A handsome addition to King Street

Story by Tina Hennigar 
Contributed photo
King Street in Bridgewater has been going through a transformation over the years, with the addition of Pijinuiskaq Park and Kings Court, two craft breweries and a variety of restaurants. Now we can add ‘twisted barbershop’ to the mix.
Erica Gyldenbjerg and her husband Mike are originally from Ontario, just outside of Ottawa. They arrived, quarantined, bought a home and found a space to open her barbershop, The Twisted Barber – the name appears to be derived from a fun, albeit slightly twisted, sense of humour played on with some of the décor and custom t-shirts.  She found her ideal location near breweries and restaurants in the growing community of  Bridgewater.  Erica liked what the street offered. It checked a lot of boxes.
There is no mistaking when you walk in – you’re in a barbershop. It feels masculine, but also really fun, fresh and hip. There’s 
a video game table and an industrial feel that is offset by the bright and airy décor. There’s an impressive selection of razors, oils and grooming products for the beard bearing man in your
​life.  But what makes this place most inviting is Erica herself. Walking in her barbershop feels a little bit like walking into your friend’s house. The treatment she offers, including a steamy hot towel to make you feel all warm inside, was a nice touch, according to my son.
Erica and Mike were looking for a more leisurely pace and looked to Nova Scotia in search of the familiar feeling she had when she visited growing up.  Her dad was from Annapolis. When she and Mike arrived in Nova Scotia, they drove around and visited other communities hoping to find where they wanted to settle.  But it was her sister who suggested that they check out Bridgewater. “It’s your kind of town. It’s just the right mix- not over developed but still growing,” she said of her sister’s recommendation.
“I’ve been a barber for 28-years, but it’s very much like starting over,” she said of bringing her business here.  “It’s challenging anywhere, but COVID just makes it that much harder because we don’t know what to expect,” Erica said. But she’s really happy with the positive response she’s had so far, and invites everyone to experience a barber service with the added option of playing a game of PacMan.