Pleasantville’s Most Talked about Barbershop — Epitome Hair Parlor

PLEASANTVILLE – In a growing trend across the beauty industry, traditional barber shops are starting to incorporate salon services.

Stephen Parker, II, owner and operator of Pleasantville's Epitome Hair Parlor is following the trend but going a step further. His shop is among the few establishments in Pleasantville that blends barbering with salon offerings.

 However, Parker wanted his shop to be a positive experience beyond getting your hair done. The Parlor opened its doors in March 2022 and provides services for men, women, and children. It has successfully built a solid reputation and serves as a warm and comfortable environment for clients to have their hair done. 

The Epitome Hair Parlor is the realized vision of the 44-year-old Pleasantville native who has spent nearly three decades perfecting his craft. Parker started cutting hair at just 13 years old. “I’ve been in this business for almost 30 years,” he shared. After 21 years working at Classic Barber Shop, Parker decided in 2021 that it was time to take the leap. “It was okay working there, I gained a lot of experience, but it was time for me to go out on my own and do it my way.” 

When Parker started the shop, he didn’t see other shops as competition. “Hair grows,” he said. “There are enough people to go around. If you provide a professional service, people will come.” And they do—drawn not just by the styling chairs, but by the vibe. 

In 2023, Parker's vision was reward when he received the Urban Entrepreneur Award, which is given to business owners who help and support their communities. He was recognized for opening the parlor and making it a valuable place for the African-American community. The award celebrated his work in bringing people together, supporting local businesses, and creating new opportunities. For Parker, the award wasn’t just about opening a shop—it was about building a space where people feel welcome, connected, and encouraged. 

The secret, according to Parker, is building real relationships. “You’ve got to be personable,” he emphasized. “Understand what the client wants, talk to them. If you don’t, it’s going to be hard to deliver. But once you get that connection, the loyalty follows.” 

His advice to young entrepreneurs is rooted in humility and preparation. “You’ve got to be well-versed in whatever field you’re stepping into. It’s one thing to be an owner. But if you’re going to be an owner-operator, you need to know the craft.”

Looking ahead, Parker aims to create his own awards show to recognize achievers in the community and to encourage both the younger generation and business owners to keep working hard. 

Stephen Parker’s journey shows that with passion, hard work, and a desire to give back, one small shop can make a big difference. Epitome Hair Parlor is not just about haircare—it’s about community, growth, and inspiring the next generation to dream bigger. 

(This story was produced as part of the Center for Cooperative Media at Montclair State University's South Jersey Information Equity Project fellowship and supported with funding from the Independence Public Media Foundation, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, and the NJ Civic Information Consortium.)

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