Meet the owner of a new hairdressing unisex salon: The Hive. Carly Shephard began hairdressing when she was nineteen. She trained at Lee Stafford in Brighton and always works with Redken products. She explains: “I love using this gorgeous luxury brand because it’s ammonia-free and vegan.”

After gaining five years of experience in Brighton, she moved to Haywards Heath and recalls: “I was with Laura at a salon called Crowns for ten years.” She adds: “It was a lovely team, but I always dreamed of opening my own salon.” Carly took a short break to have her two girls. They are now nine and ten and she feels the time is right to put her dream into action. She says: “They are happy for me, and I hope to be an inspiration to them.”

A friend told Carly these premises had become available, and she knew they had potential. “I’m hoping to put an exciting new spin on a salon, which has been here for a long time,” she says. The premises have now been extensively refurbished, and Carly explains: “We have designed this as a unisex salon, so it is comfortable for everyone because I want to welcome gents, women and children to have their hair cut at The Hive.” Carly adds: “I cut men’s hair very well, and a lot of gents enjoy the salon experience, which includes a cup of tea and a chat.”

Carly is bringing lots of previous clients to The Hive, but she is looking forward to meeting lots of Hassocks residents, too. Carly is recruiting, and says: “I am building a new team and am looking for stylists of all capabilities to come and join the team at Hive.”