Business Profile: Joanne Fedele, Owner of Clubhouse Barber Shop

For as long as she can remember Joanne Fedele has loved working with people.  Growing up she working in her family’s bakery business and, over the years, has worked various service related jobs in including waitressing.

Fedele began working as a barber close to 20 years ago but it wasn’t until her son was born that it became a steady career.  Like many working moms she needed flexible hours and scheduling and it quickly became apparent that working as a barber would give her just that.  Even more important, however, was the fact that she truly loved her career choice.

Over the years Fedele has been somewhat of a fixture in the area.  Having worked as a barber in Wilmington for about 10 years, she has loyal clients and ties throughout the region. 

Earlier this year Fedele decided that it was time to make a decision about her future in the industry.  She loved working in Wilmington but hoped that she could cut down a bit on her commute back and forth to her home in New Hampshire.

She began exploring her options and, when she saw the location at 1269 Main St. in Tewksbury available she knew that was meant to be.

“I saw this spot available and I absolutely loved it,” she explained.  “I wasn’t actually looking to open my own shop but when I saw this I told my husband I didn’t want to pass it up.”

Thanks to plenty of support from her family and a long summer of getting Clubhouse ready, Fedele opened the doors On Aug. 1. 

The grand opening was a huge success, said Fedele and she couldn’t be happier with her decision to open her own barbershop.

“There are a lot of much larger barbershops and they are great for a lot of things,” said Fedele. “Personally, I was looking to create a smaller, warmer, more welcoming atmosphere here at Clubhouse. I think it’s refreshing for people to come into a new, friendly business.”

As for the career move from Wilmington to Tewksbury, she said it could not have gone better.

“I wanted to be close to my existing clients and I still am,” Fedele said.  “I’m grateful to say that many have traveled along with me.”

Fedele says is beginning to bond with a whole new community.

“I love the people in Tewksbury. They remind me so much of Wilmington, welcoming and family friendly," she said. "Even the local businesses have been supportive.”

One thing Fedele said will never change, however, is her approach to her job as a barber.

“I think the most important thing is listening to the customers and finding out exactly what they want,” she explained.  “I don’t just jump in and start cutting.  Frankly, I don’t care how long it takes me. I just want to make them happy.” 

As a mother of two, Fedele also understands how important it is to create a welcoming atmosphere for her youngest clients.

“I like having families with kids in here. This time of year is especially fun when they all get their back to school haircuts,” she mentioned. “One of the best parts of my job is having clients that I cut as children who come back to me as they leave for college.”

Of course, family is important to Fedele and, without her two children, the shop might still remain nameless.

“I can’t make up my mind sometimes,” she joked. “I let the kids pick out the name and ‘Clubhouse’ it was.”

In addition to Fedele, Clubhouse Barbershop is home to another part time barber, Liz DoVale who brings 30 years of experience with her.  In addition to men and boys cuts, DoVale also offers some women’s cuts making a trip to the ship a true family affair.

Clubhouse Barbershop is a cash only, walk-in barbershop. For more information including hours and specials you can like Clubhouse Barbershop on FaceBook.