©2019 Saratoga Photographer.com
By Susan E. Campbell
Saving Face barbershop is a recent business addition to West Avenue, one of the growth areas in Saratoga Springs. As new commercial spaces and residential buildings continue to go up and activity on the west side increases, shop manager and master barber Jeremiah Cregan said he is pleased with his location.
“I originally wanted a shop on Broadway in the center of things,” Cregan said. “But as I dove into it I thought, I want to target locals who do not want to worry about traffic in the summer or finding a parking space.“
He narrowed down his choices to a few locations on West Ave, but ultimately the space that Dance Lab had vacated at 68 West Ave. proved to have the amenities he needed.
Cregan studied business and marketing at St. John Fisher College and worked as a financial advisor in Syracuse after graduation. He had always cut hair, he said, and was ready to make a career change. He had visited Saratoga and liked the atmosphere.
Derik Rutigliano of Choice 1 Designs of Saratoga Springs was hired to gut and renovate the space from the floor up.
“Choice 1 Designs came highly recommended,” Cregan said. “Derik did all the demolition and remodel work.”
The target market for Saving Face in Saratoga is primarily men, but Cregan said he likes to cut kids hair too, especially fathers and sons enjoying the barbershop experience together. He offers child, student, military and firefighter discounts.
He has also begun to build a clientele around track people, including jockeys, trainers and racehorse owners.
Cregan is training four apprentices and eventually expects to have six chairs with licensed master barbers at the shop.
Cregan looks forward to getting better acquainted with the community and plans what he calls a “barbercue” when the weather gets warmer.
“The ‘barbercue’ is an annual fundraiser with raffle proceeds going to a local charity,” he said. “It is a way for families and businesses to come together, have fun, and show customer appreciation with free haircuts, food and drinks, and music.”
Select businesses will be invited to set up tents and join the event.
Saving Face can be reached at 518-450-1217.