn Grave) in Moray Pl is bustling once again as longstanding and new customers enjoy a good haircut and banter.

PHOTO: BRENDA HARWOOD Honouring legacy . . . Ladish Barber Shop coowners Ashlea MacDougall (left) and Rhonda Bamford have taken over and rebranded the Selwyn Grave barber shop, in Moray Pl, bringing a fresh vision while honouring its history.