Is It Truly Just the Art of Barbering?
Or is there much more to this place than beard trims, line-ups, and fine cuts? The Jonn Laurenz barbershop is conveniently located in downtown Everett, near the courthouse and the north precinct police station.
I noticed it one day after leaving my office space, which happens to be on the top floor of the same building. For me to get groomed I just have to go down a few flights of stairs. I went to the shop to simply get a quality haircut because I don't like to cut my own hair or trim my beard with a straight razor, or look like my college English professor. I want to get a clean cut that is done professionally, where people know what they're doing. But what I discovered was more than a cut-n-go experience.
When I walk through the door I'm greeted by friendly barbers who create an inviting atmosphere. The shop is filled with vibrant music that cuts the stress of my busy days (no pun intended). The owner, Erik, will sometimes start singing loudly while he's cutting hair to a song that's playing in the shop and he's just as good at that as he is with the clippers. There are currently five barbers and two apprentices. There are also eight barber chairs and two hair washing stations, not to mention a big screen TV to watch while waiting for an appointment.
Each time I book a spot, it is with Jonathan, my favorite barber. It's like he and I have kindred spirits. So when I'm seated in his chair, there's always a great conversation and I leave encouraged or challenged. What I enjoy more than a haircut is the personal interaction with my barber. He genuinely cares about me as a person and I can tell by the depth of our conversation. My haircuts are done perfectly and the lineup on my beard is sharp every time. I can show up as a walk-in or book my appointments online, selecting a specific barber by name if desired, or choosing the type of cut that includes pricing. Compared to bigger cities nearby (like Bellevue) the prices are reasonable. At this shop, I pay an average of $20 for a haircut and lineup, but I once paid $40 for the same thing in Seattle.
Each barber is an artist here that does amazing work, each at his own pace. I've seen them do haircuts of all sorts, from detailed designs on the back of the head (of all ages), to professional looking trims for the business class. Because of the great location, the barbershop has many clients: both male, female, attorneys, officers, military personnel, and homeless to name a few. I've witnessed several occasions when these barbers will make time to cut hair for the homeless and even go as far as praying with them. I see the powerful effect it has, watching each homeless person walk away feeling like a member of society with hope in their eyes and smiles on their faces.
It's a big barbershop with a larger backroom that is being renovated by Fig Leaf Coffee. The barbershop decided to partner with Luda (the lovely Ukrainian owner) three weeks ago. She runs the coffee cart, making premium drinks using a medium roast from Portland's finest: Stumptown Coffee Roasters. Compared to the drinks I buy from Starbucks, the ones from Fig Leaf taste superb and they're a third of the cost.
Because of the continual improvements to the look of the shop, it seems to always be unfinished or under construction, which can take away a bit of the experience. They're remodeling the floors, walls and lighting but should be finished soon. Another downside is that they're closed on Mondays and Sundays, but that's typical of most barbershops.
Although it may seem odd to develop this kind of connection to a barbershop, I would drive up to an hour to get to this place. What I found here is worth more than a clean haircut. The experience and relationship with each barber at Jonn Laurenz would be hard to replace if I had to go elsewhere. The barbers make you feel like family.
Other customers come in and out of the shop just to stop by for fellowship, for coffee, for friendly advice or to be encouraged. There is no hesitation to give Jonn Laurenz five stars out of five, even in comparison to the expensive or fancier shops in the major cities. Why? You can find not only a great barber, but a true friend here.
Jonn Laurenz: 2908 Wetmore Ave, Everett WA 98201
Make appointments @ jlaurenz.com or call 425-257-9080
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 10:30am to 6pm, Friday 9am to 7pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm
Fig Leaf Coffee: Same location & times. read more