By: K. Monroe Carter
When Gene Harris opened the doors to Geno’s Barbershop and Beauty Salon in 2019, he wasn’t just starting a business – he was fulfilling a dream he’d carried since he was ten years old.
Located in the heart of Simpson County, Geno’s Barbershop has grown into more than just a grooming spot; it’s a cornerstone for community connection.
“I’ve known since I was a kid that this is what I wanted to do,” Harris said. “It’s what I was meant for.”
At the time of opening, Simpson County was beginning to see signs of growth: a few new restaurants, small businesses, and a renewed energy among locals.
Harris saw an opportunity to be part of that progress, determined to create a place that blended quality service with a welcoming atmosphere.
“I’ve been in business for seven years now, and I’d say hard work and dedication have made the difference,” he reflected. “But the community has been a big support from day one. Without them, there wouldn’t be a Geno’s Barbershop.”
Inside the shop, jokes, laughter, and deep conversations fill the air. Whether it’s sports, politics, or neighborhood news, Geno’s is known for being a place where everyone feels at home.
“It’s a good place for good conversation and laughter all the time,” Harris said. “You can talk about just about anything … from what’s going on in the world to everyday life.”
But, building and maintaining a business hasn’t been without challenges. One of the toughest moments, he admits, was dealing with a difficult landlord in the early years.
“Having a bad landlord almost caused me to go out of business,” he said. “It was rough. But, I kept going even working a second job to keep things afloat.”
Today, Geno’s Barbershop continues to thrive, consistently welcoming new clients while keeping loyal ones coming back week after week.
“It’s crazy to see the next generation coming in,” Harris said with a smile. “I’ve cut kids’ hair, and now I’m cutting their kids’ hair. I’ve watched families grow. It’s a blessing.”
Technology and social media have helped Harris adapt to changing times. He credits online promotion for keeping Geno’s visible and accessible in today’s fast-paced world.
“It’s much easier to promote the business on social media now,” he said. “Everything moves faster, and stylists have to change with the times.”
When asked about lessons learned, Harris doesn’t mince words.
“People will still cross you out no matter what so, don’t worry about that,” he said. “Just follow your dream. Go for it. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it.”
For him, Geno’s Barbershop isn’t just a business. It’s his life’s work.
“This is what I built,” he said. “It means a lot to me.”
And to the community that continues to stand behind him, Harris has one final message: “Thank you. Without your support, there would be no Geno’s Barbershop.”
Note: This feature is part of The People’s Paper’s “Community Voices” series, highlighting stories of dedication, entrepreneurship, and local pride across Simpson County.
