ASHLAND — Ashland’s newest barber shop celebrated its grand opening yesterday afternoon with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Friends, family and dozens of community members cheered as the owner Acacia Taulbee and her two boys — Cameron and Braelyn — sliced a bright red ribbon in half Monday afternoon to recognize the opening of The Grooming Lounge, at 6 E. Main St.
“This is amazing. I’ve wanted to own a business since I was 11-years-old,” said Taulbee, 26, of Mansfield.
According to Ashland Mayor Matt Miller, Taulbee is the first minority woman to own a business along the city’s Main Street.
“It is a wonderful thing that people of all backgrounds, all faiths, all races, all colors of their skill can own a business right here in the great city of Ashland,” Miller said. “You are the first of a minority community to own a business here on our Main Street. You’re setting the example for others.
“And you know what, you have broken that glass ceiling.”
Taulbee earned a degree in cosmetology from Pioneer Career & Technology Center, but became discouraged after working in several salons.
“They’re a lot of drama. I don’t like drama, and I stopped doing hair because of the drama,” she said.
She took a job as an STNA, but felt a desire to get back into cutting hair. She returned to a salon, but found the same situation as before.
“Instead, I went to barber school and decided I would own a barber shop,” Taulbee said.
A few years later, that dream has come to fruition through The Grooming Lounge.
The business is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
For more information, find The Grooming Lounge on Facebook.
