CORRECTION: The phone number for Crosby's and Mellow is 567-800-9284.

By Paula Scott

In the little brown cabin at 402 S. Main, two new businesses are opening: Crosby’s barbershop and Mellow hair studio. The space has been divided for two distinct but complementary businesses, one operated by barber Blake Pifer and the other by his partner, stylist Yessica Arriaga.

During the week of December 12, Pifer started the “soft open” of his barber shop. This is a homecoming for Pifer, an Ada native who has been cutting hair in Columbus for eight years. Arriaga, who grew up in Columbus, graduated from cosmetology school eight years ago. The pair are making a home in Ada at the same time that they are opening their businesses together.

Crosby’s
The Icon stopped by on the first day for Pifer and found a little boy in the barber chair. He received a precision cut and a soothing warm towel wrap around his head and face. When asked if he liked his haircut, a very expressive wiggling of the eyebrows was his response. Pifer describes his services as “getting back to the old school, in a modern way.”

Appointments including haircuts, as well as head and face shaves with straight razor and face shave with straight razor can be made online at https://crosbys-105989.square.site/

“Crosby’s” is a name that Pifer has held ready for the day when he would open his own shop. It is his middle name. His remodel of half of the shop’s space includes a flat screen television, a corrugated metal ceiling and two especially eye-catching items of personal interest. He has a mounted deer head (a trophy of his bow hunting) and an aged Ohio flag that once hung in the Ada High School gym.

Mellow hair studio
Arriaga’s work space is just a few steps away, where she provides cuts, styling and color. Her emphasis is on low maintenance, luxurious hair. Mellow will provide a relaxing, plant-filled atmosphere that is like “a home away from home.” 

With a menu of eight services, appointments at Mellow can be made at https://mellow-104569.square.site/ A sample of options: “haircut + style” as well as a bang refresh, “clippers + shear work,” scalp massage and deep conditioning treatment..

The transition to living and working in Ada has been an “exciting adjustment,” says Arriaga; “it’s fun to see how close the community is.” 

Crosby’s and Mellow will have a grand opening in January. 

Phone for both businesses is 567-800-9284.

Hours for both businesses:

Tuesday-Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Sunday-Monday - Closed