Third-Generation Barber Opens First Solo Shop In Bed-Stuy

BED-STUY, NY — Brooklyn native Duval Lawton was 15 years old when he realized he wanted to be a barber just like his father.

Standing in his father's barber shop in New Jersey, Lawton was struck by the emotional connection between his father and the clients.

"I just saw how much they loved him," Lawton told Patch.

Lawton watched the clients have a "transformation of confidence" in his dad's chair. Most astonishingly, they thought Lawton's father was cool — something Lawton, like most teenagers, had never before considered.

In April, Lawton opened his first barbershop, Locale Barbershop, on Tompkins Avenue. Despite it being his first endeavor, Locale felt like a homecoming to Lawton.

"This is really full circle to be able to open my own shop in Bedford-Stuyvesant," said Lawton, whose grandfather was also a barber. "I always wanted to be on Tompkins."

Locale is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. — but to date, Lawton's been staying late to accommodate new clients. The new Bed-Stuy shop was immediately busy — Lawton even had eight walk-ins on his first day.

"I was so blown away, I felt so embraced by the neighborhood," Lawton said.

Surrounded by many creative local business owners, Lawton set out to make his space feel reflective of Brooklyn.

The barbershop is decked out with famous references to Brooklyn and beloved cultural figures like Jackie Robinson, Martin Luther King and the first Black Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm.

Lawton's favorite touch is a poster for Spike Lee's "Do the Right Thing," which he's hoping he can get Lee to sign.

Amid the iconic images stand photos of Lawton's father, grandfather and his dad's barbershop.

A music-lover with diverse taste, Lawton is always playing different tunes at Locale — one day, clients will walk in and hear Hiatus Kaiyote and another jazz drummer Art Blakey. Or maybe Lawton will be blasting punk music.

"The spot captures NYC — everyone is welcome," he said.

Inspired by his father's social skills, Lawton wants Locale to be a community space. He dreams of using the storefront for other community gatherings, like album listening parties.

"I want it to be a place where relationships are built," Lawton said.

Lawton is also hoping his barbershop is a place for young students and professionals to explore the craft. Lawton will offer apprenticeships at Locale for young barbers, he said.

One of the barbers working in Lawton's shop, Diego Ramirez, is a perfect example of why an apprenticeship can be so powerful, he said. Now a student at Brooklyn College, Ramirez went to barber school after high school and has become an "incredible barber" while he explores his interests in school.

"This industry has so much flexibility and is so creative," Lawton said.