By John Gifford
Publisher & Editor
Cathy’s Barber Shop is set in a nice old house, just south of the downtown of Franklin. While I was waiting for my haircut (walk-in — though appointments are preferred), it was if I was in a relative’s house — there is a family feel to it; the smell of gingerbread cookies was in the air. A child of about 6 or 7 was having his hair cut and Cathy was asking him questions and he felt right at home in the chair. His father had gotten his haircut first. They were followed by an elderly lady helped by her daughter. Again, Cathy made them feel right at home.
When I entered the barber chair, I was not hazed for the length and untidiness of my hair. She was understanding that since I had moved to Indiana 3 months ago I had not found a Barber Shop I felt like patronizing and so I was still doing a long-distance run to Illinois about every 6 weeks. She said that it’s like finding a new doctor after a move – you have to feel comfortable with your barber and confident in them.
Cathy has been a barber for 25 years, working for 20 years at the Tracy Plaza Barber Shop in Whiteland, 2 1/2 years in downtown Franklin, and 2 ½ years on her own. When the shop she was working for in downtown Franklin was sold, Cathy decided to start her own barber shop. Because of high commercial space rates and a desire to be able to use the house after she retired, she and her husband decided to buy a house. It not only was cheaper, it helped differentiate her from the “corporate cut” establishments.
Cathy listens to her customers. She asks how they want it cut, and will do such things as shave closely on the back of the neck if the customers wants it. When you come to Cathy’s, you get Cathy each time. You are not running the risk of changing barbers each time, encountering some with little or no experience. You also aren’t reduced to choosing your haircut from a number. You don’t have to hope for the best; you always get quality. In addition, she feels like she is a bartender or a lay psychologist who listens to people when they get in the chair. She may not provide answers to their problems but she is a willing ear.
A loyal following from her previous two work venues made starting her business much easier than starting from scratch. Current customers include one who drives in from Martinsville, and even a gentleman from Chicago who visits every 6 weeks or so (he does have family in the Franklin area).
Cathy seems to have a special affinity with children. If they balk and scream in other barber shops, Cathy has the magic touch. She makes them feel wanted, not an intruder – there is a play area for kids with coloring books, a tool set, and they can put on a movie. Older people also receive outstanding service; Cathy travels to the Methodist and Masonic Homes to cut hair.
Cathy started her barbering career at the National Barber College in Indianapolis (a CETA program paid for her schooling). She has also worked in Day Care, hence her excellent rapport with children.
Her husband, Greg (Nance) works at Rolls Royce; her two children live in the area, Callie in Greenwood and Greg in Franklin. She has two grandchildren, Trei and Katie.
The loyalty of some of her customers is amazing. One regular customer was urged by his wife to go to a “corporate cuts” place, because of a $3.99 special. His hair was botched, he felt he was “cheating” on Cathy, and he vowed never to stray again. When you go to Cathy’s, you’re assured a good haircut the way you want it, a willing listener, and the feel of being in the presence of family.
Contact
Cathy Nance
Cathy’s Barber Shop,
200 South Main
Franklin, IN 46131
317- 736-2400.
