“Oh honey it’s all wrong”

My client examines herself in the wall of Mirrors across from her chair.

I bit my lip as she scolds my work.

Honestly, people just don’t appreciate it when someone does what they do best.

Okay, the the cut wasn’t exactly what she asked for but when a runner is given a chance to pass the competition they don’t typically just stay behind just because it’s what they’ve been doing….you see my point?

“I demand a refund”

My client babbles on and on but I’m one step ahead of her.

“Here.”

I hand back her ten bucks and usher her out the door. She leaves no tip.

I stand agains the door frame of my shop. Chewing my gum as loudly as a please and scoping out the crowd that scampers past.

Yep, I’m the cheapest barber as well as the emptiest. My last client was one out of ten who are willing to give a new place a try simply because the price is cheep.

I’m used to the arguments and sooo I always have their cash ready.

I sigh. No body likes talent these days.

I sigh and head back into my shop. A pile of blonde hair lays on the ground waiting to be swept up. I walk past it and slump in my desk chair, stringing my gum.

I look at my logo…..my name….

PERSONALITY CUTS.

YOU NAME THE PRICE I NAME THE CUT.

Ugh….maybe mom was right… maybe hair cuts cant reflect a personality…..but man it was fun.

Sensing a customer before the come through my door and being able to label them the perfect color, cut and style to match their personality.

Maybe it wasn’t a popular business, but dang it should be.

ding ding

I look up from my desk, surprised to see a young man there. He’s tall…blue eyes and. Oh…..oh my lands….his hair.

I stand, starstruck. It’s thick, brown, with a hint of wave.

My brain is already racing threw styles when he clears his throat.

“Excuse me?”

“Hm? Oh yes?”

“What is this place?”

I scowl at him, probably not very lady like of me but I didn’t care. Stupid people just aren’t fun even if they do have hair like a Saint.

“Bruh….” I point to the sign.

He laughs, an annoying and perfect laugh “ya I know you’re a barber…but what is with the slogan?”

No one before him has even bothered to read the slogan and care to know the meaning….

“Um…..so it’s what I do. You tell me the price and I’ll cut it how I see fit.”

“Kinda a risky way to run your business don’t you think? I mean people should pay for what they want”

I sit back down, he’s boring me.

“People should pay for something that they don’t expect. Something that’s worth paying.” I chew my gum faster, it’s lost it’s flavor.

He gives me a smug smile. “What makes you think you know what’s best for them?”

I sigh, stupid people.

“I know them….”

“How?”

“I just do”

“Example?”

I huff….not only was he stupid but he was insistent.

I look at the pile of blonde hair….

“The Clint before you. She was a business woman. She has a boyfriend that’s afraid to commit. She has three cats based on the three different color hairs I saw on her shirt and she likes chocolate shakes. I suggested she go for a old fashioned perm. It would give her a sophisticated look, but also endearing and young, and the look of a simple yet elegant woman.”

He stares……

“How did you know…..”

I smile and shrug.

“Just cuz the FBI won’t take you doesn’t mean your bad at the job….”

He studies me

“Okay do me….”

“You?”

“Yeah tell me what cut I need.”

I breath….honestly, people have tried to test me before.

“You’re single. So you want a look of fresh and pulled together.

You’re also just starting a business, so you need sophistication.

You like golf, although I can’t imagine why ,

So you need a look that goes with those ugly hats.”

I pause….then add…”and you like sushi.”

He stares….dumbfounded.

“FBI training?”

“And lots and lots of books”

“Lies….”

“It’s not a lie when people won’t except the truth….”

He stands there amazed.

“What’s your story?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know” I laugh

“How can I learn?”

I smirk and point to the empty chair…

He hesitates then sits with a plop.

I stand and grab my scissors.

“What do you plan on doing?”

“Ah ah” I shush him and turn him away from the mirror.

“You pay and I play. Just know you’ll get your moneys worth.”

He quarks an eyebrow.

I smile and start cutting……