HJ BUSINESS
The Business of HAIRDRESSING
HJ’s Business Boardroom mentees share the lessons they’ve learnt about running a successful salon
HJ’s Business Boardroom, in association with L’Oréal Professionnel, has mentored eight salon owners across leadership, marketing and business finance. Led by award-winning hairdresser and industry entrepreneur Sean Hanna, the programme challenges salon owners to step outside their comfort zone and identify new opportunities for growth.
We asked the mentees what they’ve learnt about the business of hairdressing:
Michelle Summers-Davies, