Salon manager and trainer, Naomi Shepherd, celebrates 20 years with Gavin Ashley Hairdressing in Bury St Edmunds

A hairdresser, who has shown ‘a true love for her craft’, is celebrating two decades with a Bury St Edmunds salon.

Naomi Shepherd, 44, of Bury, is the salon manager and trainer at Gavin Ashley Hairdressing and started working at the premises in Churchgate Street, on October 3, 2005, before the business moved to Kings Road in 2022.

Naomi, who previously worked for more than seven years at KH Hair in Nottingham, landed on Gavin Ashley as her first choice salon after she moved to Bury and was delighted when a space opened up for her.

“It really was my first choice salon in the town and I feel very lucky that I got the chance to work here,” Naomi said.

“I can’t believe how quick the last 20 years have gone which is a testament to how lovely it’s been to work here and it’s definitely an achievement I’m proud of.

“To feel comfortable in one business for this long without wanting to change shows how much I’ve loved it here.”

Shortly after she began cutting hair at Gavin Ashley, Naomi started taking on new trainees and she has particularly enjoyed that side of her work over the years as she’s watched them grow and go on their own journeys.

Naomi also praised the rest of her team at the salon which includes 15 other members.

“It’s always so lovely to come in and have that support and backing from the people here,” she said.

“I’m very grateful for everyone here and I feel extremely privileged. Now here's to the next 20 years.”

Tonia Downes is the co-director of the salon with her husband Gavin and the pair have been part of Naomi’s journey.

Tonia said: “She’s shown incredible commitment, support and loyalty and has shown a true love for the craft of hairdressing.

“She is not only a kind and caring person but also very passionate and a true professional.

“She has inspired many young apprentices for years now and has always embraced new ideas.”