A couple who were due to open their dream business when coronavirus gripped the UK have finally opened the doors to their ‘luxury’ barbershop.
Darren Carr and Kirsty Park opened Webster and Carr in Gosforth, following the Government’s announcement that hairdressers and barbershops could reopen.
But they admit that embarking on a new business venture just weeks before the country was placed on lockdown has been a “terrifying” experience.
Kirsty said: “We’re ecstatic that we’re finally able to open the barbers.
“Trying to launch a new business during a global pandemic has been worrying and, at times, terrifying, but we’re over the moon and elated that it’s finally happening.”
Before lockdown, Darren handed his notice in at his job as a business development manager to pursue his own dream business.
What should have been an exciting moment in the couple’s career was then overshadowed by fear and uncertainty.
Kirsty added: “Darren was leaving a secure, paid job to later find out that the plan we had in place was unable to go ahead.
“Because we weren’t up and running as a business, we couldn’t apply for a grant or any other support from the Government. We sat right in the middle which didn’t attract any financial benefits whatsoever.”
Kirsty explains that they were met with further limitations as the were unable to promote and prepare their new business for opening.
She said: “While barbers were in high demand, we were unable to promote the business during lockdown as we had nothing to promote.
“We had no idea of when we could open and no finished shop to promote as all preparations had been put on hold – we couldn’t even have anyone in to decorate.
“We had no products and no staff. There was literally nothing for us to share about the business.”
After a difficult start, Darren and Kirsty have finally opened their barbershop, which they have branded as stylish, offering unique treatments.
During one treatment, known as the ‘Whiskey Shave’, staff set fire to the blade in order to further sanitise and kill germs.
Darren and Kirsty marked the occasion with a grand launch event, featuring classic cars, signature cocktails, balloon walls and a DJ.
Kirsty added: “We’re excited that opening has finally been allowed to happen and we can’t wait to put everything into the business now.”
