The Gentlemen's Cave

Historically, salons and spas were considered gathering places - dating back as far as the 15th century. According to the Salon Host, salons were quite popular throughout Europe from the 1500s-1900s as places to discuss and debate ideas. The term “salon” suggests a modicum of regularity, whether this pertains to the regularity of going to one, or the routine learning and listening from those around you at such a place. Centuries later, salons are still very much thriving commercial spaces, with new ones opening all the time.

Now, when one thinks of a salon, a gathering place and pampering place for women comes to mind. The French salons in the 18th and 19th centuries were hosted by prominent, wealthy women in their homes. Although the services have changed, there’s still an association of salons being primarily for women. The Gentlemen’s Cave in Shaker Heights changes this narrative and yet reimagines a salon or spa as a gathering space of ideas.

The Gentlemen’s Cave Luxury Barber Lounge is a one-stop shop for men that includes a luxurious lounge, expert barbers, and is, in its entirety, a man cave. Owners Lozell Siler, Antonio Siler, and Maiya Jones-Siler believed that when it came to the grooming industry, men didn’t have a place they could go for all of their grooming needs in one place. Lozell admits, “I wanted a lounge for guys to have a fellowship kind of place, without it being a spa. I wanted to create a male setting with no judgement.”

Antonio has been a professional barber for over 20 years, Maiya created the idea of offering a spa for men, and Lozell brought the business model to the Gentlemen’s Cave. Together, they have created a space for the community, and have redefined the concept of salon - or spa - for men.

When you walk into the Gentlemen’s Cave from the front entrance on Chagrin Boulevard, there’s a waiting area where sunlight pours in and onto the barber chairs. Walking to the back of the shop, you’ll find beautiful gold pedicure bowls and lounge chairs before exiting through a separate entrance off Lomond. Just before exiting, double doors lead into a separate lounge area, for ultimate relaxation.

Although the Gentlemen’s Cave provides a space for men where there was a need, the owners also wanted it to be a place for the community, including the youth. “We wanted to welcome the youth and get them started with self-care early, to teach them what that means. We want to teach them that they don’t have to wait until they’re older to care for their needs.”

And self-care goes beyond the physical here. The Gentlemen’s Cave provides a safe space for the youth to learn from mentors and professionals in our society: from people who can inspire them. In this regard, the Gentlemen’s Cave reimagines the salons from the 15th and 16th centuries, becoming a gathering space for sharing ideas.

The team chose Shaker for both its location and diversity. Before they opened the Gentlemen’s Cave, Lozell’s family was living in Euclid. Once the business officially opened, Lozell and his family relocated to Shaker and his children transferred to Shaker Schools. “I love the energy and diversity of Shaker. There are people from all different walks of life and these are the types of people who come into the Gentlemen’s Cave - from professional athletes, to everyday people.” The Gentlemen’s Cave has become a microcosm of Shaker, offering benefits for everyone who comes in.

Lozell told us that one of the challenges of owning a small business comes from this kind of concept being so new. “Not everyone’s used to it, so you have to educate people on what it is that you’re offering. It’s communicating that we’re more than a barbershop and the benefits of this.”

We admire this team for their ability to want to offer this space to the community and we’re certain they stand tall to this challenge.

Lozell notes that building relationships with both guests who enter the space, as well as the community, is the biggest reward of owning a small business. The networking and consequential impact that the Gentlemen’s Cave has had on the community is one of their biggest assets.  

When it comes to advising those who might want to own a small business, Lozell recommends finding a void in the desired industry: “What will set you apart? Do as much research you can. Do your homework and try to set yourself up with a mentor. Be open to different ideas.” His emphasis lies on the research: “you can never do enough research,” Lozell says.

The Gentlemen’s Cave hosts weekly events like Teen Tuesdays, Wine and Women Wednesdays, Throwback Thursdays, and Fun Fridays. There are always game nights with board games and drink specials as well. Check out @gentlemenscavelbl on social media for the latest event updates or visit thegentlemenscave.com. Beyond a barbershop, 20306 Chagrin Boulevard is a dedicated space for men, with open arms to the entire community.