Starting a new business is challenging at the best of times and doing so amid an ongoing cost of living crisis is even harder.
But that hasn't stopped two award-winning Belfast hairstylists branching out on their own with the opening of a chic new salon in the east of the city.
Jade Wilgaus and Michelle Torrens are the faces behind Boho Hair, which has just opened its doors on the Woodstock Road.
Read more: Belfast hairstylist named icon at top hairdressing awards after 40 years in industry
The friends have both worked in hairdressing for over 20 years, winning various awards for their skills along the way. They have now taken over a former salon on the busy road and say they are excited for the future.
"I went straight from school into hairdressing and have been in the industry for 21 years now," Jade, 36, from Carrickfergus told Belfast Live.
"I'm still as passionate about what I do as ever. Setting up my own business was something I've always wanted to do and for us, the timing was finally right."
After working together in the same salon for 20 years, Michelle and Jade say they took the plunge when the right salon came on the market.
"When this salon became available it seemed like a sign that it was time to make the move," Jade explained.
"This was a family owned salon for 40 years and now we want to incorporate the old with the new by carrying on for the clients who have been coming here for many years while also welcoming many new ones too."
Michelle, 40, from East Belfast, who has been in hairdressing for 23 years, added: "Our clients had joked with us for years about opening our own place but the timing wasn't right before nor did we have the confidence that we do now.
"I could never have done this on my own or without Jade but when this salon became available, it seemed like the right opportunity had finally fallen into our laps."
With the help of family and friends, Jade and Michelle worked hard behind the scenes to get their new salon up and running in just a week.
Michelle added: "When we came to view the premises, we fell in love with it straight away and got to work to quickly turn our dream into a reality because we wanted everything to be just perfect for all our lovely clients.
"For me, I've just recently welcomed a grandson and I didn't want to be stuck in a fishbowl doing the same thing. I wanted to focus on something new and make my kids proud by showing them that they can do anything.
"You can branch out and start your business at any age just like Jade and I have now done."
Both women admit that it's a challenging time to venture out on their own as many businesses struggle with soaring energy bills but they are confident they have made the right decision with the opening of Boho Hair.
"The day after we signed the contract for the salon, there was an announcement about an energy bill hike. We're just taking each month as it comes but we're focused on keeping our prices as low as we can," Jade said.
Michelle said: "We want to offer our clients a top level of service at affordable prices. They are surprised by how affordable we are and some clients who would have only come to me every few months are now becoming more regular because they can afford to."
Jade added: "We want to thank everyone for their support over the past four weeks since we opened the doors. We've been really blown away by the response so far and the feedback from the clients has been really positive.
"We've also been warmly welcomed by the other businesses on the road too who all look out for each other. They are really pleased to see another new business on the road rather than an empty unit so there's a very positive vibe.
"We have an official launch planned in the coming weeks so we're really excited for this next chapter in our lives."
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