For Pavin Cole, a single haircut shifted the trajectory of his life.
When he was 19 years old, Pavin’s best friend, Greg, invited him to a barbershop in McPherson, Kansas. Until that moment, Pavin had never stepped foot inside a barbershop, nor did he fully understand what barbers really did. But as he sat in the chair at Fox and Ash Barbershop, talking with co-owner Andrew, something sparked.
“I instantly became more curious and excited to learn about barbering as I talked with Andrew,” Pavin recalls.
Andrew Schwartz, barber and co-owner of Fox and Ash, encouraged Pavin to go to barber school and promised to mentor him through the process.
That first appointment marked a turning point. Immediately after leaving the shop, Pavin talked to his parents about applying to Midwest Barber College in Topeka. He enrolled, kept in touch with Andrew weekly, and even had his mentor cheering him on during his barber board exams.
Now, after seven years in the industry, Pavin’s not just a skilled barber, he’s the proud owner of The Mill Barbershop, a modern, revitalized version of Topeka’s longtime staple, The Hair Mill.
His journey from first haircut to ownership may have unfolded faster than expected, but it was no accident. On day one of barber college, Pavin listed “own a barbershop” as one of his top five life goals. When Scott Fulton, another mentor and former owner of The Hair Mill, offered Pavin the chance to take over the business at the end of 2024, he knew it was the right time.
“I had become comfortable with barbering and my career path had become stagnant,” he recalls. “One of my life mottos is ‘if you are comfortable, you are not growing’.”
Pavin remodeled and rebranded the shop with a modern yet rustic feel: muted green walls, new lighting, and Husky toolbox stations to accommodate eight barbers. A glowing exterior sign welcomes clients to the transformed space. But while the look has changed, the heart of the barbershop remains rooted in tradition.
“The Hair Mill is one of the oldest shops in Topeka. I still value and uphold that tradition,” Pavin says. “The Mill is about community, comfort, and professionalism. We have clients from kids to elders, and we have a barber for everyone.”
It’s not just the atmosphere that’s fresh - the Mill is dialed into modern grooming trends, too. Social media drives much of the evolution in men’s style, and Pavin and his team are constantly studying what’s new.
“We’ve seen a rise in textured crops, mullets, and high skin fades. We talk through trends as a team and push each other to perfect them,” he explains.
The biggest trend Pavin is seeing in the shop now is the desire for an elevated experience.
“Men aren’t just wanting a haircut anymore; they are wanting pampered and a detailed service,” Pavin says. “My barbers will go above and beyond to pay attention to details and give the client a quality and relaxing haircut.”
Another growing trend? Grooming for grooms. Pavin has provided services for wedding parties and believes more grooms should consider treating themselves before the big day.
Every service at The Mill is elevated - hot lather neck shaves with every haircut, steam towels during shaves, straight razor work and attention to detail set the shop apart.
“There’s a difference between getting a haircut and getting a service at The Mill,” Pavin says.
His leadership style emphasizes enthusiasm, professionalism, and leading from the front.
“It’s no longer just about me,” he says. “My goal is to get my newer barbers filled with clients and focus on their success as a barber.”
As trends change and the industry grows, one thing remains the same: Pavin’s passion for barbering and building a space where people don’t just get a haircut, they feel at home.
Located in: Villa West Shopping Center @ 6039 SW 29th St. Phone: 785.273.0303