All are welcome here: old-school

A Nostalgic Blend

The illuminated red, white, and blue vintage barber pole hangs just inside the window at Liberty Barber Co. and brings echoes of the past into this unique addition to Downtown Chico. Take a step back in history as you settle into an heirloom barbershop chair and experience a traditional cut and hot towel straight razor shave while enjoying a glass of hometown spirits.

Veteran owned, Liberty Barber Co. opened in March of 2021. While the pandemic closed many doors and made business difficult if not impossible, it also opened doors for owners Claire and David Hootman. Claire had always wanted to open her own barbershop and with the difficulties encountered running a single chair shop inside a closed clothing store in Chico, she began wondering about other possibilities to come. Then, in March of 2020, a friend was selling a couple of vintage chairs, so Claire and David decided to do a quick trip up and back from Portland. David says, “We went up there, not even anything in mind or even thinking of starting a barbershop anytime soon. We just stumbled upon it.” They ended up coming home with 3 chairs and an old barber pole thrown into the bargain. It was an opportunity they couldn’t pass up. They added these to an heirloom barber’s chair David’s grandfather had bought at an auction over 60 years ago that he had set aside and saved for someday. Yet another door opened with the increased accessibility to low interest rate business loans, and everything seemed to fall together seamlessly for their new venture.

They decided on the name Liberty because it just seemed to fit. Both Claire and David have military backgrounds and focus on the traditional old-school style of barbering. David says, in addition the name means, “You’re at liberty to look the way you want to look and feel the way you want to feel and to just be you.” Claire adds, “It just fit multiple aspects of who we are and what we believe.”

Liberty’s four chairs are staffed by Claire, David, Jess (who rents a booth), and their apprentice, Dobbs. David shares that when he put on rank in the Air Force, his commanding officer told him, “You work for the people below you, not above you. Your people will go to the ends of the earth for you out of respect and how you treat them will come back tenfold.” He says this advice applies today to he and Claire as business owners. Taking on an apprentice is so much more than just teaching them how to cut hair, it’s even more challenging. The apprentice works under them for two years as they learn the craft.

It encompasses teaching the whole person perspective; how to treat people, how to manage your time and money as an independent contractor, and how to prioritize life choices. David says that “It’s incredibly rewarding to see their growth.” Claire agrees, “It’s cool to pass on everything that is most important to us about this industry. It’s one of the oldest professions in existence, and we take it extremely seriously. There’s a lot of tradition that is being taken for granted.”

These traditions, Liberty makes sure to keep alive and in use like straight razor shaves and customer service. They are one of the last remaining barbershops in California still using conventional straight razors and hone and strop them themselves. Claire shares, “You wouldn’t think customer service would be something taken for granted, but it is.” She says it’s important to make sure it’s an experience for the customer, and that they work to make those personal connections. “Barbershops are always known for their community. So actually getting to know the people in your chair and getting involved in your community is what classic barbering is all about.”

The Hootmans love being established in Downtown Chico and work very hard to bring in local artisans for everything they do. The walnut bar top in the shop follows the natural line of the tree it was made from and was crafted by an area veteran. On that bar, Liberty’s patrons can enjoy craft spirits from the Golden Beaver Distillery based out of Chico. Claire and David also asked David Selkirk, of Upper Park Clothing, to design their shop logo along with all their t-shirt graphics as well. “We try to keep everything extremely local.”

Liberty’s blend of nostalgic traditional barbering roots and an upbeat downtown vibe can be experienced Monday through Friday, 9-6. Visit them online at www.libertybarbercompany.com to make an appointment and as a veteran-owned company, they always offer $5 off for military and first responders.