New barber experience opens in Tiffin

TIFFIN - Jylan Godfrey is raising the bar of the barbershop experience with the opening of Jay's Culture. Godfrey, a 20-year-old Tiffin native, said his interest in becoming a barber started during the pandemic when lockdowns led him to start watching barber videos. "I thought it was a type of art work in a way," he said. Jylan said he decided "to become a barber that helps in more ways than just a haircut." Jylan's mom, Alisha Godfrey, said Jylan opted to attend Toledo Barber College to pursue that dream, devoting his time and energy to complete the 14-month program. "He drove every day to Toledo from here," she said, while also working at Fort Ball Pizza Palace to put himself through college. Alisha's brother, Jylan's uncle, is an owner of Fort Ball, she said. "It is amazing how my family and co-workers at work have helped me through my journey," Jylan said. Jylan completed the barber program in September, Alisha said, and he made the decision to set up shop in his mom's salon, Divine Style Beauty Bar, 12 Hudson St., Tiffin. Alisha said she has owned the salon for more than five years, and, although she and Jylan considered a number of options in the community, the best path for him led to Divine Style. "We'll make room for you here," Alisha said she told Jylan, and she opted to give up her own space at the salon to help him get established. Now, Jay's Culture Barber Shop, with "Jay Da Barber," is open for business. Jylan said his mom has been a strong influence on his career path. "I am so happy she helped me with this journey," he said, "and the fact she cleared out her room for me means the world to me." Jylan said that beyond basic barber services, he plans to incorporate spa options for clients that include facials, eyebrows, and massages. "I offer services that can be considered a men's spa," he said, and he hopes to increase the comfort of people visiting the barber. Jylan said he respects and is ready to meet the unique trials and tribulations of being a barber, including the desire to meet client expectations, build helpful relationships with customers, and remain singularly focused on each client during an appointment. In addition, he said, becoming a barber has helped him grow more than just professionally. "I was a person who couldn't talk to anyone but meeting new people and making them happy with my work is all I can ask for," Jylan said. Looking farther into the future, Jylan said he hopes to be able to open a barber shop in Perrysburg with a friend he met in barber school. However, he said, that possibility is "five or so years down the road." Currently, appointments with Jylan can be made through TheCut app, he said, which offers set hours for booking a spot. In the future, Jylan said he will be offering a time for walk-in appointments, and his overall schedule is likely to change as his clientele becomes more established.