Mother-of-three Kira Everett has, with the help of family and friends, transformed a 12-year-old Renault Trafic into The Barberette Van, which is believed to be Jersey’s first mobile barbershop business for men and women.
And she will now offer Islanders the chance to get their haircut at the beach or at the park, as well as at festivals and other local events.
The 34-year-old, who has worked in several barbershops in the Island, hung her clippers up seven years ago while she raised her three children, Kobe (8), Deacon (6) and Vesper (4).
She now hopes the new business will prove a hit – especially with busy families who struggle to find the time to get a trim.
‘It all happened by chance,’ Mrs Everett said. ‘My husband bought the van for £900 for himself to take the kids camping but I hijacked it. I have always wanted a pop-up van business.
‘It was in a state and we had to literally push it into the drive. It had a black and white floor and when I saw it I thought “barbershop”.
She added: ‘As a family of five I know we find it hard to find the time to get a haircut.’
With the help of her plumber husband Craig (34), his parents, Cath and Bob, her mother, Pauline Jones, as well as numerous friends, Mrs Everett was able to transform the van into a portable barbershop capable of serving two customers at a time.
From now on Mrs Everett and her van will be based at El Tico car park in St Ouen’s Bay every Saturday. She plans to travel around the Island on Sundays looking for popular spots. The van is also available for private hire.
‘It has taken a year to set up and my husband has been working seven days a week to try to get the money together but I am so pleased. I am so grateful to everyone who has helped. It has always been a dream to own my own business,’ Mrs Everett, who lives in St Mary, added.
Mrs Everett has a licence to park and operate in any public car parks and hopes to take bookings in the future to offer her services at festivals and weddings.
