A HAIRDRESSER said her battle with anxiety was the inspiration behind plans to open Worcester's first outdoor salon.
Customers at The Hairdresser on Friar Street will soon be able to get their hair cut and styled outside as renovations to create an outdoor salon are underway.
The trendy hair salon has been open as The Hairdresser since September 2020 and customers have been looking forward to the outdoor salon for two years.
Hayleigh Parrish has been a hairstylist for 22 years but she almost let her anxiety stop her from pursuing her dreams.
Miss Parrish believes an outdoor salon will be great for other people who struggle with anxiety.
She said having more space, air and sun will help her and other people.
"Opening up an outdoor salon has always been a dream of mine," Mrs Parrish said.
"I struggle with anxiety myself and working outside would be good for me and other people."
The outdoor salon will be at the front of the building.
Miss Parrish said: "In order to get inside the salon, you have to walk through the decking.
"We call it the runway.
"We've had people come in and say 'I've walked past here a few times and I've finally had the confidence to come in.'
"But now that it's outside, people can see what we're doing from the get-go.
"You can see who is outside, that fear of having to walk into a shop has now gone.
"The outdoor salon is a bit more approachable and friendly for people."
The hair stylist said she wants the salon to be a home from home and somewhere people can come and feel safe.
"We are going to be the only outdoor salon in Worcester.
"It will be a relaxed environment, pet friendly and it feels different.
"I want people to bring their dogs, have a glass of fizz and enjoy the experience.
Mrs Parrish has managed to become a popular hair salon in Worcester despite first opening doors during the pandemic.
She said: "When we opened the salon it was a COVID-19 purpose-built salon."
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