Orlando Mora is hanging up his clippers and retiring after a long career as the owner of Lil Arts Barber Shop in the Village of Los Ranchos. But his place of business won’t be vacant. Martin Patterson, the owner of Artist Barber Shop in Rio Rancho, is taking over Mora’s business location.

“I am going to miss it,” Mora told KRQE. “I’m trying not to cry. This by far was my calling. It was the best thing that could have happened to me, but it’s just time to move on.”

Mora’s father, Art, opened the original location in the Village of Los Ranchos in 1961. Over the span of more than five decades, customers have become loyal friends.

“People don’t necessarily come in here as friends, but they become friends because of the atmosphere,” Mora said.

That’s what intrigued Patterson. “When we saw and heard about the history that Orlando and his father had here, it was something that really honestly gave us chills,” Patterson said. “It’s just cool to see that someone made it that long as a barber and he was intertwined through so many families throughout the Village of Los Ranchos. It’s big shoes to fill, but we’re glad to take a shot at it.”

Patterson said he plans to make a few renovations, but hopes to maintain the “spirit” of the original owners. “He’s going to always be a part of this shop no matter what,” Patterson said of Mora. “Even though it might be a little tuned up and maybe a different name, they are going to always be part of it.”

Mora closed his shop about a month ago but still goes through items he wants to keep or throw out. Friends and customers still stop by to thank him for his service to them and wish him luck on his retirement.

“I’m thinking I’m going to wash my truck, buy a hat, and maybe drive off into the sunset,” Mora said.

Patterson said he hopes the shop will open by the middle of May.