Barber Kayleigh Gives Her Career a ‘Clean Cut’ With Launch of Ovenu Burnham-on-Sea

Having spent 15 years behind the barber’s chair, Burnham-on-Sea’s Kayleigh Harding has given her career a fresh trim by launching professional oven valeting service Ovenu Burnham-on-Sea.

The 37-year-old, who has lived in the seaside town since her early teens, has also devoted six years as volunteer boat crew for RNLI Burnham-on-Sea, only stepping back recently due to family commitments.

Born in Bristol, she trained as a self-employed barber after leaving school and has worked in gents’ hairdressers in Clifton and Wedmore, Somerset.

Kayleigh, who has two teenage sons and recently got engaged, said: “I’ve spent my whole life cutting hair, and I just reached a point where I wanted to do something different.”

She invested in the franchised business for what she says will deliver greater flexibility and job satisfaction, with the chance to build something long-term. Her immediate priority is developing a strong client base, with ambitions to eventually take on an additional oven technician once the business is firmly established.

“As a barber you develop a rapport with customers. I’m also a perfectionist and take pride in my work, so I’ll bring those same values to every oven clean,” she added. “I’m really excited to get started, meet new clients, and create something I can be really proud of.”

Operating across postcode areas TA6, TA8 and TA9, Ovenu Burnham-on-Sea will serve a wide region including Bridgwater, North Petherton, Sedgemoor, Berrow, Brean, Lympsham, Highbridge, Huntspill, Cannington, Brent Knoll and surrounding areas.

Rik Hellewell, founder and managing director of the Ovenu franchise, said: “Kayleigh has great people skills and a strong work ethic. The move from cutting hair to cleaning ovens might sound unusual, but both require precision, care, and professional pride – which means she’s ideally placed to build a successful business.”

Ovenu’s valeting process involves dismantling key oven components such as doors, panels, fans and shelves, which are cleaned using design-registered tank equipment and safe, non-caustic and biodegradable products. The service aims to return appliances to near showroom condition, and also covers hobs, extractor hoods, microwaves and range cookers.