Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Hardwick.
Ryan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I went to barber school 9 years ago. Just before the barber boom. I was working as a bartender at night and playing in bands and my stability was a little wild and nerve-racking, to say the least. I was expecting the birth of my son and thought barbering would be a great career. My girlfriend (now wife) was cutting hair at the time and kept pushing me to sign up for barber school. I’ve always wanted to be my own boss and work on my time. I knew I was destined to open a shop the day I started school. There just wasn’t a shop like I saw in my dreams in the city of Cleveland. I’m lucky to have worked in some of the best shops around town. I cut hair downtown for a year, on Coventry for two years, and back in the west side for about two or three years before pulling the trigger on opening my own shop. I have a fantastic partner at Black Cat and we couldn’t be more proud of our business. We’re steady rolling!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Truthfully, I wish I had a wilder story to share but it’s been easy sailing. I ran the shop I was in before opening Black Cat so I had the experience and knew what it would take to make the shop successful. I definitely didn’t expect it to catch on as well as it has so fast. Our chairs are totally filled and everyone is booked! It’s truly an amazing thing to see your hard work pay off. My partner and I are workhorses and the hardest part thus far has been stepping away for some r+r but we’re figuring it out.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Black Cat Barbershop?
Black Cat Barbershop is a traditional barbershop in the Gordon Square Arts District on the west side of Cleveland. This isn’t your Grandpa’s barbershop but there are similarities. We have 7 barbers and 2 stylists so we have all the services one could seek covered! Personally, I enjoy the old-school cuts. Clean and neat, short sides, styled or wild on top. We have a top Notch selection of products available and are well trained in all styles of grooming. We also make limited merchandise runs using our logos designed by Cleveland artist OKPANTS.
We offer appointments easily booked online through our website as well as same day call-in/walk-in appointments, which are always available.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Covid-19 turned everyone’s life upside down. We were always one step ahead with our game plan. We pride ourselves on keeping a squeaky clean shop and try to accommodate anyone that may be nervous about the current situation. The past couple of years have definitely been a true test to the ups and downs of owning a business.
Pricing:
- $30 haircuts
- $30 hot lather shaves + detailed beard trims
Contact Info:
- Email: Blackcatbarbershop@gmail.com
- Website: Blackcatbarbershop.com
- Instagram: @blackcatbarbershop
Image Credits
Andy Wells
Ryan Hardwick
