Challes’ Old School Barbering Creates a Space for Craftsmanship, Culture & Connection
Challes’ Old School Barbering in Neosho, Missouri, holds steadfast to the long-established practice of delivering high quality, personal grooming with an emphasis on fundamental skills, while providing a nostalgic atmosphere for those who come through their doors.
“Old-school barbering traditions are rooted in craftsmanship, discipline and community,” says Jon-Michael Kershaw, director of operations and co-owner of the shop with his wife, Challes Kershaw, who happens to be the master barber. “A haircut wasn’t rushed, it was earned.
“Barbers took pride in clean lines, straight-razor work, hot towels, proper consultations and knowing how to tailor a cut to the individual sitting in the chair. The barbershop was a safe place where conversations mattered, generations crossed paths, respect was expected and people felt seen and heard. Barbers were trusted figures – part craftsman, counselor and community anchor.”
Sharing the vision Challes and Jon-Michael had in mind when they opened their shop in fall 2024, Challes says, “It represents a revival of this timeless craft by restoring intention, discipline and pride to every part of the experience.
Before opening the shop, Challes wanted to be prepped by the best, and she says, “Training at the world-renowned Old School Barber Academy by Reuzel in the Netherlands was important. I didn’t want to open a barbershop based on opinions or trends. I wanted it to be built on proven foundations.
“Reuzel represents the highest level of old-school barbering combined with modern professionalism. Learning directly from masters who live and breathe their craft gave me structure, discipline and a deeper understanding of how to run a barbershop the right way, while adding our own personality to it. That training sharpened my technical skills. More importantly, it shaped my mindset.
“We have the foundations of barbering through precision cutting, straight-razor work, proper preparation and respect for the chair to ensure every person leaves here not just with a haircut, but an experience.
“By grounding modern styles in classic technique, we keep the craft relevant without sacrificing quality. Every haircut, shave and conversation are approached with purpose, consistency and respect for the client, the barber and the craft.”
When it comes to the details, Challes’ Old School Barbering doesn’t take shortcuts, and Challes says, “Straight-razor shaves with hot towels aren’t just about tradition. It’s about slowing down the experience, preparing the skin properly and delivering a level of care you can’t rush. It requires skill, confidence and trust. That’s what makes it special.
“Precision scissor and clipper work is the backbone of real barbering. Anyone can go fast with clippers. True precision shows discipline, control and understanding of structure. The same goes for beard artistry and sculpting. It’s not just facial hair. It’s shaping someone’s identity, confidence and how they present themselves to the world.”
Clients deserve the best of the best, and Jon-Michael says, “Premium products matter because quality shows up in the result and longevity of service. They protect the hair and skin, elevate the experience and reinforce that what we’re doing is intentional.
“These aren’t extras, they’re standards. They separate barbering from basic haircutting and turn a service into an experience. People don’t just leave looking better, they feel like they’re taken care of, as well, while carrying a confidence with them that’s hard to find anywhere else.”
Along with the barbering, there’s the close personal connections that stretch from one end of town to another and beyond, and Jon-Michael says, “The barbershop has always been a gathering place where stories are shared, milestones celebrated, losses mourned and all different walks of life sit side by side.
“Building community in this business is about creating a space where everyone feels welcomed, respected and valued. It’s about showing up for people beyond the haircut, whether that’s through mentorship, charity work or being a steady presence in their lives.”
Challes says, “Community isn’t a marketing strategy, it’s our foundation. When you invest in people, care about the craft and conversations equally, the shop becomes more than a business. It’s a place where people belong. That’s when barbering turns into something that lasts.”
There are three components that drive it home, and Jon-Michael says, “Creating a space where craftsmanship, culture and connection come together starts with standards. Craftsmanship means every barber in the shop respects the trade. It’s not about trends. It’s about mastering fundamentals and taking pride in doing things the right way every time.
“Culture is built through values. Respect, accountability and humility set the tone. We honor the roots of barbering, while welcoming the evolution of it through different backgrounds, different stories and one shared respect for the chair and the craft.”
