The Keeper’s Chair

Before there was a barbershop, a barber pole, or even a finished logo... there was this sketch.

This was one of the very first concept sketches Shawn and I put together while trying to figure out exactly what The Keeper's Chair needed to become if it was going to be more than just another barbershop.

We sat down with a blank piece of paper, a handful of markers, and started throwing ideas around. Some of them made it. A lot of them didn't. Looking back now, it's pretty cool to see how much survived into the logo that's painted in the shop today.

People often see the finished product but rarely get to see the beginning. The shop still isn't exactly how I pictured it would be after being open nearly two months. There are ideas still on paper, projects still waiting to be built, and plenty of little details left to finish.

If you stop in over the next few months, you're not just seeing a finished barbershop. You're watching one being built.

Enjoy the view. I'm just getting started..

Ever wonder why every barbershop has a barber pole outside?

Most people recognize it. Very few know what it means.

Centuries ago, barbers did much more than cut hair. They performed minor surgical procedures like bloodletting, pulled teeth, dressed wounds, and even set broken bones.

During bloodletting, patients would grip a wooden pole to make their veins more visible. The blood-soaked bandages used during the procedure were washed and hung to dry around the pole. As they twisted in the wind, they created the familiar red and white spiral.

🔴 Red for the blood.
⚪ White for the bandages.
🔵 Blue is for the veins.

Thankfully, the only thing I’m responsible for today is cutting hair and holding a conversation.

The tools have changed. The techniques have evolved.

But the best barbershops have always been about the people.

The Keeper’s Chair was built entirely on the belief that a barbershop should still mean something, and I hope to honor that tradition for years to come.

The Keeper’s Chair

In a few minutes, I'll be getting the shop ready for the first appointments of month two. Before the day begins, I wanted to take a minute to say thank you.

When I opened The Keeper's Chair, I set goals for where I hoped we'd be after the first month... and where I hoped we'd be after three.

I'll be honest, this first month brought me much closer to that three month goal than I ever imagined possible. The funny thing about reaching a goal sooner than expected is that it sends you right back to the drawing board. It makes you ask bigger questions, dream bigger dreams, and raise the standard for what this place can become.

Every appointment, every recommendation, every review, every share, and every person who chose to trust me with their haircut has helped build something bigger than I could've done on my own. I don't take that for granted. I am forever grateful.

One simple phrase has guided me throughout the last decade of my life:
"Be who you needed when you were younger."

For me, a barbershop was one of the first places I experienced real conversation, mentorship, accountability, humor, confidence, and community all in one room. That was incredibly powerful for a young man. Today, I understand just how important those places still are for grown men.

I never wanted people to come here because they need a haircut. I want them to look forward to coming here. To know they're always welcome, to enjoy the conversations, and to feel like they're part of something more.

Thank you for believing in this and making the first month one I'll never forget. 💈🙏🏼⚓️

TheKeepersChair.com

For the last decade of cutting hair, one thing has always been true…

Every holiday week, my phone fills up with messages asking if I have “just one appointment” left.

This year is a little different. The Keeper’s Chair is still new, so there are more appointments available than there have been in years. But I don’t expect that to last for long and you shouldn’t either.

We’re booking faster and filling more of the schedule every week. In less than 30 days, we’ve already had several fully booked days, and I can’t thank everyone enough for the support.

With the Fourth of July and America’s 250th birthday coming up, I’ll be adding some extra appointment times where I can. Whether you’re headed to a cookout, the parade, the fireworks, or spending the weekend with family, I’d love to help you look your best.

Once those extra appointments are booked, they’re gone. 🇺🇸💈

Book your appointment at TheKeepersChair.com

As many of you know, The Keeper’s Chair was founded on the belief that a barbershop should still mean something.

I have no doubt everyone who walks through these doors will leave looking better.

I just pray they leave feeling better too.

Father’s Day is ONLY two days away.

If you’re still looking for a last minute gift, gift cards are now available at The Keeper’s Chair. Available in any amount and can be purchased in person at the shop.

For the dads who get up early, stay late, carry more than they talk about, and show up day after day without asking for much in return.

The ones fixing things, coaching teams, working overtime, and doing whatever needs to be done.

A good haircut won’t repay everything they’ve done, but it’s a simple way to let them know they’re appreciated.

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there.

I’ve opened up some additional appointment times this weekend, including a few later evening spots.

One of the advantages of being an appointment-only barbershop is that the schedule doesn’t have to fit into a traditional set of business hours. When my schedule allows and there’s enough demand, I’ll do my best to adjust hours to better serve the people who support the shop.

That being said, I need some feedback from you all.

Would later evening appointments help? Earlier mornings? Certain days of the week?

The Keeper’s Chair is still growing, and your input helps shape what that growth looks like. If there’s a time you’ve wanted to book but haven’t been able to make work, let me know in the comments or send me a message.

For now, there are some additional appointments available this weekend if you’ve been trying to get in.

You can view availability and book your appointment 24/7 through the website. TheKeepersChair.com

Thanks for continuing to support The Keeper’s Chair. We’re just getting started. 💈🙏🏼

The Keeper's Chair

Two weeks in, and again I just want to say thank you.

I’ve been busier than I expected during this soft launch, and I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who has booked an appointment, shared a post, left a review, recommended me to a friend, or simply stopped by to check out the shop.

We’re continuing to add things, make improvements, and build the space into what I always envisioned it becoming. I appreciate everyone’s patience, feedback, and support along the way. The truth is, this dream only became a reality because of this community and the people who continue to support it.

Every appointment, share, review, comment, and recommendation helps The Keeper’s Chair grow.

As the schedule continues to fill up, next day availability will become more limited. For those with a set schedule, I can manually set up recurring appointments, or we can simply schedule your next visit before you leave the shop.

Thank you for helping me build something special here in Havre de Grace. We’re just getting started, I promise.

TheKeepersChair.com 💈⚓️

The Keeper's Chair

Today I had the opportunity to partner with the Harford County Literacy Chapter as part of their Barbershops, Boys, and Books initiative. They stopped by the shop and dropped off a great collection of books that are now available for anyone to enjoy while they’re here. Children participating in the program will be recognized through their school at the beginning of the school year for participating.

Thank you to the Harford County Literacy Chapter for including The Keeper’s Chair in this project. I’m looking forward to seeing it grow.

Additionally, if you’d like to support programs like this, consider becoming a member of the Harford County Literacy Chapter when memberships open for the new year on July 1. Memberships are available for educators, parents, and community members. Memberships help support literacy initiatives throughout Harford County.

📚 Books available now at The Keeper’s Chair
💈 407 S. Juniata Street, Havre de Grace

Appointments available at TheKeepersChair.com