It might be smaller than most stores' bathrooms, but once inside, the Capitol Hair Port barber shop doesn't feel tiny at all.

Hair Port, which has resided at 111 N. Harrison Ave. for four years, is a very distinct barber shop - with one chair, one sink and one cosmetologist- owner Barb Merkel.

The 125-square-foot building used to be a shelter for an ATM, and the Hair Port used to be in downtown Lansing, on Ottawa Street near the Capitol, but was forced out when new state government offices were built.

"I met really interesting people when I worked downtown," Merkel said.

"Senators and their staff members and doctors. When I left and came to East Lansing, most of my customers followed me."

Merkel did have some doubts, however, when she moved into her new location. Her old shop was bigger, with two barber's chairs.

"When we moved in, I thought, 'Can this really work?' but it has."

Despite having some high-power clients, Merkel said she enjoys having more students as clients due to her near-campus location.

"I love having kids come in; they keep me young," she said.

Although the business is small, Merkel said she usually is busy enough to only take customers by appointment but occasionally has room for walk-ins.

She also said she likes having a small business because she can get to know her customers better.

"I like having one chair because I can give people more individual attention," Merkel said.

"When you're dealing with people on a one-to-one basis, people feel more secure, and I can really help them with their hair."

Merkel said she hopes that she can keep helping people find the type of hair style that works best for them.

"If your hair isn't right, then nothing is right about your outfit and the way you look," she said.

"A lot of what I do is help people find what hair suits their lifestyle."