A familiar face is back in downtown Clarkston, as David Chiappelli reopens his old barbershop.
Chiapelli’s Clarkston Hair Design is back at 23 S. Main Street after a seven-year absence.
‘It was time to return,” said Chiappelli, a resident of Davisburg. “Time dictates what we do. At this time, it’s better to be on Main Street.”
The barber and cosmetologist originally started the business on Main Street in 1986 with his sister, Nancy, also a cosmetologist. She passed away about 10 years ago and he moved into Deer Lake Athletic Club in 2002.
‘This year, I decided to come back here,? Chiappelli said. “I missed it. I felt it was time to go back where I started ? I was feeling nostalgic.”
He enjoys the small-town, historic nature of Clarkston’s downtown.
“It’s the Norman Rockwell setting, like a walk back in time,” he said.
“I know everyone up and down Main Street,” he said. “Parents bring in kids who I gave their first haircuts to ? now they’re in high school. It doesn’t seem that long ago.”
He employs two of his nieces, Alissa Crawford and Sheila Green, and his brother, Dan, continues to run the barbershop at Deer Lake.
“This is a family shop,” David Chiappelli said.
“It’s a blast ? I get to work with Uncle Dave,” said Crawford, who worked previously at a mall salon.
They offer a personal touch, with services including hair color and styles for women, men, and children, eye brow and waxing, and perms.
“We specialize in the face and hair ? to be the best at one thing rather than mediocre at a whole lot of things,” Chiappelli said.
Building renovations included a new set of windows, with plans for a new sign and perhaps a canopy in front.
“We’ll make it match other business on Main Street ? it’ll look nice,” he said. “It’s been quite an adventure, a challenge. This is where I’m going to stay. It’s a lot of fun, and I expect a lot of fun in the future.”
He looks forward to community parades and other events, and taking part in downtown booster efforts by Clarkston Retailers Group and Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce.
“Businesses are trying to open up here in Clarkston even in these hard times,” he said. “It’s a small town in a big area. It offers a lot to a lot of people.”
Hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Tuesdays-Fridays, and 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturdays. Stylists Crawford and Green offer a limited time, 50 percent off special for hair style and color services for new customers.
For more information, check www.Clarkstonhairdesign.com or call 248-241-6728.