After navigating her way through some incredibly tough challenges, the owner of an Ardeley barbershop has said she is extremely proud it's been named as one of the best in the UK.
Fiona Prentice - who is originally from London and spent her early years in a children's home - never set out to become a barber. She "fell into" hairdressing after graduating with an art degree, and has worked cutting hair on filmsets - including for Disney at Cardington Studios.
She told the Comet: "In 2014 I was diagnosed with cancer, and I had a nervous breakdown. I decided that I couldn't get any lower and said I would change my life.
"I sold up and moved to Shefford, and I needed to rebuild my life block by block.
"In the first lockdown I had no work because filmsets were closed. I thought I've always wanted to open a shop, I've got nothing to lose. I created myself a job and created jobs for others as well - and I also do free training."
Her children and a couple of her clients helped build the shop, Brethren's Barbers in Ardeley, in five days at a barn in the grounds of Church Farm.
Fiona welcomes a diverse clientele, including bikers and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Everything in the shop is hand built, reclaimed or donated - and there's retro gaming and free coffee for clients.
Fiona said: "I wanted a shop that felt different, there's bookings only and it's about community and awesome customer service.
"When you go down to high street barbers, you have to wait for a long time to get a quick haircut. I wanted somewhere where people could come together. The haircuts pay our bills but it's much more than that - it's a great environment, and the clients make the business.
"We battled through lockdowns and some days it can be overwhelming but it's an amazing experience that I should've done years ago.
"I wanted to show that anything is possible even if you start out in life alone you can achieve anything.
"I got an email to say we were selected as a finalist for the UK's best barbershop - there's five of us in the running. To be honest, in my heart it feels as though we've already won. I am extremely proud."
For more go to www.facebook.com/brethrensbespokebarbering.
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