HAIRDRESSER Heidi Stockhill has achieved her ambition of opening her own salon at an age when many people are just starting their careers.

The former Devizes schoolgirl, 22, has just opened HAS Style in New Park Street, Devizes after doing an apprenticeship at Wiltshire College, Trowbridge and working for Diffusion salon in Devizes.

She has received plenty of help from her family revamping the shop thanks to her brother who is a plumber and father-in-law who is a carpenter.

Others have helped with decorating to get the salon, which previously was Hair Magic, ready for the big opening last week.

She said: "The salon is clean and bright, with grey, black and white theme throughout. It has big bold statement mirrors, with glam chairs, whilst having a warm welcoming with her big, one of a kind reception desk. The waiting area is modern and elegant, allowing you to feel comfortable whilst waiting. The whole salon is just memorising and I am over the moon with the result and cannot wait for clients to see it."

In the past three years as well as working hard to learn her craft and saving enough money to make her dream of starting her own business become a reality she has also bought her first home with her partner at Jump Farm, Devizes.

She said she gained a passion for hairdressing after becoming interested in making others feel good about themselves. After leaving school she studied at college and completed her apprenticeship in 2012.

She later became a self-employed hair stylist and worked many hours to build up her reputation and clientele. After renting a chair at Diffusion for three years she decided to go it alone.

She said: " I decided it was time to pursue my dream and set up my own salon. As I have always lived in Devizes I was keen to open the salon here. HAS Style has been designed to create a modern and elegant atmosphere, allowing clients to feel comfortable and relaxed whilst being given a HAS Style.

"I am overwhelmed by the support I’ve received from family and friends, but also from my clients who have been sharing their congratulations on the HAS Style Facebook and Instagram page."