We have known about “Mom and Pop” businesses throughout history, but this is about a Mr. and Mrs. business venture. Mr. (Tony Basim) and Mrs. (CeCe Shannon) rent space—he on the first floor (PHD Barber Shop) and she on the second floor (Route 1’s Best Variety Shop)—at 102 Washington Blvd. in downtown Laurel, otherwise known as Route 1 and Main Street, the town’s art district center. They are listed as owner and operator of their respective spaces.
A married couple for 13 years, after a nine-year courtship, Basim, a native of Queens, New York, has been in the barbering business for over 25 years. He is quoted as saying “In my community, hair care was very important to both men and women. Looking sharp, clean, and debonair oozed self-confidence and esteem-building. It was important to look good, not only in the mirror, but in the public eye!”
He first visited a barber shop at age 11 and was caught up in the experience, becoming a licensed barber in New York in 1995. Moving to Laurel in 2001, Basim worked in several shops for nine years until the day came when he told a fellow barber “I think I am ready to open my own shop and do things my way!” The co-worker mentioned the location on Main Street and, after 17 years, the rest is history!
When asked why the moniker of “Professional Hair Doctor,” Basim told us the history of the barber, back in 700 BC, who was originally the surgeon, the dentist, and the all-around professional medical doctor. And, therefore, the name stuck. So, when the second floor of 102 Main Street became vacant after being the meeting place for Alcoholics Anonymous for over 20 years, Basim approached the owner with the idea of occupying that space with his wife’s business ideas.
CeCe looked over the space and immediately remembered the Five and Dime store on Main Street in her hometown, Bowling Green, Virginia, where her father took her and her sister every Saturday. That store had toys, candy, and fake jewelry, among other things. Main Street Laurel brought back those memories of shopping in that Five and Dime, and walking the space on the second floor she was filled with the possibilities of what may be her own business. CeCe told us, “This location is good for growing a business and particularly, a variety store. It has two sides, is near a hotel and a residential area.”
The grand opening of “Route 1’s Best Variety Store” happened on October 21, 2023, and the future looks bright. If you are looking for beauty supplies, household products, second-hand clothes, and a consignment corner, look no further than the 2nd floor of 102 Washington Blvd. in downtown Laurel. And, while you are in the neighborhood, you might want to get a haircut.
Comments