My Biz: Barber creates a shop — and atmosphere — of his own in Cedar Rapids

CEDAR RAPIDS — Jeremy Hauskins said one haircut changed his life.

Or rather, one trip to a barbershop.

“One random weekend I was in Chicago, and I was like, you know, I'm going to go to this barber, and it was life-changing,” said Hauskins, noting that he’d only gone to haircut chain shops while growing up. “I was so impressed by the real barbershop.”

Now, eight years later, he has a barbershop to call his own where he can create his own welcoming atmosphere for clients.

Hauskins, 39, opened Haus Hair and Beard Co. in Cedar Rapids in April 2021.

“It's our mission to create a unique and elevated space where clients receive top-notch barber services in the Cedar Rapids, Marion and Hiawatha area,” he said.

Haus Hair does men’s haircuts, beard trims, kids’ cuts and eyebrow and nose waxing.

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Atmosphere

Hauskins said it was important to him to create a quieter atmosphere that felt relaxing and was also welcoming to families.

“I’ve actually had several parents comment on the fact that they appreciate we have a spot for the kids to sit and read and have a drink while they wait for us to be done,” he said. “We want to be welcoming to everyone and all hair types.”

Before opening his own shop, Hauskins had been working as a barber at another shop.

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He was tiring of what his girlfriend referred to as “the locker room talk” in that shop and wanted to create an environment he enjoyed more.

“I was getting older and ready to spread my wings a bit,” he said. “My partner, Marissa, actually gave me the encouragement and support three years ago to get this started. It was something I had been wanting to do, and I just needed the push.”

Today, he said, she still is supportive, working on the shop’s branding, design and social media marketing. He’s also grateful to have another barber, Kaya, working with him.

Starting his own shop was a bit daunting, but Haus said it’s been a wonderful transition and experience.

“Since I had been barbering for several years, I had a great clientele built up and most of them followed me here,” he said. “It’s been fantastic.”

Hauskins said the shop always welcomes new clients.

“We absolutely do take walk-ins, but it is a really small shop,” he said. “But we have a couple of waiting chairs. and you can grab a drink and relax while you wait.”

Hauskins uses a platform called Booksy that allows clients to book appointments online when it’s convenient for them.

“Of course, they can call, too, but having Booksy available gives us more time to focus on our clients and cutting hair,” he said.

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Challenges, rewards

Hauskins loves what he does but said working as a barber comes with its challenges.

“Sometimes slower days are a little harder,” he said. “There can just be fluctuations in business sometimes. But our regular supporters really keep us going.”

The clients are his favorite part of having his own business.

“The fact that I get to see new faces every day, but at the same time they're familiar faces,” Hauskins said. “We are creating bonds. We’ll talk about going on vacation or what they have planned for the weekend and then the next time they are back I get an update on it.

“I get to share things about myself and play music. Those interactions and that bonding with the regular clientele is so rewarding. And I just love that every day is different.”

Hauskins credits the help he gets from his partner, Marissa, and from Kaya, the other barber. Many days when he comes into work, he added, it doesn’t feel like work at all.

“I come to work and kind of just hang out. It’s just pretty chill throughout the week,” he said. “I can come in and put on SportsCenter on mute, put on some music and then people come in and hang out while we cut hair.”

He said their Wednesdays are a lot of fun as the shop is open from noon to 8 p.m. and they stay pretty busy with a fun atmosphere while people come in after work.

At the end of the day, Hauskins said he’s living out a dream career.

“That’s really what got me into it is knowing I could watch sports on TV and talk shop all day while I cut hair,” he said. “It's literally a dream come true. I love it.”

Know a business that should be considered for a “My Biz” feature? Let us know by emailing mary.sharp@thegazette.com.