by Kristin Kruse
Bryan Kirkland, owner and operator of Brassbound Barber on Main Street in Stevensville, certainly knows a thing or two about barbering. As a third generation barber, Kirkland has settled in Stevensville, opened his doors and turned on his barber pole.
Walking into his shop at 313 Main is like taking a step back in time. The walls are lined with black and white photos of his ancestors doing exactly what Kirkland is doing, providing haircuts, hot shaves and neck massages old-school-style to his customers. In the window is a restored vintage barber pole, letting people know that he is open for business. An antique cabinet holds various oils and tonics, adding to the old time feel of the shop. There are no online appointments, clients swing by and if Kirkland is busy they can write their name on a chalkboard, go run an errand or two and come back for their service. All haircuts are finished with a hot lather on the nape of the neck and a straight razor followed up by a splash of Bay Rum aftershave, just like his grandfather did it.
“I am keeping an old tradition alive,” says Kirkland. “My Great Grandfather Jesse was a barber from 1921 to 1972, and my Grandfather Justin from 1965 to 1995. Both had shops in Texas.”
The word “Brassbound” holds a special meaning to Kirkland, its definition is: unwavering in standards, unwilling to change or compromise.
After an early career in law enforcement in Bozeman, Kirkland made the decision to follow his heart and his roots, and attend barber college in Dallas, Texas in 2003. As soon as he was finished with school, he opened up his own shop in Dallas. When the show “Dallas “ needed a barber for a shave scene in an episode they were filming in 2012, Kirkland was chosen to play the part, and gave JR Ewing a hot shave on camera. You’ll find an autographed and framed photo of this in Kirkland’s shop, another interesting touch. Making his way back to Montana, Kirkland opened a shop in Bozeman, which became the biggest barber shop in the state, boasting nine barbers. Kirkland eventually moved on, and spent about a year traveling as a “gypsy” barber. He found himself on the East Coast and would find a barber shop willing to let him use a chair and set up shop. He spent time in Virginia and Maine, and met various characters along the way.
The news of a first grandchild on the way drew Kirkland and his wife Jessica to Stevensville. Their daughter Autumn Ellingson (a fourth generation barber) is the owner of Mankind in Hamilton, and soon to be mom.
“We were missing all of the kids so much, it was time to come back,” says Kirkland. With two other kids living in Montana – one son in Lavina and another in Bozeman – setting up shop in Stevensville made sense.
“Stevensville was ready for a barber shop, and is the perfect size town for walk- ins,” says Kirkland. “We opened on August 13th and business has exceeded my expectations. I’ve been blown away by the community support and all my neighbors on Main Street are great. I plan on adding another barber, there is enough business to support another person.”
In addition to the responsibilities of running his business, Kirkland also serves on the State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists. He is currently working with the state to try and bring back an apprenticeship program that would allow future barbers to train under a licensed barber instead of traveling to Great Falls or Billings to attend school, which is very expensive, according to Kirkland.
If you happen to be wandering down Main Street and need a hot shave or a haircut, or just feel like stepping back in time for a few moments, Brassbound Barber is a must see, must stop.