Getting a haircut, though a moderate inconvenience, nonetheless ultimately ranks as a welcome interruption. It is undeniable that cleaning up the shaggy dog is an improvement.

While tricycling aimlessly throughout the neighbourhood today – a brilliant springtime Saturday on the Victoria Day Weekend – I drifted onto Industrial Drive whence I happened to pass by Aura Beauty Bar Almonte located at 453 Ottawa Street adjacent Equator Coffee Roasters at 451 Ottawa Street. Coincidentally as I paused my tricycle to get a better look at the place, Ryan was preparing to enter the salon. When he asked my intention, I stated my interest in a haircut to which he cheerfully responded. He said he would take care of me.

There was another gentleman already waiting in the barber shop. Ryan focussed upon that gentleman first then attended to me. When I was being clipped and coiffed, Peter Mansfield (local architect) wandered into the salon and established his place in line for similar service.

I left fully satisfied. Subsequently I was told by my partner that the cosmetic alteration was a decided boost.

It amused me to learn that Ryan (whose legal name is Minh Nghia Nguyen) is Vietnamese. He is 31 years old, having celebrated his birthday only 3 days ago. He led me to believe that he is among the new owners of the business recently purchased from David (“Tran Vu“). The last time I had my hair cut by David, he had notified me of the impending change of ownership so I was not surprised to learn further of it.

I shared with Ryan my growing affection for products from Vietnam.  My initial interest arose several years ago from an expertly constructed dining table we had purchased to occupy the limited space we have in our rental apartment (which parenthetically had been designed by Peter Mansfield). The small dining table was made in Vietnam.  I have since noted that many of the objects I own (and admire) are made in Vietnam.

In reaction to Ryan’s expressed interest concerning where his customers hear of his business, I have forwarded to him brief particulars of our local electronic newspaper The Millstone.  Ryan indicated that social media is what young people use predominantly when scoping a business need. I shared with him what I suspect is still the entitlement of local business to advertise free of charge in The Millstone.  The newspaper is also connected to multiple social media outlets.