By NICK NOLAN
The Evening News
SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. (AP) — Since opening his barbershop on March 16, Derek Canute has been busy creating an environment to help his male clientele take an edge off in a relaxed environment while getting their hair or facial hair styled.
Derek's Barbershop, named after the owner and only employee, is located in the Small Mall in downtown Sault Ste. Marie. After a brief renovation period that started on the first of March, Canute transformed a former insurance office into a retro-styled barbershop blended with a man cave, The Evening News (http://bit.ly/1MppFO7 ) reported.
"It went fast. I had it done in 11 days," said Canute, explaining his blitzkrieg approach to renovating the former office space. "There were a lot of late nights."
The shop is outfitted with two long, sectioned leather couches, a large flat screen TV, free beverages including pop and coffee, and posters of the different hair and beard styles Canute can give to his customers. There are two barber chairs in the room. One of them is in the shape of an airplane for children.
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Canute moved back to the Sault in June of 2014 after living in the city for four years between 2005 and 2009 while enlisted in the United States Coast Guard. The Iowa native owned two barbershops before opening his third shop. Canute started cutting hair in the Coast Guard before going to barber school for a year in 2009. He specializes in specialty cuts, fades and facial hair razor work.
It's the only place in town to get a hot shave. The old-styled shave with a straight edge is an attraction for men. For boys there is a popcorn machine, the aforementioned airplane chair and coloring books among other activities. The idea is to make it a comfortable hangout place for men of all ages.
"When a kid comes in, I try to focus on the fun stuff. Let's focus on the toys, the drawing. I've had kids just come in and that's all they do — they sit down have popcorn, play with cars just so they're comfortable in here," said Canute on helping to create an atmosphere where small boys don't fear haircuts or a trip to the barbershop.
"If you come in and don't have an appointment that's fine. You can chill," he said. "I want it to be a relaxing atmosphere."
He plans on rolling out a new marketing campaign soon to reach out to potential customers. Still, he feels his most engaging attraction is to present himself to his customers as approachable. Keeping a one to one relationship with his customers is a priority for Canute.
"You're not a number here," he added. "I wanted a traditional barbershop with a modern twist."
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Information from: The Evening News, http://www.sooeveningnews.com
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