New barber takes over shop in Cathlamet

The best place to hear stories might just be the Cathlamet Barber Shop on Main Street.

The new barber, Stephanie Smith, is from Longview. She took over the shop from Christeena Bassi, who she met at beauty school.

She did women's hair off and on for years, but she's discovered she is much happier cutting men's hair.

"It's a lot easier on the body," Smith said, describing all the hours she spent with her arms up, coloring, cutting, and styling for women.

Now it's high and tight, or "this is six months of growth, take me back to two," and she quietly trims while men talk to each other about hunting, or internet providers, their lives, and their wives.

She's having fun.

Hours are posted outside, but she's considering a few changes in the coming months. She plans on opening the shop on Saturdays beginning in May, and having shorter hours a couple days during the week as it gets quiet in the afternoons.