Behind the Business: Pro-Line Barbershop

BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) - One Biloxi business ensures men leave better than they came. Pro-Line Barber Shop, on Judge Sekul Avenue, is run by a father and son.

For more than 50 years, Willie Manning has been cutting hair, a career path he embarked on back home in Louisiana years ago.

“I went to school in New Orleans at Katie’s Beauty School on Jackson Avenue,” said Willie.

Once Willie Manning obtained his barber’s license, he began cutting hair at Keesler Air Force Base in 1972.

“I have guys from Keesler that leave and go overseas and come back through, and they just want to see me,” said Willie.

While working on the base, it was Willie Manning’s goal to build those lasting relationships and one day open his own barbershop. Just a few years later, Willie Manning achieved his goal and opened Pro-Line Barber Shop in Biloxi.

“First day I cut just one head,” Willie Manning said.

That quickly changed as demands for haircuts grew, and Willie Manning eventually outgrew his first location.

By 2000, Manning’s son, Willie Raphael Manning, followed in his dad’s footsteps and completed barber school. Now, Willie Raphael cuts alongside his dad.

“I was seeing the haircuts he was putting out while I was in school, and he had a lot of people coming in, and they looked good,” said Willie Raphael. “I kind of fell into it like that.”

Willie Raphael says his dad has always illustrated family dynamics, treating his barbershop as more than just a business.

“If you’re looking for a job, you can come here and chances are you’re going to find a job. When it comes to your health and you want to know the best doctor to go to, they come here,” said Willie Raphael.

As Willie Manning reflects on his career, he expresses deep gratitude to those who have supported him every step of the way.

“When it’s given to me, I just have to give it back to the community. Do what I have to do,” Willie Manning said.

Pro-Line Barbershop is located at 1156 Judge Sekul Avenue in Biloxi.

The building is decorated in purple and gold because Willie Manning is a big fan of the Los Angeles Lakers.

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