As the business and culture of barbering has evolved into a cutting-edge lifestyle, an Owensboro man has found his niche in the world along with it.
After several moves because of his parents careers, Sean Ralston, a long-haired kid, with baggy jeans and a skateboard, settled in Owensboro his sophomore year of high school and made a home.
Ralston was a far cry from the clean-cut, tattooed, 31-year-old savant operating from the back chair at Klutch Barbers on Frederica Street.
“Making a name for myself and the shop here in Owensboro has made this place home for me,” said Ralston.
Ralston’s journey to the straight-razor and clippers took the scenic route after graduating from Daviess County High School in 2005. As an artist, he dabbled in some graphic design before studying to be an auto body technician. Talented and creative, yet unfulfilled, Ralston unearthed his passion in barber school.
“I was always striving to find an avenue to use my artistic abilities,” he said. “My mom and dad used to encourage me to find something where I could express my unique talents, and I think I’ve found that.”
Ralston opened the doors to Klutch Barbers on July 1, 2016, and hasn’t looked back. Since its opening, Klutch Barbers has been named the best barbershop in Owensboro each year by various local publications in their respective people’s choice awards.
The shop’s name comes from the staff’s commitment to delivering results, especially when the stakes are high.
“We were looking for a name that said what we were all about,” said Ralston. “In today’s world, clutch means to come through in a time of need. Think of the ball being in the hands of LeBron James or Tom Brady in the fourth quarter. In much the same way, we are going to take care of you for weddings, photos and special events.”
Today, barbering is much more than high-and-tight crew cuts and hot shaves. Klutch Barbers delivers their tailored service with 45-minute appointments in order to offer an experience clients can’t get anywhere else.
“There’s a new and exciting side to barbering,” said Ralston. “Combining fashion and overall men’s grooming, we tailor our service to each client specifically to give them the look that matches their personality and puts their best foot forward.”
The team at Klutch Barbers includes seven barbers and one cosmetologist, with more services on the way. Ralston’s vision for Klutch Barbers moving forward embraces the culture surrounding the profession.
“We’re adding an eighth barber in February,” he said. “Some of our ideas for the future involve offering Klutch products such as clothing, accessories and grooming products. Our barbershop will continue to expand as well and add more cosmetology services.”
Ralston typically lets the client present what he would like, but there are times he has had to intervene.
“Barber client privilege is a real thing,” he joked. “Honestly, I hear all kinds of craziness and that’s what keeps it exciting day to day. One time a guy wanted a yin-yang haircut; half of his head shaved, half of beard/mustache on the opposite side. Luckily, we convinced him to keep both eyebrows.”
Klutch Barbers is located at 3211 Frederica Street, Suite C next to Great Harvest Bread Co.
They have a heavy presence on Instagram, @klutchbarbers, and appointments can be made using the Booksy app, available on iTunes, Google Play and online at booksy.com.
About the writer: Brandon Cox writes for a living, which, considering that you’re reading this, that makes perfect sense. He is a professional journalist who has interviewed murderers, rock stars and presidents. An Owensboro native, he now resides in Northeast Alabama where he is a spectacled reporter by day and a spandex-wearing super hero when the need arises. It’s a bird, it’s a plane, no, it’s a dad of two awesome kids who keep life interesting all day, every day.
