NEW ALBANY —
In a single wood-paneled room, decorated with hunting trophies on the wall, a television in the corner, and two circa 1970s gold barber chairs, Derrick Jacobs has found his dream job. Five days a week, he works at D&D Barber Shop, alongside someone he loves and admires — his grandfather, Darrell Jacobs. He can come and go freely if he needs time with his 11-year-old daughter, Taylor. And, in a year or so, his best friend, Chad, may be cutting hair alongside him.
The Tribune recently sat down with Jacobs to discuss his career as a barber.
Q: When and why did you decide to become a barber?
JACOBS: I was 24 years old when I started [barber] school and I started here when I was 25. I’m the only one in my family to do this, to do what my grandfather does.
I didn’t have big dreams. Barbering wasn’t on my mind. I was working in a factory and I just wanted to be my own boss, make some money. People told me I would be stupid to take this on, but my grandfather told me if I went [to barber school] he would help me with the money. You have to go five days a week for about a year, 1,500 hours, so you can’t work while you’re in school. I went to Tri-City Barber College in Louisville. I’ve been working here for about eight years now.
Q: Your grandfather has worked here for 54 years — what’s it like to work with him?
JACOBS: It’s nice, actually. Sometimes we bicker, but that’s normal. We have a lot of good times together.
When I was in my junior and senior year of high school, I moved in with my grandparents in Elizabeth. I wanted to live with them and live in the country. They’ve always helped me through things. And, my best friend lived there [in Elizabeth], so we could hang out together.
It’s a lot different too, working here, than at the barber school. Each school and shop is different. For instance, they taught me to use different clippers at school than what my grandfather uses.
Q. Did you end up teaching your grandfather new things after school, or did you adapt to his ways?
JACOBS: No, I changed to his ways. He’s old-fashioned. I don’t mind, though.
Q: Was it difficult to get started here, since your grandfather was so established?
JACOBS: It took me about six months to get comfortable. I have my own clientele now and they [grandfather’s clients] let me cut their hair now.
Q: Have you seen a lot of customers going to the newer men’s hairstyling shops?
JACOBS: Not really. There have been some that try out those shops, but they end up coming back here, because we’re master barbers.
Q: Do you have plans of doing something else?
JACOBS: I’ll do this the rest of my life, but I love fishing, too. I compete in fishing tournaments. So, I’d like to make some money with that. I compete with USA Bassin, a bass fishing club. We fish mostly at Patoka Lake, although their regional classic will be at Kentucky Lake. But this is what I plan to do the rest of my life.
