Bill the Barber has made a cozy space for himself in Vernon’s BX region. Operating right from home, he combines his life and work seamlessly, with a cheerful sandwich board outside and a neon barber sign flickering in his basement suite.
At 77, Bill Morrow’s haircutting journey started on the Prairies back in the late 1960s. Born in Carlyle, Saskatchewan, he grew up on a grain farm, the eldest of five. His father encouraged him to pursue a trade, but none of the usual paths appealed to him—electrician or plumber didn’t spark joy. Instead, he found his passion in cutting hair.
Bill graduated from the Maurice Barber School in Regina on December 10, 1969. His first job was in Winnipeg, but after some time on the family farm, he transitioned into various ventures, including bulk fuel and feed lot cleaning businesses. However, his heart always lay with barbering.
In 2007, he moved to Vernon and found a home at the Country Squire Barber Shop, owned by Ted Enns. “I thought I’d died and gone to heaven,” he recalled. But when Enns closed his shop in December 2018, Bill was left feeling lost after a personal crisis. He spent some time in Bucerias, Mexico, to heal before returning to work at Sage Hair Studio in Armstrong.
Eventually, his friends Ron and Shelly Wellington stepped in, building a suite for him and encouraging him to set up his own barbering space. Now, some of his clients from Armstrong travel twenty minutes to see him for a haircut and a chat, proving that his reputation for excellent service travels far.
“Retire? What would I do?” Bill chuckles, still sharp with his scissors and clippers. It’s clear that barbering isn’t just a job for him; it’s a joyful part of his life—a passion that keeps him connected to the community.
His story reflects a broader trend: many people are embracing home-based businesses, especially in the wake of the pandemic. According to a recent survey by the U.S. Small Business Administration, over 50% of new businesses launched in 2021 were home-based. This allows individuals like Bill to maintain their craft and keep their connections alive within the community.
For anyone feeling the weight of uncertainty and change—whether personal or professional—Bill’s journey offers a comforting reminder of resilience. As he continues to cut hair and share stories, he exemplifies how following one’s passion can lead to lasting fulfillment.
If you want to chat or schedule an appointment, you can reach Bill at 1-403-635-8838.