Belle Barber Barber Shop Marks 50 Years in Business in Lakewood

Paul Mediate followed in his father’s footsteps as a barber, when he started cutting hair when he was 13 years old.

That was more than 60 years ago.

During that time, he’s given more than a quarter-million haircuts.

On Saturday, Mediate celebrated 50 years at the helm of the Belle Barber Shop at 14530 Detroit Avenue — which has been a barber shop since the building was constructed in 1917.

“There have been so many nice people who have come through this door,” he said, pointing toward the street. “It really has been a pleasure.”

More than 50 of his friends and family surprised Mediate at his shop on Saturday.

Mayor Michael Summers stopped in to present Mediate with a resolution from city hall, recognizing the shop’s success.

Mediate said he has no plans to retire.

Check out our video (above) highlighting Mediate’s 60 years as a barber from last summer