Becky Farr-Lapham has never liked being told what to do, what to wear or how to act.

“Working for someone else telling me I have to work these hours, you can’t touch that, you can’t do this — that’s not for me,” said the 48-year-old Niles native. “I got that from daddy and my mom.”

It makes sense, then, that Farr-Lapham went into business for herself, opening Creative Cuts in Niles in February of 2004.

Ten years later, she still calls herself the boss, offering some of the least expensive haircuts in town.

“It’s never been about the money. I just wanted my own place where I make the rules,” Farr-Lapham said. “I’m pretty easy to work for though. Just clean up after yourself — that’s all I ask. Oh, and wear decent clothes to work. Boy have I had some doozies in the past.”

Creative Cuts will celebrate its 10-year anniversary on Saturday. In appreciation of its clients, the full service salon is offering women’s haircuts for $8 through March 15. The special is by appointment only.

Farr-Lapham began charging just $7 for men’s haircuts a year ago, a move that has increased traffic to the salon at 1221 S. 11th St.

“It got so busy that we couldn’t book other appointments,” she said. “We just had guys walking in. It’s just been phenomenal.”

Being less expensive than competitors is one of the reasons Farr-Lapham believes she has been able to stay in business for a decade.

“Our work mentality is we would rather work for our money and be busy all day rather than sit here and wait for a $30 haircut,” she said. “People want a cheap, good haircut and we are both.”

The other is service.

“I treat people like I want to be treated — with respect,” she said. “Whether you are dirt poor or fancy rich from Chicago, you want a good product for your money.

“I walk people out to their cars. I help them put on their coats. We don’t kiss your feet, but we’ll treat you good.”

Farr-Lapham has made a point to give back to the community over the years, donating to the local Relay for Life, while offering free haircuts as silent auction items to events like Bowl for the Cure.

“It isn’t costing me anything — just my time. I can give away free haircuts till the cows come home,” she said. “I’ve had a lot of people and organizations help me over the years. … I just feel like I want to do something.”

Where does Farr-Lapham see herself in 10 more years?

“I’ll probably still be here,” she said.

Creative Cuts is open seven days a week. Call for an appointment at (269) 684-6282 or walk-in.