Classic, Old-School Barber Shop Opens In Westfield

WESTFIELD, NJ — Anthony Ventura, a barber of 15 years, is bringing back the classic, old-school barbershop vibe with his new business in Westfield.

Westfield Barbershop opened last week at 23 Elm St. offering traditional men's and children's haircuts, including fades and hot lather shaves.

Ventura previously worked as a barber at another location in Westfield for about seven years before opening his own barbershop called Hairitage in Clark about two years ago.

Most of his clientele continued to come from Westfield, Scotch Plains, and Mountainside so when the opportunity arose to return "home" to Westfield he jumped at the chance.

"I had a huge following from Westfield still coming to support us. And then the universe, kind of lined up where the place on Elm opened up," said Ventura.

Since Ventura is from Elizabeth he decided to have a mural painted by Ricardo Roig showing the Westfields of Elizabethtown.

"I have the mural in the shop with the whole history and the Lenape Indians," said Ventura. "It was just a cool kind of thing how that kind of tied in. And I grew up on Elm Street in Elizabeth."

Ventura said it was a sign from the universe that he was meant to go back to Westfield.

"The support has been overwhelming and a blessing," said Ventura. "Never would I have imagined I'd be working back in Westfield or, let alone own my own shop. ... It was definitely a big eye opener seeing how great the community is, how they support local businesses, how they continue to support me, even when I left town."

Ventura wanted to return the favor and support the community as well. He recently offered discounts for the swim and hockey teams since they won counties. He also started Sensory Sundays for children with sensory issues and autism.

And he offers $5 discounts for first responders, town employees, teachers, military personnel, veterans, and seniors.

"My goal is really to try to give back as much as I can. And give back to the community what it has given me - plus more," said Ventura.

He is also looking to do sponsorships for sports teams, the PBA, the fire department, and other local organizations.

Ventura has always been passionate about cutting hair. He was inspired by the movie "Barbershop" and began cutting hair in high school. He continued to Union County VoTech where he received his license and then ran with the career.

"There is nothing better than making people feel better. We're kind of like therapists. Just being able to see someone come in and their whole outlook changes. They feel better. They're walking out with a smile. I think that having that personal touch and being able to basically talk to people my whole day is a good job to have. Being there for people, being a support system, being there for milestones - weddings and graduations and Bar Mitzvahs and all those life-changing events," said Ventura.

Over the years Ventura has built a relationship with many of his clients where he gets to know everything about them and sometimes even their kids.

"I've been cutting these kids since they were five years old, and now they're 12. I kind of am seeing kids grow up. I feel like they're my kids, seeing them transition and grow up," said Ventura.

The personal interactions and relationships over the years have kept Ventura in his career field.

"Waking up every day knowing that I got such a cool job where I can make a difference in people's lives. I can make people feel better when they're having a down day," said Ventura. "And that obviously played a huge role in staying in the industry."

For more information or to book an appointment visit westfieldbarbersnj.com or instagram.com/westfieldbarbersnj.

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