This past October, barbers Anthony Lewis and Xavier Scott joined forces and surnames to open their own shop, Lewis and Scott. They aimed to create a modern, comfortable space for men to get a haircut. They appear to have succeeded.
The pair have been barbers in the area for years, most recently working at Union Shave in Saugerties. Scott, who currently resides in Poughkeepsie, started professionally cutting hair six years ago, while Lewis, who lives just down the road from the barbershop, has been at it for 15 years.
Lewis talks about how the pair decided to strike out on their own.
“I wanted to do something fresh and have a new start,” he said. “We had a lot in common, just the way we approach business and barbering in general and how we interact with our clients on day-to-day stuff. We always talked about working together, we just weren’t sure when it was going to happen.”
The two have been thriving so far as business partners, which has allowed them to create the barbershop experience they have always wanted. For them, that means an intimate where everyone is welcome. There is a relaxed, laid-back vibe, which matches the clean, simple and light interior, drastically different from the classic “men’s club” feeling.
“It tends to be a little more relaxed here,” said Lewis. “I think during this time, people appreciate that.”
When it comes to the shop’s Partition Street location, Scott described it perfectly as being “in the middle of it all, but tucked away.” It’s located in one of the few buildings in the center of the village with its own parking lot, which is convenient.
“We quickly moved here and just went for it,” said Lewis. “We basically shot our shot. We each have such a strong following in the industry around here, that there was no question that it would work. I was in the stage where there was no other choice for me – it was time for something new.”
They say when they opened for appointments, the first week was booked in just 30 minutes, thanks to loyal customers following them over.
Lewis speaks about the freedom of having one’s own business.
“One of the main reasons I got into this business was because it lets you be yourself,” he said. “Everywhere I went [prior] said you have to dress this way, you can’t have tattoos, facial hair – whatever it is. It was bothersome to me. It was appealing that I can just be me, and then I’ve always had a mindset of working for myself. This allows me to do that.”
Scott said the community feeling in Saugerties is part of the appeal of building a business there.
“I love the community here,” he said. “I’d like to be more community-oriented as far as fundraisers and different things with the schools or different sports teams. That’s one thing I’ve always wanted. Coming from Catskill, which is a super small town, everyone is always doing everything together.”
Lewis and Scott Barbershop describes its rates as “competitive but not overly priced.” A men’s or child’s regular cut goes for $25, a cut and beard for $35, a specialty cut for $30, and a beard trim for $20. The pair both strive to have customers leave “feeling good.”
“I think the individuality of the barber is so important to the interaction with the customer,” said Lewis. “People go to you not only for the haircut, but they go to you because of who you are and the way you conversate.”
In the front of the shop, Lewis curates a mini men’s boutique with clothing and various merchandise. While he describes it as more of a hobby than anything, he is happy to expose customers to new brands they might not have heard of before.
Lewis and Scott Barbershop is located at 139 Partition Street, Saugerties. For more information, visit lewisandscott.company.
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