Note: Two new businesses opened last week in the former Hopscotch Magazine and earlier, Bluffton News office, at 103 N. Main St.  They are Bluffton Barbers, featured here, and Studio Silhouette. Click here for that story. 
 
Karen Fredritz turned on the “open” sign in her barbershop for the first time on Friday.
 
She’s cut hair since 1978, starting with Don Schneck in Pandora, and after a couple trips around the world – we’ll get to that in a minute – she has opened her shop, Bluffton Barbers, at 103 N. Main St.
 
Karen and her husband, Dan, formed United Pioneers, LLC, and last year purchased the 103 N. Main St., building.

They’ve renovated the second floor into two apartments. The Main floor houses three businesses: Bluffton Barbers, Studio Silhouette, and Wessler Engineering.
 
Karen obtained a barber’s license in 1978 and has barbered in Pandora, Findlay, China and England. Her husband worked for Cooper Tire, Findlay, and became involved in Cooper’s overseas ventures in China and England. The family lived in China for six years and England for three years.
 
They returned to Bluffton in 2012.  Karen became the Mennonite Memorial Home barber upon their return, while keeping the idea of opening a Main Street barbershop always in her mind.
 
Karen said she is looking for a second barber to join her shop. “That’s why I called the business Bluffton Barbers, so someone could eventually take over when I retire,” she said.
 
The shop offers haircuts for men and young women. “We don’t do perms or coloring.” Haircut prices are:
• $12 for a haircut,
• $10 for persons 10 and over, and
• $2 for shampoos.
 
While the business is in its start-up mode, hours are:
• Wednesdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Thursdays noon to 8 p.m.  
• Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon.
The business phone number is 419-358-0616.
 
Karen will be introduced at Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce members during the Friday, Feb. 12, breakfast at 7 a.m. in the town hall. A ribbon cutting and grand opening is planned for later.