Mel and April - The BEarded Flamingo Barbershop

I have the pleasure of introducing April and Melanie, owners of The Bearded Flamingo Barbershop in Cranbrook BC. They’ve dedicated themselves to building solid relationships in the community through their fantastic customer service and communication, and they provide a fun and eclectic environment with exceptional haircuts and beard & shave services.

How long have you two been running The Bearded Flamingo, and how have things changed for your business this past year?

We first opened the barbershop in March of 2017, so we’re actually coming up on our 4thanniversary of being in operation! We faced a huge challenge when the government mandated the shutdown last March due to Covid19. Needless to say, things got a little hairy for us and not the way we hoped for, including having to find a new location for the shop!

Have you been doing anything in particular to create some joy or have some fun through all of this? Picked up any new hobbies or started other projects, etc..?

We took some time to develop our artistic creations at home through music, painting and other forms of art. We also took full advantage of the great outdoors, and soaked in the inspiration from our local landscapes. Connecting with our clients and nurturing our relationships has always been a priority, so this whole Covid speed bump gave us the opportunity to restructure our business plan in a new location. It was an amazing shift, going from total uncertainty of the future of our business, the when where and how of trying to get back at it after the shutdown, to having a fresh perspective and a place to call home again.

During a year of such turmoil, what positive or uplifting things have you seen, or experienced yourselves?

We have witnessed many selfless acts of kindness in the Cranbrook area from clients and other business owners; by their gracious loyalty, understanding, patience and encouragement. We have always strived to be creative and resilient to change, and are grateful for the many blessings from so many unexpected sources. Having to move locations during the middle of a pandemic rattled us, and created the misconception that we had given up. But true to the Flamingo stubbornness, and with the outstretched arms of Fred and Jesse (& crew) from The Firehall, we found ourselves in a position to recreate our atmosphere and bring back our full services in a sweet new location upstairs. Fortunately, we’ve established a great rapport with our clientele, guys (and gals), so when we were finally able to re-open, we got to reconnect with a number of our previous regulars - and just in time, because some of the Covid haircut corrections have become not only entertaining but necessary!

Is there anything you'd like to share, or wish people were aware of right now?

Restrictions and new protocols have changed our casual walk-in ways to operating by appointment only now, but thankfully our guys & gals are being really understanding and supportive of how we’re having to adapt to our New Normal.Please tell your friends, family and loved ones that we are still here and back at it! (unless you’re ok with them sporting that awful covid-cut at the next gathering)

Look for our sign board out front of Firehall Kitchen & Tap, and come see us upstairs!