Crystalz Barber Shop on West Westfield Avenue was recognized as the November 2017 Business Of The Month at the November 16th Mayor & Council meeting.
Having opened its doors ten years ago in the borough, owner and barber Leo Jaramillo has provided a haircut and a shave for anyone – young or old – coming through his doors. Crystalz (pronounced kris-TALZ) is in the center of town right off of Chestnut Street.
Leo, a former Marine, used to drive along Route 28 (Westfield Avenue) and was drawn to the median.
“The flags always caught my attention,” Leo said when reached by phone about what drew him to Roselle Park. A former Marine, he wanted to be a part of that hometown feel. He already owned a barbershop in Elizabeth and was passing through when he saw a sign for available space and decided to set up shop in the borough. He stated, “It just happened. It was perfect timing.”
After returning home from the Marine Corps, Leo went to school and started cutting hair. He remarked, “Every town, every city, has somewhere [everyone] can come together. Every time I go to the barbershop myself I feel that presence [in] the community, the need for a place like that.”
Fourth Ward Councilman Michael Connelly – along with Mayor Carl Hokanson – presented Leo with the Certificate of Recognition. The councilman stated, “I’ve been going there for quite a few years. He does a good job with my hair, what’s little left of it. You have to get an appointment. If you don’t, you can always play a game of pool or darts or dominoes or whatever the case may be. There’s always something to do there.”
At the November municipal meeting, Leo was touched by the award and stated, “I want to thank everybody. It’s been a long journey but it’s well worth it. Our business is here to give back to the community. It feels nice to be recognized for a business that’s been thriving for over ten years. My doors are always open for anybody and everybody. So with that, I say thank you very much, Roselle Park.”
When asked about what owning a business is like and providing a service, Leo stated, “It’s great. I enjoy it very much. I always make sure I have a smile on my face and try to treat everyone with respect. It’s a great feeling.”
Leo donates his time and money to the community in various events. He commented, “I really do like Roselle Park a lot.”
Crystalz is open seven days a week. Monday through Saturday the barbershop is open from 9 a.m. till 7 p.m. (or later). It is open on Sundays for a few hours and appointments are always recommended. Crystalz is located at 13 West Westfield Avenue. Appointments and information can be obtained by calling (908) 259-1151.