USU Barbershop and the ladies behind the clippers
The Taggart Student Center at Utah State University offers a wide variety of services for students. The TSC is home to the different on campus dining options, the post office and the campus store as well as one pretty special resource — the USU Barbershop.
The USU Barbershop has been on campus for over 40 years. The convenient location, low prices and great service draw many students in every day for haircuts.
Angela Nielson began working for the barbershop June, 2009. She started out at the barbershop on campus as a result of her need for a job, but has come to love the environment in which she works.
“I like cutting the hair and talking to people. Getting to know them and getting stories from them is always fun. I’m always sharing stories with them too so we can find common ground,” she said.
In a university setting, the barbershop gets a wide variety of clients each day.
“We get a few because parents bring kids in or they’re going to conferences here. Then we get people who retire, but still come back to the shop,” Nielson said. “We have a constant flow because of students graduating or coming in and professors leaving. We get students, administration, employees and more. They are from all over the world. Getting that is different from any other shop I’ve been in.”
Freshman Iain Laurence is one USU student who chooses the barbershop in the TSC over many of the other options in the valley. Laurence goes to the barbershop because of its convenient location.
“It’s on campus and there’s usually no wait time. They give haircuts for a good price,” he said.
Barbershop owner Melissa Batelaan loves getting to see the people who come into the shop each day.
“My favorite part is the people. Just getting to know people on campus and how diverse they are. I love getting to know their culture and where they’re from while I’m doing their hair,” she said.
When Batelaan first came to USU last spring, she was not expecting to become the owner.
“I knew the previous owner from a family member that was friends with her. She went on vacation and I took over for her, but she actually passed away after that vacation,” Batelaan said. “We were wondering what to do because we love it up here. They thought about doing away with it but it’s been here for 40 plus years. So in order to not lose it, I just decided to buy it. It just kind of landed in my lap.”
Batelaan knew that there was something special about USU’s barbershop from the moment she walked in the door.
“I was just going to come work up here. I came up here and fell in love with it. I’ve worked at another salon but this place was just different,” she said.
Batelaan believes the difference between the barbershop and other salons in their ability to connect with each individual client.
“I think we try to connect on a more personal level with each individual client rather than just having it be about money,” Batelaan said. “We try and engage and just get to know our customers really well. If they just want to sit in here and hang out without getting a haircut, we’re totally fine with that. That’s the kind of relationship we want which is different from anywhere else.”
Carter Tilt is another student who takes his business to the USU barbershop. He also enjoys the convenience of the barbershop.
“They’re always nice and do a good job. I’ve had good experiences there. It’s convenient, cheap and they do a good job,” he said.
Towards the back of the barbershop, a map has been hung on the wall that clients can put a pin in to “make their mark.”
“We have this map and everybody marks it where they’re from which is so fun because it gives us a visual representation of our diversity. We are one of the only barbershops that see this much diversity,” Batelaan said.
Once students leave campus for the summer, business typically slows down for the barbershop. However, they get a new group of clients that choose the barbershop over other locations in Cache Valley.
“During the summer when it is slower we get some senior citizens from Arizona. We get to be friends with the summer citizens. It’s fun because we get to be know them and their life stories. They are really fun to talk to and that helps us keep business going in the summer,” Nielson said.
As far as style of hair cuts goes, the women who work in the barbershop are willing to do most anything.
“I have a favorite haircut from the 40s. But I like doing a variety of types and haircuts. I’ve seen a lot of fads come and go, but there is still the classics,” she said.
The USU Barbershop offers haircuts for much cheaper prices than most quality salons or barbershops around the valley. A typical haircut is only $13.
There’s no question for the women who work in the barbershop about why they love being at USU. For them, getting to interact with the students and other clients is the best part of their week.
“People here are just amazing,” Batelaan said. “I love the people here. Whether they talk a lot or they’re silent, I have not had a bad experience. Not one day have I walked home saying that I hate what I do. Every day I can walk out of here with a smile and that is thanks to the people.”
— shelbstoor11@aggiemail.usu.edu
@shelbstoor11