By Jennifer Stultz
Tri-County Tribune Editor
jstultz@cherryroad.com
Blades Hair Studio co-owners Lisa Goertzen and Leisa Eck still offer haircuts, hugs, and hospitality at their place of work, they have just moved their business to a new location at 423 S. Main, Pratt. The business was formerly located at 105 E. Fifth Street.
“It was a good opportunity for us,” said Goertzen. “I actually fired my best employee (Leisa Eck) and then brought her on as a partner, so now we each own our business and still work out of this shop together. We rent this building and we didn’t need all that room at the other place. We just love the Main Street location, easier access for our handicapped customers, and the sun coming in the east window is just wonderful.”
Goertzen and Eck now enjoy facing the sun instead of dealing with a northern entrance that created winter weather challenges during ice and snow events. They moved into the new location just after Christmas, opening December 31, 2024, and then going full steam ahead from January 2, 2025 on.
The Lisa’s, as they are known to many, have more than 75 years of hair-cutting experience between them, but have worked together just over 14 years.
“We are a good team. No drama for real. We get along great and have always supported each other,” Goertzen said.
Customer Marie Grimes said she has had her hair cut at Blades for years because she likes the way the Lisa’s make her feel.
“We become family in here,” Grimes said. “They are so fun. I like the way they cut my hair and always make me feel welcome. I bet Leisa Eck could name all 10 of my grandchildren. She keeps better track of them than I do.”
Both Lisa’s said they average 25 people per day with hair color appointments but can get as many as 45 haircuts done depending on the day, per stylist. They said they prefer to work longer hours on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, having off Monday and Friday for extended weekends. Family time is important at home, as well as at work.
“We are both sympathetic cryers,” Goertzen said. “We try to keep it light in here, but when someone comes in and needs to talk, we listen, hug it out. We are here to help people feel better, whatever that takes. There is something about getting your hair done that lifts a person’s spirit and sometimes just opens up the need to talk. We are here for all of that. We all go through a lot in life; sometimes talking about it just makes it a little easier to bear.”
The new Blades is a sunny, flower-filled, shop with colorful walls and soon-to-arrive interesting artwork. Both men and women are welcome to walk through the doors and sign up for an appointment.
“Last week we had seven men in here at once,” Goertzen said. “We cut hair for several generations and had grandfathers, sons, and grandsons in here. Never a dull moment.”
Goertzen and Eck have lived in Pratt for most of their lives and said they love their jobs because of the people they have the opportunity to serve. Lifetime relationships are formed in the beauty seats.
“Probably the hardest thing we do is that last haircut when someone is dealing with chemo or hair loss because of cancer. We cry,” Eck said. “But it is an honor to do this because we love our clients. They are our friends and part of our families.”
Goertzen said a grand opening for the new location will come sometime in March. They are still waiting on a special window painting and artwork inside and plus vinyl front windows. A date has not been set, but Blades will post grand opening news on their Facebook page when that time comes.
Until then, customers are encouraged to stop in and see the new digs and make an appointment with Lisa or Leisa to get a haircut, and a hug, if necessary.
