Last year, Mossyrock resident Rhonda “Rhonnie Ray” Wilkinson partnered with Onalaska residents Clem and Odette Cilluffo of O&C Barber to open up a barbershop in downtown Mossyrock.
Now, Wilkinson is preparing to celebrate the one-year anniversary of her own barbershop — Rhonnie Ray’s Clips & Cuts — coming on Aug. 19. The Chronicle visited the barbershop on Sunday, Aug. 9, to find out more about the business.
While she originally partnered with the Cillufos, Wilkinson explained they had some managerial disagreements, and with Odette wanting to open up Odie-Licious Sweet Treets, they ultimately decided to go their separate ways.
“We came to an impasse as to how to proceed, so it was better for us to do our own things,” Wilkinson said. “His wife always wanted to have a sweets shop, so it opened up that location for her to pursue her dream, and it allowed me to pursue a dream to have my own shop and build the culture that I wanted. And I’m always thankful for the opportunity that was presented.”
With Odie-Licious Sweet Treets open just down the street from Rhonnie Ray’s Clips & Cuts, Clem is still cutting hair at O&C Barber’s original location, just north of the intersection of state Route 508 and Jackson Highway.
Wilkinson stated her first year in business had been a “crazy ride,” due to being well-received by the community. And she did this by turning the waiting area in her barbershop into a lounge with both a pool table and foosball table.
“It was really important for me to build a place that wasn’t just a barbershop, it’s more of a community place, a place to gather and have fun and slow down. It’s really fun to see the dads come in with their sons, and instead of everybody sitting on their phones, the dads are teaching the kids how to play pool, they’re playing foosball, and it becomes engaging for everyone,” Wilkinson said. “That was my dream for my own shop.”
She added her business is the only one in Mossyrock right now with a pool table.
The pool and foosball tables do get a lot of use as well, as with Wilkinson being the only barber and haircuts are given out on a first come, first serve basis, the wait to get a cut can be several hours long.
She does have a list for people to reserve time slots to be in her barber chair. However, if someone isn’t there at the time they put on “The Cut List,” she’ll take whoever is next.
“You better be here a little bit early, because this seat never sits empty. The next person is gonna sit if you’re not here, that’s just how I operate,” Wilkinson said.
Wilkinson invited customers to call ahead to find out how long the wait for a haircut is before coming in and to put their name on the waiting list, but the same rule applies if they don’t show up for the time slot they reserved.
Along with haircuts, Wilkinson also offers hot towel, beard trimming and straight-razor shave services. She also uses her business space to grow her plants, which are currently not for sale — despite many customers inquiring if they are. She has been considered starting plant sales, but nothing is finalized yet.
Additionally, with parents getting ready to send their children back to school and her business’ one-year anniversary coming up, Wilkinson is planning on having some sort of special on haircuts for kids getting ready to return to class on Aug. 19 — like pay-what-you-can haircuts for kids.
She is still working out the details, and will make an announcement on Rhonnie Ray’s Clips & Cuts’ official Facebook page once details are finalized.
Prior to cutting hair, Wilkinson was a manager for UPS in Chehalis and Kelso and moved to Mossyrock in 2015. After a career change, she succeeded in becoming a licensed cosmetologist and began working at a full-service salon.
After taking some time away from work to concentrate on bettering her barber skills, she met Clem, who helped her with that, along with teaching her how to use a straight razor for shaves.
Rhonnie Ray’s Clips & Cuts is located at 206 E. State St. in Mossyrock, and open on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information, follow and message Wilkinson on Rhonnie Ray’s Clips & Cuts’ Facebook page at https://tinyurl.com/4zzzw549 or call 360-623-0738.
