The District Chronicles

Issue date: 8/24/08 Section: Business

Media Credit: Robert Eubanks/Staff Photographer

Marquette Douglas, owner of Bowie One Barber Shop in Bowie, Md., knew at a young age that he wanted to be in the hair-grooming industry. At 13, he was cleaning up hair in a barbershop and instantly knew that's where he wanted to be for life. He got his license as a barber when he was in 11th grade.

"I love the captivating atmosphere and interacting with different people everyday," said Douglas.

Eight years after receiving his license he opened up his first shop in Baltimore along with his partner Sean Lucas. However, the venture was unsuccessful and was eventually sold.

Then Douglas opened Bowie One in November 2001. "It was stressful because it was the first time I was opening a shop by myself," said Douglas.

The barbershop had rough beginnings with only three barbers. That changed over a period of a month and now has more than six barbers, including a female barber.

"The shop wasn't as busy as some of the barbers wanted it to be, so it was hard to keep barbers."

Even with the coming and goings of barbers and a slow beginning, Douglas never thought about quitting. "I had a passion for this, so I never though about quitting. It took a lot of passion and prayer to God."

Douglas remembers his first sale in the Bowie shop. He opened the shop by himself and had three customers: two friends and his brother. He cut their hair and opened the door of the shop to the public. All three men signed their $5 bills confirming that they were the first customers of the shop.

Because of its family-oriented and laid-back, but professional atmosphere, Bowie One has become a popular spot for men, women and children.

For this reason they've adopted an unspoken no profanity policy. He and his wife of five years, Julie Douglas, have no children, but Douglas's dream is for Bowie One to remain a family-owned business with a future son or daughter continuing it.

The shop is heavily involved in the community, sponsoring basketball and football games for the neighborhood youth. It also provides employment opportunities for teenagers for every one of the three locations. The company also mentors young men and their girlfriends. But he cautions that there are downsides to being a boss.

"If things don't go well it's all on you. Everything falls on you." Nonetheless, Douglas stays positive for those who consider starting a barber shop. "Pray on it. If God gives you all the tools, use all the diligence to make it happen," he says.

Douglas spends his days at work cleaning the shop, working the cash register and cutting hair. He averages two customers every hour, which keeps him extremely busy. It's hard work, says Douglas, but "it's my passion."

Location: 4865 Glenn Dale Rd., Bowie, MD
Phone: (301) 809-9688

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