The Final Touch Barber Shop: Celebrating 20 Years in Business
Springfield, Mass. - In February Clarence Smith will celebrate twenty years of being part of the Mason Square community, commemorating his two decades of owning The Final Touch barbershop.
“Not many people can say they’ve had the same job for 20 years,” said Smith. He’s celebrating the anniversary in conjunction with Black History Month and Valentine’s Day, “to spread some love.” Throughout the month the shop will offer $10 lineups, something Smith believes is an important offer with rising costs across goods and services.
The secret to his longevity as a business owner comes down to his philosophy. “I take people for who they are. I was told as a young man, you never look down on somebody unless you’re admiring their shoes,” he said. Regardless of background or income, he treats everyone the same. His view extends to his support of Springfield and his passion for improving it.
“We keep trying to build up our community, we keep trying to spread some love in our community. We have so many great and good people in this city,” he said.
Smith has had plenty of opportunities to leave Mason Square, but knows that building his business in the community where he grew up makes him an example of success for youth.
“I want the youth to be able to see someone who knows where I came from… that you can have a business,” he said. “I’m not special, I just knew that I wanted to do better. When I had an opportunity, I took it.”
The Barber of Springfield
An unexpected job opportunity fell into Clarence’s lap when a friend sold his barbershop and moved to Atlanta. Becoming a barber never crossed Clarence’s mind, but when he saw others his age going to prison, he realized he needed to find his own career path. In 2003 he received his barber license, then an instructor license and eventually purchased the shop.
The Final Touch reflects the confidence that this is the final shop a visitor will need. “Once you come in our shop, and we touch your hair, this will be home,” Smith said. “This will be the final location that you go to.”
Being part of the community and being set on this path has been a gift to Smith. “Only God can bless you with this wonderful journey of life,” he said, noting that if he wasn’t a barber he doesn’t know where he’d be.
“It’s a very humbling job,” he said. “We’re service, not servants.”
Though he’s using the Stand Out Truck to promote his anniversary, this is the first time he’s used it for advertising after seeing it around town promoting other events.
“One thing about being in business, if you don’t know about something, you should ask,” he said. Smith asked others for marketing ideas, and the truck was among the suggestions. “It can’t hurt if it’s something new and inviting. It’s eye-catching.”
Clarence will be advertising a $10 lineup special all February on Stand Out Truck®, as he celebrates his 20th year in business.
Literacy Matters
Within Smith’s barbershop is something unexpected: a library with hundreds of books. He encourages visitors to borrow the many options or take a duplicate copy.
“A book not getting read, sitting there looking pretty, means nothing,” Smith said.
Literacy and learning are critical to Smith. He repeats the phrase, “It’s cool to go to school,” during back-to-school events and sponsored backpack drives. He also collaborates with #413Reads to encourage literacy in children, coordinating outreach with other barbers through projects like book clubs in schools and community centers.
“Reading takes you to a place,” he said. “When you become dormant no one wants you around.”
Smith also believes it’s a way to stay informed and educated. “If you want to hide something from someone, you put it in a book,” he laughed. He believes reading takes people to another place, and helps them grow and improve.
“You have to be willing to read, write, reciprocate, and know what you’re reading,” he said. “I’m always learning.”
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