Dockside Barbershop lands on lakefront

PORT CLINTON — They've enlisted each other to collectively carry out their new career mission: provide the best barber services anywhere around. Lifelong friends Brayden Harrison and Jackson Sebetto recently opened Dockside Barbershop, 127 W. Perry St., in downtown Port Clinton. It's about one block away from Coffee Express and kitty-corner from The Gristmill. Both built up their skillsets over the past several years: • Harrison — who served as a combat engineer, working with explosives with the Marine Corps — has three years of barber experience. From his military background, he said attention to detail can extend from the battlefield to the barbershop. "We ask a lot of questions of our clients to make sure we know what they want. It reassures we can do something to the best of our abilities." • Sebetto — who served in a transportation unit, reporting to many areas across the nation with the Army — has seven years of barber experience. From his military background, he drove home Harrison's point about paying attention. "I am very picky as I want to make sure all of my haircuts are right before all of my clients leave. That's important to me." This past fall, a ribbon-cutting ceremony welcomed both men and their business to Port Clinton. "Everyone in the community has been very welcoming," said Harrison, specifically referencing the Port Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce. "It truly makes you feel welcomed." And with their shop, Harrison and Sebetto wanted to recreate this feeling. Each carefully decorated the shop to bring out an all-around inclusive and inviting atmosphere. People, while waiting, can lounge on a comfy couch or play arcade games while a TV broadcasts sports highlights. Military flags representing the country's various branches also proudly hang high between both men's chairs within a bright space. "We're just two cool dudes that cut hair," said Sebetto, adding how he wanted to operate a business from Port Clinton because he "loves being by the water." Added Harrison: "It's just a welcoming place where you can catch a vibe and chill with two guys cutting hair." Sebetto agreed: "When you come here, you will instantly notice how nice and clean it is here. And it smells really good in here, too." No matter the barber, their shop offers haircuts and beard-trimming services for men. They also provide straight-razor shaves paired with hot towel treatments. They also sell accessories, like beard oils, to keep facial hair healthy and vibrant. "We give them the highest quality of service that we can to the fullest extent," said Harrison, who grew up with Sebetto in Bettsville, Ohio, but now both reside in Port Clinton. "Getting a good haircut can build confidence. When you look good, you perform good." Their customers fully backed these claims. On Wednesday, Tyler Rocker drove from his hometown of Norwalk to get a touch-up from Sebetto. "He has cut my hair since I've gotten out of the Army, and I've followed him all the way here," Rocker said." He is respectful, and I want to support him through his business." Travis Schwinkendorf, who lives in Port Clinton, beamed with great pride when talking about this new barbershop virtually in his backyard shortly after leaving Harrison's chair. "I get first-class service here," Schwinkendorf said. "Their prices are a direct reflection of the service. I'm glad to support two young entrepreneurs." People can visit Dockside Barbershop from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. Appointments are necessary, and people can learn more by visiting docksidebarbershop.com. "I promise, if you come here, you will get a really good haircut and get a really good experience," said Sebetto, noting that active duty and fellow veterans can receive a discount. Added Harrison: "After people come here, they will leave feeling better about themselves."