Small Business Profile: The Barb Shop

March 4, 2026

There's a new haven in town for cool people with short hair. The Barb Shop is Bernal's newest small business and if you've got (or want) short, stylish locks, you need to go! Your hair AND your inner child will be happy, thanks to their soft serve window. (yes, we said soft serve! 🍦)

Here's our Q&A with The Barb Shop's owner, Sheena Lister.

The Barb Shop is such a fun and unique concept. What was the spark that started it all?

I started the brand The Barb Shop 5 years ago based on my own experience being a woman with short hair, feeling underrepresented in the hair and beauty industries. The Barb Shop was founded as a hair product line made for people with short hair (bobs to buzz length) and has evolved into so much more than that. The brand centers women and non binary people at its core but exists as an inclusive brand for anyone who expresses themselves through short hair:)

I've always wanted to open a barber shop that reflects the core of the brand as I had experienced one too many awkward or unfitting moments in both traditional salons and barbershops. When the opportunity for bringing the idea to life presented itself I didn't think twice! I have been living in Bernal heights for almost 15 years, my wife is from Bernal (her parents still live there), and we are proudly raising our 3 and 5 year old kiddos in Bernal. Bernal was a no brainer for the flagship... soft serve ice cream was also a no brainer:) First, I LOVE soft serve and second of all, I wanted a space that reflected the entire Bernal community - whether popping in for a short cut, or swinging by "The Window" for a sweet treat, anyone is welcome.

What is your typical client looking for that they can't get anywhere else?

Short hair expertise! Our incredible stylist are experts in short hair and our menu is designed to serve anyone looking to "Go Barb" (our version of a long to short transformational haircut, get a bob, buzz or fade! We also offer color, which is unique to barber shop settings. Our clients range from 3 years old to 93 years old, united by short hair self expression:)

What's your favorite client request to fulfill?

A gender affirming haircut paired with an oreo shake:)

Is it true that your hair pomade and other styling products are made in the USA? Was that always important to you and has it been challenging?

Yes! It's always been important to me. I am proud that the products are made in the USA. That said, we recently converted our packaging to aluminum which meant moving our packaging supplier to China. This has been a very challenging transition and has prevented many brands like ours from being able to sustain or grow.

What's next on your wish list for the Barb Shop? Any cool new products or services you'd love to add to the line?

We will be launching events, monthly specials at The Window and more good vibes always:)

Can you tell us about your R&D program? It sounds like you created it with a strong sense of community in mind.

Yes! It was very important to me, since I don't come from a hair background that our products were designed by stylists and barbers in the industry. Our styling cream and sea salt spray were developed in partnership with16 barbers and stylists across the country. Now that we have our own flagship, we are excited to be able to do R+D in house!

We love Bernal! What's the best part about being on Cortland, and what's your favorite place to grab lunch nearby?

Bernal is the best neighborhood in the world.... But I am biased of course! Best part is the fact that it feels like a village. It has the "cheers" effect. I have been LOVING the Romana salad with salmon at Vega recently. Can't go wrong with a treat or lunch at The Bernal Basket or Black Jet Bakery either.

What would you like people to know about what it's like to be a small business owner?

It's MUCH harder than you think (at least than I could have ever imagined) - support small business!