Downtown Owensboro is now home to Kentucky’s newest barber college, Vintage Stripes Barber Academy. The college officially opened its doors to the public on Friday, offering a wide array of services.
Owners, instructors, and the public celebrated with an open house featuring a tour, introductions of the instructors, and of course haircuts and shaves. Located at 225 St. Ann Street, the college offers discounted services performed by students.
“We want this to be a first-class experience for our students and clients,” said instructor and part owner Corey Bennett. “We will offer haircuts, shaves, shampoos, facials, and hot shaves; we are training barbers for the future.”
With the barber college in Bowling Green closing, Vintage Stripes is one of few options for barber training in the western part of the state. Bennett is incorporating technology into his teaching practices, which he said many other institutions do not do.
“We want to produce quality barbers and train them for the future,” he said. “We’re trying to take our education into the 21st century.”
Majority owner Jesse Phillips pitched the idea to his long-time friend and colleague Bennett, and the two began the process. Phillips is a disabled military veteran, and Bennett suffered injuries to both legs during an automobile accident.
“Jesse is always trying to come up with new business ideas,” Bennett said. “I was a hairdresser for 5 years before I was a barber. He could tell I was in pain while we were barbering together and thought this would be easier for me.”
The current class boasts nine students with multiple weeks of instruction, and Bennett said they’re chomping at the bit to show their skills to the public.
For more information about services or to enroll in the academy, visit their website at vintagestripesbarberacademy.com or call 270-297-1500.
