UPTOWN — Bobby Dixon, a North Side hoops star who has thrived overseas after overcoming numerous life obstacles, can add the title "business owner" to his resume.
Dixon and his best friend, Chicago firefighter DeWayne Brown, are owners of Bobby Dee's Barber and Hair Salon, 4543 N. Broadway, at the former Clippers and Shears location.
Dixon, who returned to Turkey over the weekend to play a third season for Pınar Karsıyaka of the Turkish Basketball League, said co-owning a business in his hometown was "very exciting and kind of stressful, too."
"It was very important for me to own a business in my neighborhood because I grew up there and it's such an interesting place," Dixon said. "I just want to remain involved in the Uptown community in a positive way.
Dixon said Bobby Dee's already employs 10 people, and he and Brown were looking to hire at least six more. The 31-year-old — who was born at the bottom of a staircase and had an older brother, Brian, killed by gunfire — said visiting the barbershop location as a child was a positive memory.
Justin Breen details Bobby Dixon's lows and highs:
He also said owning and running Bobby Dee's was his first venture into the business world.
"It's not easy handling so many different personalities and trying to make sure everything runs smooth every day while keeping everybody happy," Dixon said.
Dixon's mother was in and out of prison for dealing drugs during his childhood, which saw him live with relatives in Uptown, Rogers Park, Cabrini-Green and Humboldt Park.
Dixon went to Cook County Boot Camp when he was 18 for drug dealing — what he called the "family business" that had sent his mom, dad and three older brothers to prison.
But Dixon was saved by basketball and what he and others called a "relentless" will to succeed. Since 2006, the point guard has played hoops overseas for teams in France, Poland, Italy and Turkey.
In February, Dixon led Pinar to its first Turkish Cup tournament victory, considered the NBA Finals of Turkish basketball.
Dixon had been an emerging hoops star at Sullivan High School when he was arrested for dealing drugs before his senior year.
He received a GED while serving time at the Cook County Boot Camp, and the experience behind a barbed-wire fence changed him.
Dixon has fared well in Europe. He led the Polish League in assists in 2007-08 and has been a consistent starter throughout his time across the pond. He was named the MVP of the Turkish Cup in February after scoring 19 points with six assists and five rebounds in the finals.
Dixon said Bobby Dee's will cater to men, women and children and noted there's "no type of style the stylist and the barbers can't do."
"We want to bring a different atmosphere to it," Dixon said. "It's such a diverse area, which will make it great to come to, too."
For Bobby Dee's job opportunities and other information, call 773-469-7695.
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