Emerald Greene Parsons
ECB Publishing, Inc.
In 2001, Tonja Benfield took her love and passion for cutting hair and hit the ground running. Now, 20 years later, Tonja finds herself the owner and operator of Kountry Kutz, right here in the heart of downtown Monticello.
Tonja, and her husband, Todd, wanted to "escape the craziness of South Florida (Naples)" and moved to Cairo, Ga. approximately five years ago. She said she wanted to move to this area to "live the country life of North Florida/South Georgia." She loves to hunt, and fish and the country life/small-town life she is now living is everything she had hoped and dreamed of.
Tonja began working, cutting hair, at Renegade, in Tallahassee, Fla. She then met Justin Johnson, owner of Johnson's Barbering Service, in Monticello. In no time, they struck up a lasting friendship. Before long, Tonja began working part-time in Justin's barbershop. The two of them, together, handled all of Jefferson County's barbering needs.
A few months ago, Justin approached Tonja with what would become her biggest opportunity and a dream come true … he offered her his business. Justin had made plans to move to Tennessee and he felt that Tonja was a great "fit" for the barber shop and a great "fit" for the Jefferson County residents, as well."He just gave it to me," she said, smiling. On March 16, of this year, Tonja became the owner and operator of what is now Kountry Kutz.
Tonja and Todd are the parents of twin sons, Justin and Randy, and the grandparents of three grandchildren.
Kountry Kutz is located at 135 E. Dogwood St., in Monticello (the former Johnson's Barbering Service). They are open on Tuesday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 noon.
"Cutting men's and boy's hair has been a passion of mine for 20 years," said Tonja. "I am so proud and happy to be a part of the Monticello community.
"For more information or to make an appointment, please call (239) 285-0702. But walk-ins are always welcome.
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