STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — When Christian and Jeremy Schlagler decided to open a barbershop, they wanted the layout and design to be unique, something eye-catching and distinctive, like no other hair-cutting business in the five boroughs. So, they dug into NYC’s gritty, underground vibe and created an authentic subway-themed space.
“Everyone takes the subway — no matter who you are or what your background is,” Christian Schlagler said. “And I think barbershops are very similar in that aspect. It’s common ground. That’s why we picked this theme.”
Featuring authentic NYC subway seating and signage, all purchased at the MTA’s annual pop-up shops, the Schlagler brothers’ one-of-a-kind business is best defined as a labor of love. The duo transformed the New Brighton space from a blank slate in just a few months’ time, laying out more than 4,000 mosaic tiles by hand and refurbishing the train seats before repurposing them as waiting room benches. They called the shop Barber Station and printed up its Jersey Street address in bold subway lettering.
“I think the shop creates a full subway experience, making clients feel like they’ve stepped right into the heart of New York City,” said Schlagler, who handles the business side of Barber Station.
His brother Jeremy has worked as a master barber for more than a decade and manages all the clients with barber Brian Ayala by his side.
“It’s the perfect partnership,” Christian Schlagler said…