Business

Sunday, Aug. 17, 2008

The Follow-Up File: Haircuts for men, and . . . maybe a beer

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Names: Brian and Heather Osgood

Job: Co-owners Business: Clippers

Haircuts for Men

What they said then: In March 2007, The Tribune announced the opening of Clippers Barbershop for Men.

Located on San Luis Obispo’s Monterey Street, Clippers is owned by Brian and Heather Osgood with their partner, Anna Silveira.

Modeled after an East Coast men’s salon that Brian Osgood read about, it combines haircuts and coloring with

televised sports and men’s magazines.

What they say now: With more than 1,000 customers a month, Clippers is breaking even, which the Osgoods consider a success.

They also hope to receive a license from the state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control within three months to serve customers a beer or two while they wait.

“We’ve read about barber shops doing it in other states,” Brian Osgood said.

In addition to various popular beer brands, they’ve contacted Central Coast Brewing to produce one with a Clippers label.

They’ve also adjusted their moniker and signage after three confidential complaints from local barbers to the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology in late 2007 because Clippers doesn’t have a licensed barber.

With cosmetology licenses, its stylists can cut, wax and offer most skin care treatments. A barber’s license allows trims, plus straight-razor shaves—a service Clippers has never offered.

“It’s a terminology issue, not a regulatory one,” said Kevin Flanagan, Department

of Consumer Affairs spokesman.

Heather Osgood said they checked on that last year “before investing thousands in a sign” that read “Clippers Barbershop.”

Clippers responded by inserting “not a” between the words on the placard and remaking its informal subtitle to read “Haircuts for Men.” It also plans to change its Web site, www.clippersbarber.com. “If we call it a salon, men won’t want to come,” Brian Osgood said.

It’s difficult to attract barbers, who often prefer to rent a space and work independently, his wife added. With employees, Clippers has greater earnings potential, can dictate work hours and require stylists to serve walk-ins, who comprise about 85 percent of its business

By January, the couple plans to open a second location in Southern California, with a long-term goal of making Clippers a franchise.

—Raven J. Railey