Barbery Coast Barber Shop Opens at Poet's Corner

To start where the article “Ups and Downs at Poet’s Corner” (The Semaphore, Fall 2023) left off…

“The commercial space where City Lights once stored its freshly printed poems now sits vacant, awaiting its next occupant…”

Keez standing in front of the barber shop

We’re here!!!

Barbery Coast Barber Shop opened its doors on March 19th at the corner of Filbert Street and Grant Avenue. Skeez Nava and I are the proprietors. We moved to Telegraph Hill a year ago. And our love affair with the community began.

We walked past the vacant shop on Grant and Filbert almost every day, and we started dreaming and wondering if it could be the spot for us. We love our neighborhood, and being a part of the Grant Avenue scene just seemed the perfect location for the business we want to create.

One might say Skeez’s biography is one that fits the Barbary Coast. He has mastered two professions in life: music and barbering. Skeez has a 30-year career as a professional bass player, touring and recording in numerous bands in the U.S. and Mexico. When he wasn’t playing, Skeez was barbering, having worked in and owned several barber shops over the past 26 years. Skeez’s previous employer in the Mission, Gents Barber Club, was his last stop before making the big decision to open another shop. And what better place than a mere 497 feet from his front door!

I have a long career history as an independent school director and business owner. I have helped Skeez create the Barbery Coast business model and will continue to support him in all aspects of the business. I am an active member of THD and plan to incorporate our shop as a place on the map for the community. We want to grow our enterprise, while keeping the vibe of the Grant Avenue scene as well as honoring the amazing historical roots of this building.

Says Skeez, “Drawing from more than 25 years of experience in the trade, I’ve witnessed trends cycle in and out, sometimes making unexpected comebacks. Despite this, my commitment to staying abreast of new and emerging trends remains unwavering. I am confident in my ability to achieve the look you desire, or at the very least, guide you in the right direction. All this while ensuring a lighthearted and enjoyable atmosphere throughout the process. Your satisfaction is not just a goal; it’s a guarantee accompanied by a few laughs along the way.”