A new 'gender neutral hair cosmopolitan salon' is set to open in East Belfast.
Embrace Style will open in the first week of May and is located on the Holywood Road.
Owner Marcus Hunter-Neill, who is from Bangor, said that "everybody and anybody" will be welcome at the new salon.
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It will offer hair, makeup, nails, some clothing, and entertainment such as Ibiza chill sessions and jazz music.
The salon is still recruiting new staff, with flexible working available as the team can choose their own hours.
Marcus told Belfast Live: "For the last 24 years I've worked as a drag queen in Belfast, and I was one of the first males on the makeup counters, over 20 years ago."
The 40-year-old added: "I ran a cosmetics cancer charity for many years as well. I have been very immersed in the world of beauty."
Marcus wants the salon to be a safe space, providing a fun and positive vibe.
He explained why he made the decision to open the salon and emphasised how everyone is welcome at Embrace Style.
"The current owners are retiring and they've been there for over 25 years," he said.
"I saw this real gap in the market... There are so many things that you take for granted, as in, you know, just walking into a barbers or a hairdressers and getting your hair done.
"But if you're someone that is struggling with your identity, a simple thing like a haircut is like, 'I don't know where to go to'..."
Marcus added: "This is a completely gender neutral, non-binary [salon], I'm calling it a hair cosmopolitan, because the word cosmopolitan actually means a melting pot of diversity.
"It means everybody and anybody is welcome.
"There's going to be barbers and there's going to be hairdressers, so whoever you are or however you identify, you can book in with anybody that you want. You can also come in off the street and you'll be able to get seen to as well."
Marcus, who also works around the world as a diversity and inclusion coach, continued: "It's very much going to be a community driven salon...
"It will be a real safe space for everybody that comes into it...
"The whole reason why it is being called Embrace, is because when you come through the doors, you'll be embraced by everybody.
"And if you are not 100% comfortable with embracing yourself... we'll help you, find you."
Chairs are available to rent in the salon, with Marcus currently looking for some hairstylists, barbers, a nail technician and some makeup artists.
He said: "It's also going to be open seven days a week and some late nights and the whole reasoning for that is so it fits into everybody's lifestyle.
"Stylists can set their own hours, and also [those] who maybe can't get out during working times... there is availability on Sundays.
"I'm trying to create it that everybody gets a fair crack at the whip..."
The Bangor man added: "It's just going to be a really fun hub for everybody to come and just feel seen and welcome."
To apply for a position or find out more, you can contact Marcus via Instagram, @ladypandme.
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