A sign with an upside-down armadillo greets visitors to the Hairy Armadillo, the new barbershop that recently opened for business downtown. Located across the street from the downtown courthouse and post office, the interior spare decorations acknowledge the bi-state nature of the location.
"Downtown is where I've always wanted to open a business," owner and barber Stephen Brown said. "This is the heart of Texarkana. I've always loved the atmosphere, the architecture and history. You have businesses that have a long, deep connection, such as Logan Electric, which has been in business around 100 years."
Brown started his own contribution to the downtown business scene based on a dream he has been carrying since barber school.
"I told all my fellow students in barber school I wanted to open my own shop. I even had the name already thought up," he said. "Me and my friends would have conversations about creative names for businesses, and Hairy Armadillo stuck out for me. It fit a barbershop, and armadillos are well-known in Texas as well as Arkansas. Besides, the upside-down armadillo on my sign is kind of a joke, as that is how many people see them around here."
Brown has been drawn to the idea of the barbershop ever since he was a youngster.
"I always enjoyed being in a barbershop when I was a kid," he said. "While in a barbershop, all kinds of people would come and go. They would often hang out and talk. You could see politicians, police officers and everybody coming in and out and stopping to chat."
Brown has been in the hair trade for two years and this is his first shop. At 30 years old with a young family and deep roots in Texas, previous experiences in other industries have made him realize that the barbering trade is where he needs to be.
His customers seem to agree. People have been finding his place.
"This is a good location," he said. "Originally, I had my eye on a Main Street location, but that was not to be. This one became available and things have been great."
The Hairy Armadillo is located at 504 Wood St. Walk-ins are 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Or call 903-306-3642 for an appointment. Saturday sessions are by appointment only.