Ask barber Blade Mckechnie if he recommends self-employment and he replies with a four word answer.

“One million per cent.”

The young entrepreneur, 23, adds: “It’s a huge learning curve, incredibly stressful but so much fun.

“If you put the work in then you can do it.

“It’s as simple as that.”

Blade launched Mac 3 Barbers in Dorchester in April.

The business is named after his dad, Andrew, pictured left, who was nicknamed ‘Mac’ while serving in the army.

He passed away in 2003, aged 37.

Blade was just five but ‘Mac’ left a lasting impression.

Blade said: “This is my homage to him.

“He was someone who respected people who respect him.

“Always held a door open for others.

“Manners like you wouldn’t believe.

“And an incredible work ethic.

“They’re just a few of the qualities I try to use in my day-to-day life.

“I’d like to think my dad would be proud of what I’ve done.”

Blade, a former student at Dorchester’s The Thomas Hardye School, didn’t have his heart set on becoming a barber.

“I had no idea what I wanted to do when I left school, maybe carpentry but certainly not hairdressing,” he said.

But an opportunity came up for an apprenticeship at John Edwards Hair Salon.

Parkour athlete Travis Verky is head over heels with his haircut at Mac 3 Barbers.

Blade said: “I was really happy there.

“I certainly didn’t have plans to open my own business.

“But the old Mencap charity shop in High East Street – right next door to where I live – became available and I thought ‘why not?’

“I did some of the work myself getting it ready but also had lots of help.”

Mac 3 Barbers opened on April 12 – the day shops, hairdressers, barbers, gyms and pools were allowed to reopen after the latest lockdown.

“We were booked solid for the first two weeks.

“The support was incredible,” said Blade.

So much so that hairdresser Michelle Taylor, pictured left,  joined Mac 3 Barbers in late April.

Blade said: “She’s absolutely brilliant and has fitted in really well.

“Our customers love her.”

Mac 3 Barbers is open Monday to Friday 10am to 7pm and Saturday 8am to 5pm.

It even has its own mascot, Barry Big Horns, pictured right, christened and then voted on by customers.

Blade said: “I’m really happy with the way things are going.

“The help I’ve had has been amazing.

“My mum – Paula Edge – and my girlfriend’s (Ella Barnes) mum have been an inspiration.

“I want people to come in and have more than a haircut.

“We’re somewhere for a laugh but also where they can share any concerns or problems but in a really safe and fun atmosphere.”

Future plans include incorporating a café, outside seating, a nail technician and massage into the barbers.

Blade said: “I never knew what to expect when running my own business but it’s absolutely brilliant.

“I want to do well and eventually open more shops.

“We’ll see how things pan out but I’d like to open shop number two next year, if possible.

“One step at a time though.”

• Mac 3 Barber’s Facebook page can be found here.