LJJ Barbershop is getting a new place of business come January 2025, according to one of its co-owners.

The business is about three years old and is finally moving into its own space, but it won't be too far a move. It's moving to the new location on 51 Street from its current location on 4709 Franklin Ave.

The driving factor in the move, said co-owner Diana Lubansa, was the high cost in rent.

"It seemed like we were working just to make rent," she said. "That wasn't making much sense at all."

Lubansa said they've been paying around $5,000 a month when factoring in rent and some other expenses. That caused her and her husband, Jonel Louis-Jean, to start looking at a new location last year. 

The new spot is still being renovated, meaning Lubansa will have to hold off on her excitement until everything's ready to go, she explained. 

Once it opens, LJJ will be a little bit more than just a barbershop, she added.

The main floor will contain grooming needs with a recording studio located on the lower level. 

Lubansa explained that her husband is a musician working on releasing his first studio album.

The shop is also looking for extra staff - Lubansa said they've hired another barber from Edmonton and purchased three added chairs. Whoever else ends up working there as a barber there will have a chance to choose how they'd like to be paid too, said Lubansa.

For example, a barber could rent a chair and Lubansa said that when they do that, whatever income they make goes all to them with just rent payment needed. A barber could also work on commission or receive a salary. 

Haircuts aside, the business will add pedicures and manicures to its services once the new location is up and running.

"Interestingly enough, a lot of guys over the years, since we opened, have been asking when are we going to add those services," said Lubansa. "I had no idea that men went to pedicures and manicures, so it's really fascinating to know how many men take pride in self-care. It's a good thing."