Louisiana-grown barber hopes to make haircuts simple again

From his single-chair operation in 21st Plaza, Keith Reed surveys his kingdom with satisfaction.

“It’s humble beginnings, but from here I can see where Nashville will take me,” said Reed, who opened Coupe (short for ‘cut’ in French) in August.

A master barber, Reed relocated to Nashville from south Louisiana a couple of years ago and had no trouble getting work. But, he says, the traditional barbershop scene in Nashville left him cold.

“I loved it up here and wanted a change, so was very glad to make the move,” he said. “But the shop I worked in was very traditional, old school styling with older clientele. There wasn’t a lot of change from day to day, and I got really tired of that; just not my cup of tea.”

When he set up his own place, he made the determination early on that it wouldn’t be a salon, but that it wouldn’t be a traditional barbershop either.

“I’m appointment only, and it doesn’t have the traditional look,” he says. “I have done this for more than 15 years, and I wanted a more upscale look but also to get back to what I was accustomed to, so this is it.”

Early indicators are that people want what Reed offers, which is a lot more than barber-style short haircuts.

“Nashville has been very receptive to me, and I’m finding that people will really let their hair down here,” Reed said. “People have the wrong idea of what barbers do. I can do grandpa’s cut, yes, and the traditional flattops and tapers, but there’s a lot of stuff in between, and it’s not what you would think of going to the barbershop for.

“I hope to change that,” he continued. “Right now it’s all about cuts and styling, but soon I’ll get back into covering that gray and other services, and just see where Nashville takes me.”


 

WhistlePig + Alfa Romeo F1

SHOREHAM, VT (September 13, 2023) — WhistlePig Whiskey, the leaders in independent craft whiskey, and Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake are waving the checkered flag on a legend-worthy release that’s taking whiskey to G-Force levels. The Limited Edition PiggyBack Legends Series: Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is a high Rye Whiskey selected by the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake drivers, with barrels trialed in their wind tunnel to ensure a thrilling taste in every sip.

The third iteration in WhistlePig’s Single Barrel PiggyBack Legends Series, the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is bottled at 96.77 proof, a nod to Valtteri Bottas’ racing number, 77, and the precision of racing. Inspired by Zhou Guanyu, the first Chinese F1 driver, this Rye Whiskey is finished with lychee and oolong tea. Herbal and floral notes of the oolong tea complement the herbaceous notes of WhistlePig’s signature PiggyBack 100% Rye, rounded out with a juicy tropical fruit finish and a touch of spice.

Keep readingShow less
by Spectrum Medical Care Center

Nurse Practitioner Ari Kravitz

When I started medical transition at 20 years old, it was very difficult to get the care I needed for hormone replacement therapy because there are very few providers trained in starting hormones for trans people, even though it’s very similar to the hormones that we prescribe to women in menopause or cisgender men with low testosterone.

I hope more providers get trained in LGBTQ+ healthcare, so they can support patients along their individual gender journey, and provide the info needed to make informed decisions about their body. I’ve personally seen my trans patients find hope and experience a better quality of life through hormone replacement therapy.

Keep readingShow less

Descanso Resort swimming pool and lounge area

Descanso Resort, Palm Springs' premier destination for gay men, just received Tripadvisor's highest honor, a Travelers' Choice "Best of the Best" award for 2023. Based on guests' reviews and ratings, fewer than 1% of Tripadvisor's 8 million listings around the world receive the coveted "Best of the Best" designation. Descanso ranked 12th in the top 25 small inns and hotels category in the United States. Quite an accomplishment!

Open less than two years, Descanso Resort offers gay men a relaxing and luxurious boutique hotel experience just minutes away from Palm Springs' buzziest restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping. Descanso has quickly established itself as a top destination for sophisticated gay travelers, earning hundreds of 5-star guest reviews and consistently ranking in Trapadvisor's top positions alongside brother properties Santiago Resort and Twin Palms Resort.

Keep readingShow less