Veering Off the Main Drag

   Warm summer temps have settled in for the season; although some evenings have been swept away by an autumn chill. August can be a toss-up in our area, proving to be a mix of hot and sticky or strangely cold.

   Whether it’s the months of summer bliss or the excitement and rage of winter, one thing is for sure, downtown Ellicottville has an eclectic array of businesses to visit.  However, some of the best hidden secrets veer off the main street, two of which we are featuring in this month’s Around the Block column.  

   Travel with me to Laura Solly Yoga, your year-round mind and body balance headquarters.  Then we’ll shoot over to Jonny Barber Shop, one of the few places that men can engage in a traditional barber shop experience.

 

 

   Many of you may know Laura Solly as the cheerful owner of Daff Dry Goods, a popular southwestern-inspired shop located on the main drag in EVL.  In her free time, however, Laura is the instructor of her very own yoga practice, hosting sessions in the Community Room at the Ellicottville Memorial Library. Classes are held every Monday evening from 6-7:15pm, and every Thursday and Saturday from 8:30-9:45am.

   Laura teaches “Hatha” yoga, which incorporates stretching, relaxation, deep breathing and meditation into one session. “This is a well-rounded class for a lot of people - from beginners to those with experience. It’s easy and comfortable enough for someone who has never tried yoga, yet challenging enough to keep others engaged,” said Laura.

   The class traditionally begins with several moments of relaxation, where the participant has the opportunity to settle into the space, allowing the mind and body to transfer from work or home into the yoga setting. Laura eases everyone into breathing exercises, which allow many stressors and anxieties from the day to fall to the wayside, setting the intention for the class.

   The group then moves into traditional sun salutation, a common set of movements in yoga. Sun salutation transfers into standing poses, back bending and inversions, and is closed with a set of final relaxation.

   “In the beginning, I started practicing yoga for myself as a way to relax,” said Laura.  “At the studio I was training at, they were offering a certification, which I initially set out to do to help better myself. We were required to practice with a small group, and we relinquished in the benefits so much that I decided to keep the group going, which turned into this class.”

   “The bottom line is that this is not only a great class to experience the benefits of yoga from, but it’s a great community class as well,” Laura continued.  “Many of the people that go to class have found a little niche, where they meet other women or men and end up going out as a group afterward for coffee. It’s so amazing to me to see everyone so embracing and welcoming; new students have absolutely no reason to feel intimidated. And remember - you don’t have to be flexible - that’s why you come.”

   Walk-in classes are available for $10, or take advantage of Laura’s class package pass at $50 for six classes, which is good for three months.

   In her free time, Laura enjoys hiking and traveling. Each spring, she and her mother spend a good chunk of time in New Mexico, which influences a lot of the product for her retail store. 

   By the way…

   Have you stopped by Laura’s main squeeze, Daff Dry Goods? For inspiring accessories, clothing and footwear, it’s well worth the drop-in. “We have a ton of exciting product that would be ideal for the end of summer months, including men’s and women’s outdoor wear, and brand names like Patagonia, Brighton, Reef flip flops and Teva sandals,” said Laura.

   For more information on Laura Solly Yoga or Daff Dry Goods, feel free to swing by one of her yoga classes, or stop into her store at 17 Washington Street.  You can find Daff on the web at www.daffevl.com. 

 

 

   Newly located at 13 Bristol Lane next to the bowling alley, Jonny Barber Shop is one of the only traditional barbers - with a contemporary kick - left in the area.  Jonathan Barlow, shop owner, loves the fact that men can walk in, get sharpened up and leave with a good sense of humor and self-confidence. “I love being able to improve your life a little bit,” Barlow proclaimed.

   “There are no appointments necessary - which is a beautiful thing for most men.”  Summer hours are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9am-6pm, and Saturday from 10am-3pm. The idea of the shop is to get your hair cut by a traditional barber, with contemporary, more modern techniques for 2013. Every cut is under $20, including a discount offered for retirees, men over 65 and young children.

   “I also provide outline shaving services around the face and the neck with a straight edge razor, hot machine lather, hot towels, and various aftershaves and tonics to choose from,” said Barlow.  “In fact, I am also trained in facial massages, which is a historical barbering tradition.”

   Barlow attended Shear Ego International School of Hair Design in Rocherster, NY, and has been a licensed barber for the past nine years. As his business continues to grow, he is now in the market to find another full-time barber, which would allow him more time to service his clients.

   “The new location is very lovely,” Barlow stated. “Not only is there more space, but it’s also air conditioned, has additional parking available, and offers a much more relaxed and new vibe.  It’s very exciting to be a part of Ellicottville and its growth; the center of town is spreading!”

   Ahoy, maties! Did you know that on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, Barlow is the Captain of the Queen City Ferry in Buffalo, NY? For the past two years, Barlow has been driving the small boat and giving people tours, along with the history of Buffalo. “It’s so great to be a part of Buffalo and their beautifying improvements. Buffalo is happening,” said Barlow.

   Barlow’s seafaring history dates back several years ago, prior to his barbering, when he lived on a 122-foot boat in the Caribbean, where he cruised around on a motor yacht as a deck hand. A Buffalo native, Barlow decided to come home and start his neighborhood barbering business for the people that he knew.

   When he’s not cutting hair or captaining Queen City Ferry, Barlow loves hitting the trails on his mountain bike and is definitely “one with nature,” enjoying activities such as hunting, fishing and kayaking. During the winter months, he is a ski and snowboard volunteer with the HoliMont Safety Patrol. In fact, Barlow would love to find more volunteer work and ways that he can give back to the community.