Explaining the third of these three principles, Jon-Michael says, “Connection is the result of consistency. When people feel comfortable, listened to and respected, they come back. When barbers care as much about the person as the haircut, relationships happen naturally.
“The shop becomes a place people rely on, not just for service, but a nice chat, a chance to catch up or somewhere to let your hair down. When all three elements are aligned, the space becomes a hub where tradition lives, culture is respected and real human connections matter.”
“We knew how we wanted to operate the shop,” Challes says, “how barbers should be trained, and how clients should feel when they walk into our shop. The Old School Barber Academy helped turn a vision into a blueprint. That foundation is what allows our shop to grow without losing its identity.”
Her time at The Old School Barber Academy confirmed what Challes already knew: “It reinforced the idea that modern style only works when it is built on timeless fundamentals.
“Precision techniques (clean sections, proper elevation, balance and finishing) do not change. What changes is how those fundamentals are applied. Trends come and go, but structure, control and consistency are permanent.
“When I did my extended schooling at The Old School Barber Academy, the focus was on mastering classic cuts, razor work and traditional methods first. After that, I learned how to adapt them to current styles without losing integrity.
“Fades, textures and modern silhouettes were treated as evolutions of classic barbering, not replacements for it. That approach showed me that you do not chase trends, you interpret them through skill.”
In sharing more of the takeaways from her training, Challes says, “We teach barbers to understand why a cut works, not just how to copy it. When the foundation is solid, modern styles stay cleaner, last longer and grow out better. The Old School Barber Academy helped shape a mindset where tradition provides the discipline, and modern style provides the expression.”
It has all worked to help make this a go-to place, and Jon-Michael says, “It’s where craftsmanship matters, where clients aren’t treated like numbers and barbers aren’t treated like replaceable laborers. That intentional approach builds trust. Trust is what turns a routine appointment into something people plan their schedules around.”
There’s a lot more to it, and Jon-Michael says, “Beyond the chair, our shop connects with the community through events, education and giving back. Our greatest sense of pride is how our shop reflects the heart of this region. This area is built on hard work, loyalty and showing up for each other. That mindset lives inside the shop. People here value authenticity, craftsmanship and relationships. That’s what we stand for as well.
“Our shop mirrors the character of the community. We see multiple generations sitting side by side, familiar faces returning week after week, and visitors leaving with a sense of what this area represents. Connecting with so many walks of life and personalities is special. That connection reminds me we didn’t just build a business. We built something that’s part of the community.
“Watching this business grow, while staying true to our values, is incredibly rewarding. It goes beyond just numbers. It’s seeing the smiles, confidence and loyalty in our clients, and knowing we’ve sparked a confidence and trust that they take home with them.
“Being a locally owned business means that every cut, every conversation and every decision impacts the community that raised us up. That connection makes our success feel personal.”
“All the relationships we’ve developed have been amazing,” Challes says. “We’re proud to be part of a community that is strong and growing. Knowing we play a role in that, no matter how big or small, keeps us inspired to show up every day and raise the bar even higher.”
Challes’ Old School Barbering Fast Facts
Co-Owners: Jon-Michael and Challes Kershaw
Hometowns: Jon-Michael, Neosho, Missouri. Challes, different places around the Four-State Area.
Jobs/Job Titles Most of Adult Life: Jon-Michael: sales and distribution. Challes: barbering.
Hobbies: Spending time with their dogs, going to see live music or comedy, traveling, trying all the best foods, kayaking
Challes’ Old School Barbering Address: 412 N. Lincoln St., Neosho, Missouri
Phone Number: 417-355-5622
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Quotable: “We both built the business,” Jon-Michael says. “Challes is the barber. She is immensely talented. Her care and attention to detail for every person that sits in the chair has always been inspiring. I told her I would help her in any way possible to open a shop so she could really shine. I am whatever the shop needs me to be – payroll and accounting, IT, receptionist and landscaper. Just anything I can do so all our barbers can be free to do what they do best.”
Public Service Announcement: Jon-Michael says, “We’re looking for barbers to match our style and grow with our business. We have so many people coming in now, we could use a couple of amazing barbers.”
