Licensed Barber & Platform Educator/Owner Lawrence Funk has been a licensed barber in downtown Chicago for over 6 years. He graduated from Success Barber College. In addition to Funk’s Barbershop, Lawrence is also the owner of Funk’s Custom Clippers, a highly successful line of custom Andis Clippers, liners, and clipper accessories. Lawrence is not only an entrepreneur but he is an immensely talented Master Barber who specializes in first-class service and attention to detail. Each and every client knows they will receive the best possible care whether they're getting a haircut, straight razor shave, or beard trimming. Lawrence provides great conversation and his clientele always leave feeling good and looking even better.
Take a step into one of Chicago's constantly thriving family-run barbershops and you can see it with your very own eyes. We teamed up with Coors Light to celebrate this touchstone of black culture by speaking with proprietors from some of the very best in Chicago.
Madison Street Barbers: The Origin Story
Do312: Tell us a little bit about how your shop started. “Madison Street Barbers opened in October 2014. I started the shop with money that I earned and made from selling my first barbershop which was an already established business. Growing up I always wanted a barbershop in the city of Chicago and incorporating the street name Madison made our business easier to locate. Plus Madison has always been known as a place where some of the best barbershops in the city were known.”
Funk’s Barbershop in the South Loop
“Funk’s Barbershop is in the South Loop of downtown Chicago. It resides (street level) in the historical Manhattan building in Printer’s Row. There were two main things I would not sacrifice as far as location. The first, it had to be downtown (foot traffic was a must), secondly, I wanted tall windows so people could see in. It was important to feel like we were interacting with the public, they could see us cutting hair, and vice versa. To this day when people stop to take pictures, I invite them in to have a look around.”
Customers vs. Clients: Building lasting relationships
Do312: Tell us a little about your customers/clients. “There is definitely a difference between a customer and a client ... A customer comes in and goes... a client stays with you for years till they become friends and family - especially when you have three generations coming to your hair salon or barbershop, you go to the graduations and proms and weddings birthdays, etc., and, sad to say funerals. I can vouch I actually had to bury a few and do their hair for the funeral.”
“We’re here to show that Chicago communities thrive best when all cultures are accepted and celebrated. Our business is evidence that we can all live and work together as a collective community. Though once segregated, today is a new day and there’s no other place than a barbershop that cultivates togetherness by sharing hairstyles, music, sports, and more! Our goal has always been to deliver a salon/barbershop experience to welcome people from all different walks of life. Diversity has always and continues to be a point of emphasis.”
Operations, Atmosphere, and Community Impact
The articles and conversations emphasize a family-run ethos, downtown Chicago foot traffic, and the hands-on approach to service-ranging from precision haircuts to straight razors and beard trims. Clients aren’t only patrons; they become part of a broader community that values shared culture, conversations, and mutual respect. The shop’s location in Printer’s Row places it at a crossroads of history, accessibility, and visible craft, inviting passersby to witness the barbering process and feel connected to the neighborhood.
- Quality service with a focus on detail, whether a haircut, shave, or beard trim.
- Strong emphasis on relationship-building, turning customers into long-term clients and family.
- Community-centric philosophy that celebrates diversity and inclusive culture.
- Strategic downtown location to maximize foot traffic and visibility.
In addition to the core barbering services, Lawrence Funk’s entrepreneurial ventures-such as Funk’s Custom Clippers-underscore a broader commitment to craftsmanship and professional tools, reinforcing the shop’s reputation for excellence. The narrative of Funk’s Barbershop and Madison Street Barbers highlights how a well-timed blend of technique, location, and community engagement can create enduring local institutions within a vibrant urban landscape.
The Barber Shop (Documentary)
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