Inverness barber opening his own shop says it's been 'a team effort' to get him to where is
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An Inverness barber has achieved his goal of having his very own barber shop.
Kyle Clark Mackenzie (38) is set to open Dakota Barbering Collective in Castle Street in April.
Having worked as a barber for the past 18 years he is looking forward to being able to have his own space. For him, this dream could not have been realised if not for the support of his clients and colleagues.
He said: "The word collective is in the name as I feel it's been a team effort to get where we are today.
"It's been the staff, the clients and my family who have helped me.
"My nephew Chris has done the joinery in the unit and clients have been in helping get work done."
Kyle attended college in Glasgow to learn the trade and had his first job in the city before moving back to Inverness. He has worked at City Barbers in Tesco and more recently was at No Filter Lounge in Academy Street.
He said: "When you go into the trade, it's always the end goal to have your own shop.
"When the unit came up at the former laundrette on Castle Street, I knew it was perfect for what I wanted so I had to go for it."
Kyle chose the name Dakota Barbering Collective after listening to a Stereophonics' song, as he felt the lyrics represented his journey.
He hopes the barbershop will be a community hub for people, where staff and clients all know one another.
"I've had regulars for 18 years, and kids whose hair I cut are now going off to uni," said Kyle.
"I've seen people get married and have kids. I just want that to continue and for people to feel at home in the shop
"We even have an Xbox people can play when getting their hair done!"
Kyle will have two spare chairs in his premises which he hopes to rent out to other barbers.
He is aiming to give clients a premium service, but without the price tag.
He concluded: "Everyone has been so supportive and they've been delighted that I'm finally doing this!
"When I first started barbering I had no confidence, but now I am able to do this. It's thanks to everyone's help!"
