The Hub

Owner Realizes Longtime Dream With Hub Barber Shop

Writer / Lois Tomaszewski
Photographer Tony Straw

There was a specific type of business missing from Culver and Darlean Dimmock knew what it was – an old-fashioned-type barber shop. So, she opened the Hub Barber Shop and Shave on Main Street.

Housed in an old brick building across from the library, The Hub has that old-timey feel. A black and white color scheme and big black leather and shiny chrome barber chairs at the front window evokes nostalgia. It’s designed to be reminiscent of when barber shops were the gathering place for conversation in downtown, in other words – a hub.

Just like those older times, no appointments are taken. It’s walk-in only and prices are kept simple.

“Men don’t like to make appointments [for these services],” she explains.

Dimmock also offers something that is hard to find – straight-razor shaves.

“My customers can’t believe it’s available,” Dimmock says. “A lot of people come in asking for it.”

A straight-razor shave is more than simply removing beard growth. There is a lot of pampering in the process. The customer is always made to feel comfortable, no matter what the service is, but especially during a shave. Hot towels are used to soften the hair for the razor.

“When they are relaxed, I start with the razor,” Dimmock says.

Some customers request a full head shave, too.

“It’s been a dream of mine to open a barber shop,” Dimmock says. “Some very good friends of mine are barbers.”

Those friends, the barbers at Boar’s Head in Rochester, mentored her and helped her train for this new venture. Dimmock is retired from a career in the financial sector, but has always felt called toward this kind of work. She said she would routinely notice when her former clients would come in with new haircuts. Citing her already-developed people skills and her interest in haircutting, becoming a barber seemed a natural fit.

Dimmock attended Barber School in LaPorte. After completing her training, she worked for different people to hone her skills, all with the goal of opening her own shop. That hard work paid off in November, when The Hub opened for business.

“I want my customers to feel comfortable coming in here,” she says. “I really am a people person, I cater to my customers. I even sometimes go the extra mile even if I don’t have to.”

Licensed barber Cayla Arthurhultz also works in the shop on Fridays and Saturdays. Many of Arthurhultz’s customers followed her to The Hub, Dimmock says.

The price list is simple and direct. There are no fancy packages or services that someone does not want or need. Cost of services varies from $10 for a beard trim to $40 for a haircut and shave. Children under 12 get a discount on haircuts. Seniors over 62 also receive a discount.

“I like that I don’t have to worry about my customers not being able to afford a service,” she says. “Especially those on a fixed income.”

Culver is special to Dimmock, and she has a connection here. She went to Culver High School. She appreciates the mix of potential customers that may come her way. From year-round residents to the summer season visitors to the cadets at Culver Academy, she is ready to welcome all for a little pampering.

Dimmock is thankful for the support and encouragement she has received from the decision to open her barber shop. She credits her faith in God, the mentorship and friendship of her barber friends, and her family and friends.

“Culver has always been a nice little spot,” Dimmock says. “I kept an eye out and noticed we haven’t had a barber shop here. [Opening up The Hub] has been one of the best decisions in my life.”

The Hub Barber Shop is located at 110 North Main Street in Culver. The shop is open from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Tuesday through Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. The shop is closed on Sundays and Mondays.