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Boardman barbershop relocates to the heart of downtown
YOUNGSTOWN
The downtown economy continues to grow as a local barbershop starts cutting hair this week.
On Tuesday, the Starting Line Up will have a soft opening at its new home on the ground floor of the Realty Tower apartments building, on the corner of Market and Federal streets.
Its grand opening will be in May.
“I’m at the location where I want to be,” said Jerome Franklin, the barbershop’s owner. “I always wanted to come down here.”
The 1,600-square-foot store will be open with initial hours from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. six days a week. Although Mondays are by appointment only, walk-ins are welcome Tuesdays through Saturdays.
Haircuts cost $15 for age 13 and over, but $10 for senior citizens and children, Franklin said. College students can get a $5 discount on Wednesdays, he added.
With the shop featuring a jazz setting, Franklin said he wants customers to “feel a sense of relaxation” during their visit. Unlike previous locations, he said the shop will offer full service with seven beauticians, six barbers and a nail technician.
“I think it will be an awesome opportunity to come downtown and be right in the heart of it,” said Maurice Gooch, one of the shop’s hair and makeup artists.
Although he did haircuts for his family and himself, Franklin said he never considered being a barber. But while on a vacation, he lost his job at Bliss Technologies Inc. in Newton Falls after working there for more than five years. Franklin said he “couldn’t find anything” at the several job fairs he attended.
“I never want to get put into that position again,” he said.
A friend from Franklin’s church suggested he become a barber. He then attended Akron Barber College, from which he graduated in 2001. After working at another barbershop for five years, he started the Starting Line Up on Market Street in 2006.
“I still had my eye on downtown,” Franklin said.
In 2010, he relocated the shop to its Hillman Way location but noticed the space at Realty Tower at that time.
“This [space] was what I was looking at five years ago,” he said.
Back then the building was owned by Lou Frangos, who was once one of downtown’s biggest property owners. Realty Tower is now owned by NYO Property Group.
“Jerome did a great job with the space,” said Kelly Persin, NYO property manager. “NYO is excited that our resident and commercial tenants have another place to visit in downtown.”
Mike Avey, owner of Joe Maxx Coffee Co. adjacent to the barbershop, said a new business will increase traffic downtown, which benefits everyone.
“Personally, I’m just excited to see more growth, more diversity, and more people in downtown,” he said.
The Starting Line Up will host a grand opening May 18. Franklin said he would like to expand the business with other locations.
“I was meant to be down here,” he said.