By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
If you have ever heard the saying — my career chose me — that is exactly what happened in Mike Barnett’s case.
Barnett has recently opened a barbershop on the 382 North Road, across from Houlton Power Sports, and welcomes new customers.
A 1977 Katahdin High School graduate, Barnett enlisted in the United States Navy for four years.
“I started barbering at 18. I didn’t go into the Navy to do that, but I kind of got pushed into it,” he laughed.
Pioneer Times photograph/Gloria Austin
NOW OPEN — Barber Mike Barnett cuts a customer’s hair at his new shop — Mike’s Barbershop— which is now open for business on the North Road.
When Barnett joined the Navy, he went in as an electrician.
“We needed a barber on ship, so I got volunteered for it,” he added with a smile. “I never dreamed I would be doing this for a job.”
Barnett expected he would barber until he figured out what he truly wanted to do with his life.
“I settled into it,” he said.
After his discharge from the Navy, Barnett opened a barbershop in Yarmouth.
“I was there for two or three years,” he said. “But, I missed the woods.”
A native of Silver Ridge, Barnett barbered a little in Ashland and for the last 25 years, he has cut hair in Patten. With the economy nose-diving, Barnett worked in Bangor at a shop, as well as in Patten.
“I wanted to be closer to home,” he said. “Houlton is almost like home. It is more home to me than Bangor.”
Working to supplement an income, Barnett decided to look into finding a place in Market Square.
“I just couldn’t find anything in the right spot for the right price,” he said.
Then he inquired on the North Road and found what he was looking for.
“Rent is reasonable,” he said. “There is a lot of traffic, plenty of parking and visibility.”
Barnett is open in Houlton Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“I am still working in Patten part-time on Saturdays,” Barnett explained. “But, my long-range plan is to run my business here and finish my barbering career in Houlton.”
However, Barnett has built a faithful clientele in Patten whom he feels a loyalty toward.
“Many of my Patten customers tell me they are going to come up here,” said Barnett. “That is yet to be seen. At some point down the road, if I get busy enough, I may add another day or half day to my hours.”
Mike’s Barber Shop will eventually stock men’s product lines, along with gift items.
“This is a work in progress,” said Barnett. “I have a hunter who comes to my hunting camps who has a leather business so I will bring a line of belts and wallets in.”
Not wanting to “step on toes” in Houlton, Barnett has a nice manner and loves getting to know people. He is also licensed as a cosmetologist, so he can provide an up-to-date salon cut to the more traditional grooming for men and children.
“I want this to be a place just for men,” said Barnett. “Some men do not like to go to salons, especially the older men.”
Though barbering wasn’t a field he thought of pursuing. Barnett has embraced it.
“It has looked promising here,” he added. “Once people find me, I think it will be all right.”
To reach Mike’s Barber Shop, call 532-2020.
