A Struggle to Stay Open During the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic forced many nonessential stores to close down. These businesses included barber shops. One Visalia barber endured many challenges to stay open.

Carlos Medina, owner of Carlos Sportsmen’s Barber Shop has been open for 30 years. He was forced to close down during the beginning of the pandemic. “I had three other barbers working with me,” Medina said. Those chairs now remain empty, but Medina reopened even with few customers. “I live in the neighborhood right here in Northside. I know these people for over 30 years,” Medina said.

He felt he had to remain open to his loyal customers. “We talk a lot about certain things – about games, family, and the things that we want to do. Like this gentleman is talking about going fishing,” said Medina.

With Tulare County lifting some restrictions, people can walk in, wait, but if there is no one in line, they can sit down and get a haircut. Medina had to raise his prices from $12 to $20 in order to make some adjustments that the state requires.   

As more Americans continue to get vaccinated, Medina is hopeful that the pandemic will be over soon. He has only one goal in mind. “I think I will still be able to keep filling up these chairs,” said Medina.