Starting as a Saturday girl back when she was 15, owning her own business was never on her list, but after her place of work announced it was closing, Ellie Wiseman stepped up to open a new salon.

Miss Wiseman is the owner of The Hair Hut, on Norwich Street in Dereham, which opened on October 2. The 36-year-old has taken staff and clients from No1, the hairdressers she and her three staff members worked out before the owner decided to shut.

Eastern Daily Press: The Hair Hut on Norwich Street in DerehamThe Hair Hut on Norwich Street in Dereham (Image: Denise Bradley)“This just happened, I was really happy at No1, and I loved working there, but after the owner said, 'she did not want to do it anymore', I thought to myself, there was nowhere else I wanted to rent a chair in Dereham," she said.

"The only option was to open my own salon. I wanted to keep all of our team together because I have worked with them for around 15 years in No1 and Shorn by Sean.

Eastern Daily Press: Ellie Wiseman, owner of The Hair Hut, on Norwich Street in DerehamEllie Wiseman, owner of The Hair Hut, on Norwich Street in Dereham (Image: Denise Bradley)READ MORE - Dereham's new Flow Craft cafe ready to open its doors

“I was the one who took the leap of faith, I loved the business and my staff and when I suggested it they were all keen on staying together.”

She first heard of the closure in June while on holiday - she saw that the unit formerly of Debz Dealz was up for rent, and before she knew she had booked an appointment and was signing the lease within a week. 

Eastern Daily Press: Ellie Wiseman, owner of The Hair Hut, on Norwich Street in DerehamEllie Wiseman, owner of The Hair Hut, on Norwich Street in Dereham (Image: Denise Bradley)READ MORE - Dereham Town Council plans to improve several play areas

With some help from the Meanwhile grant from Breckland Council, she has converted upstairs and downstairs into a comfortable modern salon.

The salon has seven spacious styling chairs and a private beauty room. Miss Wiseman is looking for experienced hairdressers and a beautician to join her team at the salon - which is L’Oréal professionnel and Ghd stockists. 

She is also applying for an alcohol licence so clients can sip on bubbles or beer while they get pampered.

Eastern Daily Press: The Hair Hut, on Norwich Street in DerehamThe Hair Hut, on Norwich Street in Dereham (Image: Denise Bradley)
Eastern Daily Press: The Hair Hut, on Norwich Street in DerehamThe Hair Hut, on Norwich Street in Dereham (Image: Denise Bradley)