New in Town: Eastside Barbershop

Eastside Barbershop owner Brook Chamberlain

This micro barber shop nestled in The Hive co-working space will be the latest destination for Lansing’s grizzled dudes to turn into dapper gentlemen.

Master barber Brook Chamberlain returned to his native Lansing to start his own shop after stints cutting hair in Florida, Las Vegas and Ann Arbor.

The new place sports sleek white tiling, copper piping and antique aftershave decor. The Eastside Barbershop’s miniature barber pole spins away not outdoors, but in the lobby of The Hive, Lansing’s first co-working space that opened in early-January.

The Eastside Barbershop is one of its 43 tenants. Chamberlain said he made the move to the co-working space after renting a spot on Artist’s Avenue.

“I liked their vision here,” Chamberlain said. “When they showed me what it was, The Hive was just on the computer. Up here, it was just dry wall and stuff all over. It came a long way — I was super nervous about it, but now that is here, I’m excited.”

Chamberlain started cutting hair for his friends and family in high school. After developing an interest in barbershop culture, he attended school at the Lansing Barber College and received certification once he completed 2,000 hours of coursework.

He then left Michigan and eventually wound up working in Las Vegas, but it wasn’t for him.

“It was a bigger shop and we had to serve drinks between cuts and offer refreshments. Honestly, it was kind of weird. I didn’t like dry-cleaning my matching outfits twice a week.”

The Eastside Barber Shop is Chamberlain’s first solo venture. He plans to have a better barber chair moved in to offer straight razor shaves in the future.

Aside from the craft of cutting hair, the sacred barber tradition of talking real with his clients makes the job worthwhile, he said.

“You hear about people’s different stories and I like that. We talk sports, movies and about their personal life they wouldn’t talk to other people about. It’s almost like therapy for them.”

All hair types and styles are welcome, Chamberlain said. Pending on the success of the Eastside Barbershop, expanding with another barber to work with in the space is an option.

The philosophy of The Hive’s coworking space already is panning out, he added. Every other Friday of the month, The Hive hosts a networking event and Chamberlain picked up five prospective client in one meeting.

“I want to be known as a good all around barber offering a nice environment and friendly place. I want to be known as a place you can come, relax and have fun — a stress free zone.”

Eastside Barber Shop

Tues. to Fri. 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Sat. 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

By appointment only

The Hive, Ste. 201, 2722 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing

(517) 974-5648

facebook.com/eastside barbershoplansing