Barbershop owner eager to reopen, says he will still take necessary precautions

Ten years in business and this is the longest Limitless Barbershop’s doors have been closed.

“It’s been tough, especially having people that work under you. The barbershop is here for the guys. They can’t use it. It’s been a little bit over a month and everyone is calling me and blowing me up saying ‘I want to get back to work,’ but obviously I can’t do anything about that at this moment,” said the shop’s owner, Josue Baez.

Baez had made arrangements and plans to put people in his barber chairs as soon as possible, considering the expiration of Gov. DeSantis’ safer at home order on Friday.

“I’m excited. I feel like it’s my first day in business pretty much,” he said. “I have tons of appointments for May 1, but it still does not feel real until it’s happening business-wise and I just hope the best for everyone.”

And although he says he will have all the necessary precautions in place…

“We have hand sanitizer by the door, we already use gloves and we still are, we have masks, the waiting area is off-limits, everybody has to wait in the car. They can wait until we tell him to come in. We are just doing what we can, cleaning and doing the most, pretty much,” Baez said.

…he’ll have to wait a little longer. Gov. DeSantis announced phase one of the state’s reopening plan, which did not include barbershops and salons.

While Baze may be prepared for when his shop is able to open, the future of other businesses is still unknown.

“I don’t know. I’m excited to see what’s going to happen after this. I feel like I’m starting all over again,” he said.

Baez said he understands the decision and will comply, knowing he will disappoint many customers.