Chris Page’s journey: hard work that honors heritage

BOWLING GREEN, Ky.- Chris Page, a local legend in Bowling Green, is known for the Shake Rag Barbershop and Shake Rag Bar & Lounge.

Inspired by his father, Leon Page, and a long family history of barbers, he’s making a big impact by creating spaces that bring the community together.

Chris Page, the owner of Shake Rag Barbershop and Shake Rag Bar and Lounge, said, “My dad cooks all the time, and he has his family and friends always. Just have a drink. So I thought bowling needed that, especially for the African-American community. We really needed to be able to go somewhere, to really be ourselves.”

David Curry, host of Bike Night and a barber at Shake Rag Barbershop, says, “We have a long history. He’s his brother, man. We grew up together when he moved to the Horse Cave, and the rest is history.”

Not only is Chris building businesses, but he’s creating community by opening doors, shaping lives and filling chairs.

Chris Page says, “It is more blessed to give than it is to receive. And my father has always taught me that by helping others, I get to support my family. Make sure other barbers pull back into the Shaker and storied history. So it’s like everything is coming full circle.”

The lessons Chris Page learned throughout his life, and the friendships gained along the way, got him to a point where he positively impacts the world around him.

Chris Page says there’s too much opportunity to remain stagnant, and he won’t stop trying to make a difference in his community.