BOTLEY Road in Oxford is home to an increasingly diverse varied collection of independent traders. And the street has now welcomed a new service – the Capelli Barber Shop.

Although Monica Cipriano's shop has only been open since September, she is no stranger to running a business or cutting men's hair.

The Italian-born barber, and her husband Tarek, are already the proud owners of Barbiere Barber Shop in Wheatley.

Mrs Cipriano, originally from San Giovanni Rotondo, said: “I love doing men’s hair and I am really excited that it is me here running this

“I like to take my time with all my clients, whether they are senior citizens or little ones.

“Normally I will try and advise them on what I think suits them, sometimes they take it but other times they know what they want.

“I want them to have the real Italian treatment when they come through my door."

Mrs Cipriano first came to the UK 13 years ago.

She said: “I came to England with just two suitcases.

“It was always my dream to be a businesswoman and now I have two businesses.

“I really love what I do and we love West Oxford which is why we wanted to set up a barber shop here.

“The neighbours here are so kind and friendly so I really want to say a big thank you to them for making me feel right at home."

And she is looking forward to some exciting developments for her shop.

She added: "We are going to be transforming our room behind the barber shop so that ladies are able to have their hair done and we are just putting the finishing touches together.

"And we will have someone specifically for the ladies so that I can carry on doing the male client’s hair.

“We have got everything ready to go so that will be extremely exciting.”

The barber shop is open Monday to Thursday from 9am to 6pm, Fridays 9am to 7pm and Saturdays 9am to 5pm.