New owners operate Hair Cache

Jeff and Theresa Robertson carry on the Hair Cache tradition as new owners.

Tradition has it that some 25 years ago a Sisters dentist leased a small portion of his office to hairstylist Mary Norseen. The space was so small -- having room for only one chair -- it was named the Hair Cache.

The Hair Cache has since become an established salon in Sisters growing from one station to six.

Native Oregonians Jeff and Theresa Robertson are the new owner/operators of the salon, located on Main Avenue. It continues to be a full service beauty salon, providing manicures, pedicures and facials, chemical treatments, hair styling and barbering.

Jeff and Theresa do everything from managing the accounts to cutting hair. They attend conferences twice a year to stay updated on the latest styles and techniques of the industry. They stress that people of all ages and backgrounds are welcome at the Hair Cache.

Theresa is not a stranger to the industry. Fifty years ago her grandfather opened a barbershop in her hometown of Ontario, in eastern Oregon. Since then, both her father and uncle have operated the shop. It has become a community center, she says, where people come to hear the latest news or look for work should they be new in town.

Theresa and her husband Jeff hope to carry that tradition on in Sisters.

"We had wanted to own a business together for a long time," said Jeff, "Owning a barber shop seemed to be a natural choice."

They were looking for a specific kind of barbershop, one with a hometown atmosphere, "someplace where people just come in to have coffee," added Theresa.

After looking throughout Central Oregon, they came across the Hair Cache.

It was everything they had hoped for, said Theresa.

"When we met Linda (Churchill, then owner) we knew right away that this was exactly what we wanted."

Churchill had been with the salon for 24 years. Seven years ago Linda purchased the Hair Cache, continuing on as a hairstylist until she retired this past fall.

When she decided to sell, she hoped that the right people would come along. Those hopes were realized when she met the Robertsons.

"I put a lot of work into that shop," said Churchiill. "I feel that there's another 24 years left with them running it. They are the sweetest people."

Linda helped Jeff and Theresa get settled in.

"She was awesome," said Theresa "She showed us the ropes and introduced us to everybody."

No major changes are planned.

"This was a successful business," said Theresa, maintaining that if it isn't broke, you shouldn't try to fix it.

Jeff and Theresa have commissioned Linda's husband Darell to build a hutch for the shampoo room. It will accompany other furniture that he has made for the shop throughout the years.

The hair stylists have remained with the salon, carrying their expertise and experience.

"We fell into a pot of honey," said Theresa "All the girls work as a team. It's a positive atmosphere where people know what they are doing."

"They're crazier than pet coons," said Linda, referring to the team of girls, some of whom she has worked with for over seven years. "They are the heart and soul of that shop."

For Theresa, three generations of barbering has provided her husband and her with their own impression of the trade.

"It's a noble profession," said Theresa, concurring with her husband that "There are not many businesses where you can make somebody feel good about themselves."