Meet Brigitte Giles: Ebony Barber Shop

Bridget “Gigi” Giles. Photo credit: Becca Heuer

Meet Brigitte "Gigi" Giles, owner of Ebony Barbershop, a long-standing business located at 1702 Dodge Ave. in the Church & Dodge business district. We sat down to learn more about her story and the legacy of her father's shop. See the full interview below!

KB: Your family has a long history with Ebony Barbershop. Can you share some of that history?

BG: Ebony Barber Shop was established in 1962 by my father, Marshall Giles. He was originally mentored by Sam Johnson at Church Street Barber Shop. The original shop had two chairs and over the years, as he built this business, he also built ties to the community. For example, the barber shop was used as a polling place for many years and a place where local youth obtained employment and mentorship. We have a free haircut/style day yearly for the children going back to school.

KB: How does the community around Church & Dodge district support your business?

BG: The community around Church and Dodge has always supported Ebony Barber Shop. Generations of families flock in for haircuts and the ambiance. The barber shop is a safe space to gather. Not only does the community support the business with haircut patronage, but they also participate in our annual coat drive where we collected over 200 coats last year for local children.

KB: What can folks expect if they come to Ebony for a haircut?

BG: When you walk into Ebony Barber shop, you can expect a warm environment playing tunes from Marvin Gaye to the latest rapper. Then you sit down and have an excellent hair cut, great customer service and the most interesting conversation you had for that day (maybe even that week). Our clientele is diverse and the atmosphere is always upbeat and fun. My vision has been to blend the ways of yesterday with today. We cater to the entire family.

KB: What is your favorite thing about owning a business in Evanston?

BG: My favorite thing about being an Evanston business is this community. I have lived all over the U.S. and there is no place like Evanston. The big city vibe with the small town love mixed with the diversity of people, you can't manufacture what is made here. My family is actually in its third generation of hair care professionals. My daughter is the owner of iKandi Hair studio, so she continues the legacy of Ebony and Evanston Strong.