“We Believed Pricing Should Reflect The Time, Products, And Expertise Involved, Rather Than Gender”

Co-founders Jenna Husbands and Alicia Hammersley‑Fenton have converted a disused railway arch in Worcester into a sustainable hair salon with inclusivity at the forefront 

by MADDI | CREATIVE PROJECTS

Nestled in a transformed railway arch in Worcester, Mosu’s sustainable ethos is palpable from the minute you set foot in the door. Neutral tones, Oway products lining the walls, minimalist furnishings and palm fronds framing the space all help to create a sense of calm and serenity. Co-founded by Jenna Husbands and Alicia Hammersley‑Fenton, Mosu is a progressive, inclusive, and sustainable hairdressing space. With its genderful ethos and attention to every detail, Mosu has quickly become a community favourite. 

What inspired you to create Mosu? 

“Our goal was to ensure that every client received the same high level of care and consideration. With Jenna’s expertise in the hair industry – specialising in short hair and male grooming – and Alicia’s background in client experience and brand development, we initially saw a gap in the market for men. Our original idea was to create a premium barbershop, offering an elevated experience with services like cutthroat shaves and facials. 

“However, we realised we were unintentionally limiting our vision. That’s when we decided to create a completely gender-neutral space, embracing a more progressive and inclusive approach. Adopting gender-neutral pricing was a key part of this vision. While we were initially nervous about how it would be received – especially in a small city like Worcester – we believed pricing should reflect the time, products, and expertise involved, rather than gender. The response has been overwhelmingly positive.” 

What drew you to the railway arch as a location?  

“This part of Worcester is an up-and-coming area that required vision, and we saw incredible potential in transforming the space into something special. It took us two years to secure the lease, as the structure came with its own complexities. Along the way, we watched other businesses open in spaces we had considered, but we always felt that the arch was worth the wait. As our flagship hair space, it makes a bold statement and reflects the uniqueness of our brand.” 

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during the renovation?  

“The biggest challenge we faced was during the build itself. Converting a disused railway arch brought unique complexities and required a lot of plan refinement to secure the lease. When construction finally began, progress was unexpectedly halted, and we had to bring in additional trades to address and rectify significant work. This delayed our initial launch by a year. 

“Fortunately, our flexible jobs allowed us to contribute as much as possible to the process ourselves, though it still placed a significant strain on us. Looking back, the challenges we overcame made our opening day even more meaningful.” 

How did you incorporate sustainability into both the renovation and daily salon life?  

“Every decision we made – during both the renovation and in daily operations – focused on creating a premium, eco-conscious space. 

“We opted for a 100 per cent renewable energy supplier and invested in energy-efficient appliances, including infrared heating, a heat pump tumble dryer, and an inline water filter. During the build, we prioritised sustainable materials like Kabric, responsibly sourced wood, and durable, high-quality fixtures designed to last.” 

“We’ve vetted every supplier to ensure we’re making the most sustainable choices, from cleaning products to toilet paper. We share our efforts on a dedicated page on our website, so clients can see how seriously we take this commitment.” 

Describe the atmosphere you’ve created at Mosu…  

“From the beginning, we wanted to create a space that feels warm, inviting, and reflective of our ethos. We’ve used earthy, neutral tones and natural materials to add a sense of calm, balanced with clean lines to keep things fresh and modern. We offer quiet appointments for those who prefer a peaceful experience, along with a curated selection of design, travel, and food books for a moment of mindfulness. 

“Our playlist, a blend of electronic and mellow beats, completes the atmosphere, making Mosu a space where clients can truly relax and feel at ease. We’re always so pleased to hear clients’ first impressions when they step into the arch. The structure’s high, curved ceilings create a unique space with an airy yet comforting ambience.” 

What are some of your favourite areas or features?  

“While we love the open-plan workspace and its welcoming vibe, one feature that’s especially meaningful to us is the bathroom! Creating an accessible WC within the unique constraints of the arch was challenging, but inclusivity was a priority from the outset. Standard commercial washroom packages were shockingly utilitarian and expensive, so we spent countless hours sourcing equipment that balanced functionality with style. We used earthy tones, eco-friendly plaster from DetaleCPH, Carrara marble tiles and matte black fixtures to create a cohesive, modern look. 

“The positive feedback we’ve received about the bathroom means so much to us. It’s a small but important example of how we’ve approached every detail with care.”