Owner of Express Cuts in The Hopmarket retires after 43 years

Maria Muso, 64, has decided to retire, having owned and managed a salon in The Hopmarket for 41 years.

She was just 21 when she and two friends decided to open the salon in 1979.

Originally known as the Three Ms, it has since rebranded to Express Cuts.

“It is quite a sad day but I am ready to start the next chapter in my life,” said Maria.

“I have had a lot of laughs over the years and can remember many Christmases enjoying a mulled wine with my customers.

“I would just like to thank every one of my customers for their loyalty over the years and to everyone who I have worked with for making it possible.

“I have had an amazing career and thoroughly enjoyed myself.”

READ MORE: Cheers to 25 years of trading in Hopmarket

Maria Muso opened the salon in 1979 (Image: Maria Muso opened the salon in 1979)

Maria has lived and worked in Worcester all her life and went to Blessed Edwards Oldcorne Catholic College.

It was there that she met her husband, Andrea Muso.

The pair are now looking forward to enjoying retirement together, although Maria admits she hasn’t made any plans just yet.

“I think the current economic climate and how everything is now, it’s the right time for me to retire,” she said.

“I will have to find something to do with all my free time.”

Maria met husband Andrea at school (Image: Maria met husband Andrea at school)

The Hopmarket is known for its strong independent retail scene and Maria has made many friends with neighbouring entrepreneurs over the years.

As she handed in her keys, she was greeted by some of the other shopkeepers who handed her a bouquet of flowers and shared glasses of prosecco with her.

Maria added: “I have had some funny stories over the years.

“One time I was bleaching this man’s hair and he got up and said ‘I’m going to the pub for a pint’ and off he went before returning 20 minutes later.

“Another time I had put rollers in a lady’s hair and set her up in the dryer, when I returned from the staff room she had gone – rollers and all!”

Express Cuts at The Hopmarket (Image: Express Cuts at The Hopmarket)