An experienced barber who followed his dream of opening his own business is proving he’s a cut above as his salon continues to grow.
Shane Brown has worked in the industry for six years and after spells with a number of salons across the region, he decided to go it alone.
He found premises in York Road in Peterlee and in April this year, Shane Brown Hair opened its doors.
Since then, the salon has put itself on the map in the town and has secured a loyal client base of customers.
Shane said: “I know many people probably thought I was mental opening a business during the coronavirus pandemic but I was determined to follow my dream and make it work.
“I wanted to create a brand that was high end but still appealing to people across the area, and the response we’ve had has been fantastic.
“The team here are vastly experienced with the barbering and styling industries and that’s certainly been a factor in how quickly the business has grown.”
Shane worked with East Durham Business Service, through the New Enterprise Allowance programme, to prepare for self-employment, with adviser Hina Joshi supporting Shane to develop his business plan.
Hina said: “Shane came to us in October 2020 for support to become self-employed and open his own salon. Because of the coronavirus restrictions, we worked remotely to develop his business plan and work on his financial forecast.
“Shane registered as self-employed in December 2020 and initially operated from home and on a mobile basis. However, it was always his plan to open his own salon, which he managed to do in April of this year.
“It tough start for Shane, with lockdown being enforced again in January 2021, but his determination and ambition has enabled him to achieve his dream and I am so pleased to see his salon, Shane Brown Hair, doing so well.”
Shane has always had a great passion for the industry and was placed in finals in competitions for City and Guilds and the British Master Barbers.
Shane Brown Hair is adjacent to the pub ‘How Do You Do’ and offers all barbering services, wedding packages and occasion bookings.
The salon also offers hairdressing, all services such as colouring, balyage, wedding and occasion hair.
Shane has built up a strong team, some of who he has worked with before in his previous salons and some new. He also works alongside his national award-winning wife Alison Brightwell.
All of the team are trained to a high standard who aim for their work to be ‘High Performance’ standards every time. They offer appointments and walk in options as well as online bookings for barbering.
For more information and to book your you can visit the website and social media pages or call on 0191 340 5119.