Ray’s Barber Shop Serves as ‘Clubhouse’ for Men

Owner Miles Diaz is thrilled that customers drive a great distance for a cut

Abrief stopover in Tuba City from New Hampshire provided just enough time for Miles Diaz to be born. Although there’s been much hardship in his life, Diaz has managed to clip through it all. Today, he owns Ray’s Barber Shop, opened by his grandfather, Lazaro Adame Diaz, in 1961.

“My parents named me Miles, because I was born so many miles from home,” said Diaz, who became the barbershop owner about a year ago. “When I was 4 years old, I used to come in and sweep the floor for my grandfather. I would listen to the old guys talk and it was like a clubhouse for my grandfather and his friends. I knew then that when I grew up, I wanted that for me, too.”

“It was my clubhouse, too, because my grandfather and I were always together here. He was my bulwark and we were super close. After he passed away, I didn’t want to see his legacy die. I have one client that’s been coming here since 1966. He told me that he was glad I’m younger than him because I can cut his hair until his dying day,” said Diaz.

Well-mannered and gregarious, Diaz doesn’t hide the fact that he made a lot of bad choices in his life. “I went down the wrong path for a while and I was incarcerated three times.”

Diaz noted with a chuckle that today some of his clients are law enforcement officers. “I tell them that I went from er

Shop and I show up for a few minutes most days just to say hi and see how everyone is doing.”

Ray’s Barber Shop was named after Lazaro’s best friend, Ray Casina, who was also a barber. The original location was next to Macy’s European Coffee

House on Beaver Street. “It was a small shop with only two chairs,” said Diaz. “It was like a closet. Maybe the size of my break room.”

Working alongside Diaz are barbers Lucas Barbaro and Salvador FloriaContinued on page 35

Chris and Andi Remy, RN, CSA

O 928-278-3899

E Remy@YourOasisAdvisor.com

W OasisSeniorAdvisors.com/ northern-az