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Legacy Barber Lounge brings fresh edge to Donelson




Legacy Barber Lounge owner Dion Hicks puts the final touches on client Frederick Gore. PHOTO COURTESY OF DION HICKS

Legacy Barber Lounge owner Dion Hicks puts the final touches on client Frederick Gore. PHOTO COURTESY OF DION HICKS

Some may say Dion Hicks got a wild hair – pardon the pun – and took an entrepreneurial leap of faith when he decided to open his own barber shop in the heart of Donelson.

But those who know Hicks well know a lot of thought went into the new journey. Why not go out a limb, if it’s strong and sturdy? Hicks has cut hair for the past 27 years and the last three years professionally. The experience is what backed up his confidence to open Legacy Barber Lounge on New Year’s Eve 2019 on McGavock Pike to start his new business off with a bang. It’s been going like gangbusters ever since with Hicks as owner and full-time barber and two other barbers who keep their chairs busy, as well.

“I started cutting hair when I was 12 years old,” Hicks said. “I started with my own, and friends would ask where I got my hair cut.”

He told them he was his own barber.

“They started asking me to cut theirs, and it’s really never stopped,” said Hicks, who is 38 years old, father to five children and husband to Tiffanny for the past three years.

At 160 McGavock Pike, Suite B, Hicks has the extra luxury of living across the street. He bought his home in Donelson 10 years ago. 

A graduate of Strafford High School, followed up by barber school, Hicks has always liked the charm of Donelson, and he knew when he decided to open a barber shop, he would do it in Donelson. The fact the shop space happened to be available a stone’s throw away from home makes life a lot easier for the entrepreneur. 

Why Legacy Barber Lounge rather than shop?

“Well, I wanted to do something other than the words barber shop,” he said. “I like the word lounge because I wanted my place to feel like home, where you can lounge and relax.”

The décor is comfortable with a touch of edgy with dark-red barber chairs to match the twirling barber pole. 

“Instead of chairs, I went with [three] comfortable grey couches to help with the vibe,” he said. 

There’s also a pool table with a rich red felt, as well as a big-screen television and gaming systems. 

Hicks said they cut all types of hair, from ethnic to lots of children’s cuts. He said the fact McGavock High School, Two Rivers Middle School and Two Rivers Elementary School are in the area help with his younger clientele. 

When not cutting hair, and creating the latest fade style, for years Hicks worked as a security guard and at Carlex Glass, the former Ford glass plant, where he picked up a steady paycheck. 

What Hicks likes most about cutting hair are the relationships he’s formed with his clients through the years.

While he’s always cut hair for friends and family, his inner voice kept telling him to take the plunge. It was his wife who nudged him into opening his business.

“She was like, ‘why are you doing all these different jobs?’ when you could cut hair full time,” Hicks said. “She was very supportive and encouraging and gave me that final push.”

He said it was something he couldn’t get away from anyway. People constantly asked him to cut their hair.

“Well, they would not go to any other barber but me, so I guess I could say I was forced into this full-time gig as owner and barber, thank goodness,” said Hicks.

Jay Upshaw and Shayna McMillan work in the shop with him. While they all cut women’s hair, as well, it’s mostly short styles for them. And there’s really not the latest and great hairstyle that’s in demand.

“We go with what the client wants,” said Hicks.

His clients range from 2 years old and older. And, he’s always booked extensively and can do up to 22 haircuts in one day. 

What Hicks like most about his job are the relationships he’s formed during nearly three decades. 

“Some of the kids who I cut their hair when I was just a kid, and they’ve come to my shop, and now their kids do, as well,” he said. “It’s really surreal.”

Hicks said aside from his years of experience cutting hair, he wears many other hats as a barber. He gets a bit reverent when he talks about this aspect of his career.

“We are psychiatrists, mentors and confidants,” he said. “I’ve learned to listen and am proud people can open up to me. Part of my service is to simply listen.”

Customer service is key, he said. Without that, people won’t come back. 

“I take pride in establishing long-time, long-term relationships,” he said. 

Tiffanny Hicks works full time elsewhere, but can sometimes be found in the shop sweeping up hair. 

And does he cut his wife’s hair? He burst out laughing.

“No, she goes to a hair salon for that,” he said.

“Legacy” is apropos for Hicks’ shop. When he forecast five years down the road, he smiled.

“I’d like to own another shop and open a barber school,” he said.

Legacy Barber Lounge’s hours are Sundays and Mondays by appointment, Tuesdays through Fridays from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Call the shop at 629-203-6173 for an appointment.

Legacy Barber Lounge opened on New Year’s Eve 2019 in Donelson. Owner Dion Hicks has cut hair nearly three decades and decided to take the plunge and open his own shop right across the street from his home. PHOTO COURTESY OF DION HICKS

Legacy Barber Lounge opened on New Year’s Eve 2019 in Donelson. Owner Dion Hicks has cut hair nearly three decades and decided to take the plunge and open his own shop right across the street from his home. PHOTO COURTESY OF DION HICKS

Legacy Barber Lounge in Donelson is owned by Dion Hicks. All types of hair is cut there from children 2 and older. The barbers specialize in ethnic hair, as well. PHOTO COURTESY OF DION HICKS

Legacy Barber Lounge in Donelson is owned by Dion Hicks. All types of hair is cut there from children 2 and older. The barbers specialize in ethnic hair, as well. PHOTO COURTESY OF DION HICKS

The vibe at Legacy Barber Lounge is laid back with a pool table, gaming systems and big screen television. Dark red is the favored color. PHOTO COURTESY OF DION HICKS

The vibe at Legacy Barber Lounge is laid back with a pool table, gaming systems and big screen television. Dark red is the favored color. PHOTO COURTESY OF DION HICKS

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