A local maker of small-batch, craft hair care products is moving out of the basement of a suburban coffee shop and into a storefront on Woodward Avenue in Ferndale.
Though there are no plans for an official retail storefront for Ace High, the new space will allow the company to grow its ever-expanding line of products.
What started as a couple of friends trying their hand at making their own pomade has grown considerably since their humble beginnings in 2016.
Nathan Hamood, president of the Dessert Oasis chain of coffee shops, and co-worker and friend Christian Kettenbeil started experimenting with making their own pomade. They’ve since developed four pomades, hair clay, hair tonic, and beard balm. Ace High is releasing its own line of shampoo and conditioner this week.
The company makes all of its products by hand.
"We started to outgrow our space and felt that we needed to take the next step. This is a lot bigger and right on Woodward. While it’s not a retail spot, it gives a physical presence on Woodward Avenue," Hamood says.
"We can put on events, host barber talks, styling classes. I love the idea of bringing different barbers into the same room. It can be a competitive business. I think it’s great for everyone to have a community mindset."
In addition to events, the space will operate primarily as a production and manufacturing center, as well as providing room for shipping, labeling, modeling, and offices.
The new Ace High headquarters should be open by mid-December.
"We just learned that Garden Fresh Salsa used to be in this building. We’re excited about that. Those guys are kind of idols to us, honestly," says Hamood.
"We’re thinking there’s some good mojo in that building."
Ace High Co. is located at 22016 Woodward Ave. in Ferndale.
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