Today we’d like to introduce you to Larry DeVille.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
As far back as I can remember both Barbering and Music have been a major part of my life. I began cutting hair in high school at Somerville High. I spent virtually every moment I had at my local barbershop learning the craft and really getting a feel for what a barbershop was. It was an escape for myself and many of our clients. It is a place where you can go and relax, have a few laughs and leave feeling good about yourself. In the summer of 2006, I attended Barbering School and quickly graduated. I began as an apprentice Barber in Somerville in 2007 and continued to move around some of Greater Bostons Best Barbershops. It took me several years of trial and error to learn the trade, hone my skills and establish myself.
In the summer of 2009, I began recording Music. I worked with some of New Englands most talented Artists and Producers during that time. I was lucky enough to spend years working with Louis Bell, who is now of-of Top Producers in the Country. Myself and Fellow Artist ” 3rddy Baby ” created our first major Single ” Beam Me Up ” (I’m On Fire) In 2011. The song quickly gained a local buzz and before we knew it we were in Rotation on Bostons Jam’n 94.5 Thanks to DJ Pup Dawg. The video has accumulated nearly half a million views while the song was played frequently throughout the country and used in film and television. I continued recording and performing, building my brand and moving up the ladder as one of New England’s Rising talents.
In 2012, I found out I was going to be a father! A moment that changed my life forever. It was at that point that I realized I needed to make a major move for my future. My Father owned and operated a Salon in Somerville for many years. I had been giving a lot of thought into opening my own Barbershop and Building my own brand. After finding a location and reaching out to my Father, I was shocked to hear him tell me I should join him in his business. That was the beginning of ” 968 The Shop “. I spent the next few months preparing myself , rebuilding and rebranding my father’s salon into something we both enjoyed and could have an identity in While fitting into Somerville’s ever-growing and evolving community. On June, 2nd of 2012 I hosted the Grand Opening of 968 The Shop, Somerville’s Premier Barbershop.
I’m lucky enough to have an amazing group of barbers that work here that are more family than employees at this point. The laughs we have and the clientele we serve is truly a blessing to my family. We are constantly growing and improving our skills and our shop. 968 has been noted as a Somerville staple and we take great pride in serving our community. We’ve separated ourselves from any competition and try to do things that are “outside the box” like cutting hair in Davis Square. (https://youtu.be/wZXTK3rg2P0).
The shop has brought me so many opportunities and I take so much pride in what I’ve been able to build with my staff through hard work and dedication.
I recently began rebranding and merging my music and barbering careers together. I started to realize, as an artist, that trying to “be somebody” was just too much for me. At some point I began to realize that it was much easier being 1 of 1, being myself, and putting my life into my music. Last month I released the first single and video off of an album I’ve been working on for the past few years, titled “Lost In Boston”. (https://soundcloud.com/larrydeville)
The music itself focuses on being an entrepreneur and building something from the ground up, as well as perseverance and acknowledging your own greatness. My goal is to be able to make barbering and music a joint career venture.
Has it been a smooth road?
The road for any entrepreneur will never be an easy one. The obstacles and challenges are there for a reason. I’ve been tested financially many times. There have been moments where I might have only had $20 in my pocket. But you learn to make things work and have faith. I believe that any growth somebody goes through is inevitably going to come with a level of difficulty. To me, that’s where you really find what you’re made of. More importantly, it gives you some perspective and appreciation for how far you’ve come.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
968 The Shop was founded in 1983. We’re a family owned and operated barbershop located in Somerville, MA.
When you walk into The Shop, expect to be greeted like family. As soon as you sit down you’re surrounded with laughter and music. We’re a mix of old school traditional with a dash of modernity. Expect laughter, a fresh cut, and overall great experience.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Boston is a growing city and a great place to be meeting potential customers. My only recommendation for someone would worry less about where you’re located and more about perfecting your craft.
Pricing:
- Haircut – $25
- Shave – $30
- Haircut & Shave – $45
- Haircut & Beard Trim – $35
- Signature Bald Fade – $30
- Shape & Tape – $15
- Head Shave – $25
Contact Info:
- Address: 968 Broadway Somerville MA 02144
- Website: 968theshop.com
- Phone: 617-718-9680
- Email: 968theshop@gmail.com
- Instagram: 968TheShop / LarryDeville
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/968theshop
- Twitter: 968theshop
- Yelp: 968TheShop
Image Credit:
Lee Hopkins – OLP, Marc Barry
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
