June 2024 Business Spotlight - Santaquin Barbershop
Ben Fellingham, the owner of Santaquin Barbershop, opened shop in November of 2019 right before the pandemic hit. Ben comes from a large family, having 7 siblings, and his wife of 2 years, Xochitl, are already on their way to their own large family with 2 little girls, Ali and Ari. While earning a degree Art Education at UVU to become a High School teacher, he fell in love with barbering. He attended “The Barber School” in Murray, Utah. Shortly after barber school he owned a small beauty and grooming business with a team of barbers, cosmetologists, and make up-artists. Following that he worked for a cancer organization, traveling out of state and cutting models' hair. During his travels, he dreamt of owning his own barbershop.
Ben grew up on 20 acres out in Saratoga Springs, before it was an incorporated city. As a kid he was surrounded by alfalfa and horses, enjoying a childhood that allowed him to bring home any animals he found in the fields. He wanted to start his business in a similar community to his youth.
As he was searching for small communities for his shop, he found himself on Google Maps "in person view" scrolling down Santaquin Main Street. He noticed the For-Lease sign in front of Wall's Plaza, and immediately called the number and made an appointment. Shortly thereafter, he put down a deposit and started his business journey. He had no idea what the next 5 years would bring him, and still feels it's all happened so fast.
After a few years of going it alone, he is now grateful that last year he has a solid team of Barbers who love being part of the shop and the Santaquin community. He shares the same vision, and cherishes the relationships that we are making along the way. A barbershop is not just about a good haircut. Traditionally, the neighborhood barbershop is where people come to bond and learn from each other; where boys grow into men. As barbers in the community, Ben and his crew hear the details about everyone's lives. Ben recounted something he had been told: There are three people who can tell you about anyone in town - the Postmaster, the school receptionist, and the town Barber.
Ben tells me that "it has been an honor to serve the people of Santaquin these past years, and am personally grateful for all of the support that has been given from all the men, and, especially their wives and the women who keep their men in check."
