MA Barber opens first Ipswich shop after Microshops stint

MA Barber was started in October last year by Mizan Ali, who for eight months, has been plying his trade out of one of the booths in Microshops.

Now, he has been able to open his own shop on Upper Orwell Street, close to Ipswich town centre.

Mr Ali, 29, has wanted to be a barber since he was 13 and is now able to offer his own service in his own space.

The new premises allows for more space. Credit: Tom Cann (Image: Tom Cann)

He said: "We had built a great client base in Microshops, and so the only thing that was missing was an expanded space.

"Somewhere with a nice window so people can see the work I do, somewhere more private with more space.

"This place came up and I thought it was a perfect opportunity."

Mr Ali runs the business with his partner, Letisha Turay, who, combined, form a successful team with Mr Ali cutting hair and Miss Turay focusing on the admin.

Mizan Ali outside his new shop on Upper Orwell Street, Ipswich. Credit: Tom Cann (Image: Tom Cann)

The location is suitable for the pair, being just two minutes from where Mr Ali lives, and has lived, since he was five years old.

This means that MA Barber is able to offer haircuts at different times of the day.

Mr Ali continued: "Going forward, I would love for this place to grow from strength to strength, and I am also a big believer in the youth, and providing something.

"When I was growing up, I went to the Waterfront Community Centre, and I want to offer the same to the younger generation, who want to get into this sort of thing.

"There are two goals here, I want to carry on with the barbershop, but also help and give something to the community."

Mr Ali is currently looking to hire one more barber to help at the shop. Credit: Tom Cann (Image: Tom Cann)