Published: October 16, 2009 07:15 pm      

Rhonda’s Barber Shop owner celebrates 13 years her way

EDMOND — At the end of the day, Edmond barber Rhonda Miller can tell herself “I did it my way.” For the sole owner of Rhonda’s Barber Shop at 311 E. Ayers St., “my way” can mean anything from setting her own prices to displaying her clown collection.

Rhonda’s Barber Shop is filled with clowns Miller has been collecting for more than 30 years. She collects them because they make her happy, not because she expects them to have any value.

“A lot of my customers bring me clowns,” Miller said as she pointed out one clown from a Texas flea market and another from Mexico.

Miller also likes to set her own prices, offering military, senior citizens’ and children’s discounts. During the economic downturn, Miller said, she has noticed her business dwindle. Although her usual customers continue to come in for haircuts, they’re extending the time between cuts.

Miller celebrated the 13th anniversary of opening her shop on Sept. 30.

“I enjoy my customers,” Miller said. “Coming to work is like having a new job every day because we never know who we’re going to see.” Some of her customers followed her to Rhonda’s Barber Shop from The Friendly Barber Shop nearly 20 years ago.

Before opening her own shop, Miller worked at Dale’s Barber Shop for two years and The Friendly Barber Shop for five years. When she opened her shop, Miller said, Junior Sherrick of the Friendly Barber Shop prayed over her shop that she would have a prosperous business.

“I am what I am because of Junior,” Miller said. “He taught me a lot about being a barber.”

In addition to running her barber shop, Miller is a foster parent, caring for 17 children through the past 12 years. She currently cares for a 4-year-old and two 1-year-olds.

“I love children and I like to make a contribution back to the community. If I don’t do it, who will? It’s kind of like my ministry,” Miller said. “I can’t preach a sermon, but God can use me to take care of children when they can’t be with their families.”

Miller adopted Amanda, the first child she fostered, when Amanda was 8 years old. Amanda, a senior at Edmond North High School, will be 18 on Sunday. “She likes helping with the foster kids because she was a foster child,” Miller said.

“Rhonda is really good with little kids,” said Dennis Williams of Edmond. “She’s the only one who would cut Gavin’s hair,” he said, referring to his patiently waiting 4-year-old son.

Miller is joined at the four-chair shop by her son, Todd, who became a barber in 2001, and Harold Glasby.

Miller’s oldest daughter, Kimberly, works as a prosecuting attorney for Harris County, Texas.

“Last week, she was doing murder trials and this week she is in child protective services,” said Miller, pleased that her daughter also had found a way to help children.