Barber Deon Brangman has achieved his dream of owning his own barber's shop — a year ahead of schedule.

Mr Brangman, who just turned 29, said: “When I was about 23, I set a goal that I would have my own barber shop up and running and successful by the time I was 30.”

Now Made to Fade, on Border Lane North, off Palmetto Road, Devonshire, is to open at the end of the month.

Mr Brangman, a 16-year veteran of the industry, is leaving his job at Liv Hair and Beauty in Hamilton's Park Road to strike out on his own.

His new premises has seen service as a convenience store, restaurant and once as a barber shop, although it was vacant when Mr Brangman was looking for premises.

Mr Brangman said that, although he would start out as a solo operation, he had plans to expand in the future.

“There could be a maximum of three people including myself, but I'm on my own at the moment.”

He added: “I've been in the business for 16 years now, so I know what I'm doing.

“There aren't many local barbers like there used to be and we could definitely use more.”

Mr Brangman said he was looking forward to running his own business.

“I've set a goal and I've achieved it, which is always good,” he said.

“I'm good at fading and doing a good quality hair cut. I have my own clientele and they're used to me. It's definitely something you have to love to do.”

The store will open its doors on August 31 and will operate from 8am to 7pm Monday to Saturday, except for Wednesdays, when Mr Brangman takes his day off.