AN ICKLEFORD woman has switched secateurs for scissors after changing career paths completely by turning her florist business into a hair and beauty salon.

Georgina Shorrock, who owned the Ickleford based Pixies florist, decided to renovate the business into a hairdressers after lack of trade.

The renovation, which took two months, saw her salon No.39 open this summer.

“I was a hairdresser originally, then went into the florist trade, and now I’ve switched back again,” said Georgina, who manages the Arlesey Road salon.

“I found that the flower industry wasn’t going too well for me. The mark-ups were terrible and it just wasn’t profitable anymore.

“I’m a hairdresser by trade anyway - I worked for seven years as one. So it made sense to look into that further.

“I’ve had a fair few customers come in just from passing through. I’ve not advertised the salon yet.”

The shop was open for more than three years as a florist before Georgina’s decision to change its function.

“It took a while to renovate because it was in such bad condition,” said Georgina, who is still looking to recruit staff.

“At the moment I’m just managing the business because I recently had a baby, but at some point I hope to be on the floor hairdressing. I have three staff working for me at the moment, and it seems to be going well.”

A launch party is to be held on Thursday, August 18 from 6pm onwards to officially mark the opening. There will be goody bags on offer from sponsors Goldwell Haircare and all members of the public are welcome.