Gibson’s Barbershop opens in iconic location

Longtime Mountain Grove barber Dwain Murphy once said that all it takes to get a haircut is “a whole lot of grit and a little money.” Murphy worked as a barber in his well-known establishment, Murphy’s Barber Shop, in downtown Mountain Grove for 54 years.
The location, now called Gibson’s Barbershop, is operated by Heather Gibson, 34, who rents the location from Murphy. A licensed cosmetologist and barber with over a decade of experience in the haircare industry, Gibson said she’s committed to preserving Murphy’s legacy.
“I want to keep it as close to how Murphy ran it,” Gibson said, adding that to continue the tradition, she accepts walk-ins for men and boys only.
“Everything looks about the same, and all the old Coca-Cola memorabilia remains,” she said. “It definitely adds to the nostalgia.”
Murphy served a large clientele, many of whom are now Gibson’s customers. She said these individuals recount stories when Murphy’s shop was packed to the brim.
“So packed that people assumed there was a long wait when, in fact, most of the guys were just here for the conversation,” Gibson said.
The renowned location fell into her hands when local Mustafa Alsadi, who rented the building, contacted her about renting the property. Prior to Alsadi, Ethan Clark, a former local barber, managed Murphy’s.
According to Gibson, Alsadi had the space loaded with retail items from veteran-owned companies when she made the purchase; he even installed new barber chairs, seating and a shampoo chair.
In the future, Gibson looks forward to remaining a staple of small-town barber care.
“I am extremely fortunate and am so thankful for this opportunity,” Gibson said.
Gibson’s Barbershop is located at 202 E. 1st St. and is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Occasional Saturdays may be worked. For more information, contact Heather Gibson via email at hlgibson90@gmail.com or search Gibson’s Barbershop on Facebook.