Gildum's Barbery
Located on Willoby Street and neighbors of Kinara's Grace and the Red Dragon, Gildum's Barbery is run by none other than Gerald Gildum. He and a collection of barbers serve Zaichaer's East End in all their barber needs. From new 'staches to simple cuts or even full body grooms for those few Rathari in town, they have built a reputation in their section of the city for providing great service.
The techniques used in this shop would best be described as 'terrifying or bland'. Depending on your stature, or hair, you may be seated in a small chair in front of a small mirror. A simple set of barbers tools used to carefully sculpt you a new look or freshen an old one. Or if you're the hairy type, might find yourself sitting in Gildum's favorite chair- positioned in the back of the room above which a giant steam powered set of 6 massive sheers hangs ready to snip and slice away at years worth of growth from the most hairy of individuals. On the days it is not in use, it hangs just for show and spins a full 360 degrees like a fan every hour.
The entrance to the shop holds a bell over it's door that dings at the entrance or exit of every new, or returning, customer. Just inside the entrance is the service desk at which customers pay and request services ranging from simple trims to full style changes, cuts, and shaves. Once checked in, a waiting area with wooden benches and plush, bright red covers sits to the left. Surprisingly comfortable, a large window that overlooks the river takes up nearly the entire wall and allows natural light to filter in. Countless magazines and picture books of different grooming styles are placed around the room, though most end up piled on the table in front of the waiting benches as customers make their way to their designated barber chair. The salon area is lined with eight chairs, four on each side of the room and positioned in front of individual mirrors lit by sconces and large windows for optimal lighting. Below the mirrors are counters with a salon sink for each chair, as well as a short dresser where each barbers tools are kept and stored.
Towards the back of the room lies 'Gildum's Chair'- though the contraption above their head often goes unused, he doesn't need it to perform precise shave jobs and style ones hair to perfection. While the first floor ends with his chair, the building continues up a flight of spiral stairs. Up on the second floor lies the more boring sections of the shop- fit with a small storage room to the right where they keep shipments of new tools that they are constantly replacing and refreshing as well as shampoos, mousee, and other shave supplies. To the front of the stairs lies Gildum's office. A tiny room that likely should have been the storage space, it hosts a simple rug and desk where he completes the financial paperwork every night. And lastly to the left of the stairs is a restroom for employees and customers.
All in all, this one stop shop for a shave'n'cut boasts classic Zaichaer decor nestled in one of the more popular sections of Willoby Street.
Gerald Gildum
"The Teddy Bear Barber"
On any given day Gildum can be found manning the store, either instructing his employees on better techniques, praising customers for their fine choice of barber, or shaving away at a customers beard, he is known for being friendly and personable. His booming, infectious laughter can be heard even from outside the shop, and he's been known to love a good pun. But once his eyes are set on your face, his usual jolly expression turns sour. The employees would tell you simply he has 'resting bear face', that his creative mind takes over when he begins to focus on the art of the shave. In those moments he is serious and focused. He makes no sound while he works, though the music of the bar next door usually puts people at ease.
His family has been in Zaichaer for many years running the shop, and as such they have generations of customers constantly coming back and bringing their children to continue with reliable, personable grooming. However the man remains single, and when he isn't manning the shop can be found at the pub next door flirting up whoever looks his way.