This week it’s been pretty quiet at 931 Ault Field Road in Oak Harbor.

Ave Kemper has had to sit patiently and wait like an eager-to-please puppy dog.

“People just don’t know I’m here yet,” Kemper said.

What people might not know is that there’s a new barbershop in town — Nexis Ex’s Barbershop — and that it’s owned and operated by a barber already known to many in town.

Ave Kemper — first name sounds like Amy only with the distinctive V as in Victor — has been a resident of Oak Harbor, on and off, since 1978. Owning her own shop has been a long-time aspiration for Kemper who, until recently, was a lead for the Navy Exchange barber shops where she worked for over eight years.

“I’ve always said that some day I’ll have a shop at the top of the hill and here I am,” Kemper said. “I’ve gotten to know many people in the community over the years and hope they come see me.”

Despite having a slow start after her April 5 opening, Kemper is optimistic that her slump will soon change. People just need to know she’s there.

“I’m really good at cutting hair. I just need to get people in here,” she said.

Don’t expect there to be any color and chemicals being processed at Nexis Ex’s. Kemper keeps it simple by specializing and focusing on haircuts. Basic cuts will be $8.50 and women’s cuts will be $10.

She’s worked as a barber for 10 years and considers herself a pro at the military friendly “high and tights,” flat tops, fades, Marine and Navy regulation cuts. She also adds in a strength for women’s and children’s cuts.

“I’m great with kids and have a number of families as regular clients,” she said.

Her gentle ways with the younger set could be because she has kids of her own — a 9-year-old son named Bowen and a 5-year-old daughter Aspen — whom she speaks proudly of when she points to their pictures in her shop.

The Nexis Ex’s location is perfect, Kemper said of her proximity to the Langley gate of Whidbey Island Naval Air Station. She expects to serve primarily military personnel, but also a good number of women and children.

The Nexis Ex’s Barbershop hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, but she’ll take appointments from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. On the weekends she’ll take appointments 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“You’ve got to offer those early morning and late evening times for military and families,” she said. “I want to make sure my shop is able to provide haircuts to people without making them wait in line.”

If anyone has to do any waiting at Nexis Ex’s it’ll be in the cozy seating area that has two plush couches, plenty of reading material, a TV, and — of course — Ave nearby to entertain.

“I like to keep things fun,” she said. “Kids come in here and watch cartoons and the adults chat away.”

Expect Nexis Ex’s to be a laid back place where there’s no strangers and everyone who walks in are instant friends and family.

“No one’s a stranger after sitting in here for a couple of minutes,” Kemper said.

Nexis Ex’s Barbershop

Location: 931 Ault Field Road

Phone: 360-540-7634

Hours: Weekdays shop open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. but taking appointments 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Weekends will be appointments 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Rates: Basic haircuts $8.50, women’s cuts $10