PAGE 16
THE BERNARDS-RIDGE CONNECTION
NOVEMBER 2012
HOURS
TUES. - FRI. 9-6 • SAT. 9-4:30
www.southfinleybarber.com
SOUTH FINLEY
BARBER SHOP
23
South Finley Avenue
Basking Ridge
Angelo Calamusa
Angelo Calamusa, owner of
South
Finley Barber Shop,
trained in New
York City in the mid-60s at the Atlas
Academy for barbering and appren-
ticed for two years in central New Jer-
sey before taking a position in Prince-
ton at “The Princetonian,” an exclu-
sive men’s salon under the direction of
Michael Merick, styling mostly profes-
sors, writers and entrepreneurs. “My
vocabulary and diction improved vast-
ly,” said Angelo.
In the early 70s, Angelo went to
England and studied at the “Alan
International,” a widely respected
training center for precision cutting of
women’s hair. He returned to Ameri-
ca to study with Bruno De Sange on
57
th Street in New York City and later
with Sassoon.
After managing a men’s salon for
The Princetonian in Bridgewater for a
couple of years, Angelo opened his
own men’s salon in Westfield and
then introduced “unisex haircutting”
which led to another salon opening
called “Tweed.” In the early 80s,
Angelo opened two additional shops
for entry level personnel in Scotch
Plains and Carteret under the trade
name of “Great American Haircut”
and acquired another salon in Basking
Ridge. Angelo managed the salons
and trained many stylists until the
mid-90s when he decided to retire.
After a few years of retirement, he felt
the call of scissors once again and
took part time positions in barber
shops and salons in Florida and New
Jersey.
The idea to open his own barber
shop came after a frustrating inter-
view when, on returning home, he
noticed a “For Rent” sign in historic
Basking Ridge. The space was in
deplorable condition yet Angelo knew
it had great potential for a salon or
barber shop. Without a second
thought, Angelo decided to give it a
try and
South Finley Barber Shop
was opened four months ago. Since
there is no shortage of salons in the
area and not wanting to employ hair-
cutters, colorists and receptionists,
Angelo made the decision to open a
barber shop which the area desperate-
ly needed. He wanted it to be com-
fortable and casual, to look more like a
den or living room which would be a
great place to hang out for him as well
as his clients. Next came five months
of construction and designing which
was a labor of love and pride for
Angelo. The field stone and brick inte-
rior along with leather couches, reclin-
ing chairs and a kitchen made for a
unique space. “This has become a sec-
ond home filled with new customers
and friends being welcomed, where I
still love my craft,” says Angelo.
South Finley Barber Shop
is con-
temporary yet traditional in that they
are reasonably priced and there are no
appointments. With an eye for quali-
ty and design, the barber shop wel-
comes men and boys (it’s okay for
Mom to bring in the boys too!) to a
relaxed atmosphere. Angelo’s goal is
to be the “Community Barber Shop,”
the go to place for town happenings
and information.
Angelo’s years of working in West-
field, Bernardsville, Watchung and
Basking Ridge have honed his skills.
He knows what his clients like and
need, and feels it is a privilege work-
ing in a beautiful town center with
great neighbors and many great fami-
lies. For additional information, visit
South Finley Barber Shop
on the
Internet at www.southfinleybarber.com.
Stop by
South Finley Barber
Shop
and say hello, or better yet, let
Angelo give you a haircut, one that’s a
cut above the rest!
www.theconnectionsnj.com
link