A WOMAN is celebrating 30 years of business at her barber shop in Abergele.
Dawn Williams, 49, opened A Cut Above Barbers, at 39 Market Street, on February 14, 1994.
She is marking the anniversary by holding a draw to give her customers the chance to win a free haircut.
Having started the business at the age of 19, Dawn said she is “truly humbled” by the success she has enjoyed in the three decades since.
Dawn will also be celebrating A Cut Above’s 30th birthday with a holiday in Marbella next month with two of her colleagues and friends, Sammy Atkinson and Julie Harris.
She said: “To thank all of my amazing customers, all from February 12-17, all A Cut Above customers will be able to enter a draw.
“Anyone pulling out a number from one to 30 will win a free haircut next time!
“l am so grateful to all of A Cut Above’s customers for their loyal and continuous support over the years.
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“From opening the shop in February 1994, to the present day, it has been an amazing adventure; I am truly humbled and so very grateful.
“At 19, it was a huge decision to make, but with my parents’ support, I was able to open my own barbers shop.
“The shop grew from strength to strength, and after only 12 months I was able to employ a member of staff.
“In July 1999, I was able to expand and move to the premises we are in now, and also employ another member of staff, and by 2004, I was employing four members of staff.”
Dawn inevitably had to temporarily close her business during the COVID-19 pandemic – just 24 hours after the initial closure, the UK went into its first lockdown.
Though she described the last four years as her toughest period in charge, she thanked her staff and family for their “amazing” support throughout.
She added: “From 2020 to 2024, I can honestly these have been the hardest years of business.
“The lockdowns were so hard on the business - being closed for 31 weeks was soul-destroying, when you employ staff and worry what the future will hold.
“But with government grants and furloughing my staff, I was able to keep the shop going.
“The last two years have been tough, but we have done it, and we are now busier than ever. My staff and family have been amazing, and have supported me throughout it all.
“Thank you to each and everyone of our customers for your support over 30 years.”
Sammy Atkinson, who has worked at the barber shop for 20 years, congratulated Dawn on another milestone.
She described her as “not only a fantastic boss, but also a loyal friend”.
“A lot has happened over my time in the shop; I’ve seen boys grow into men, who now bring their children in,” Sammy said.
“COVID was a hard time for her, but she’s come through it with support from customers.
“I wish her all the best for the future.”
Julie Harris, who has worked with Dawn for nearly five years, also celebrated her.
She said: “We have such lovely customers, and there is always lots of laughter in the shop.
“Dawn has worked so hard over the past 30 years to make her business a success and unfortunately, not many make it that long.
“It’s been a pleasure being part of it, and I wish her lots more success in the coming years.”
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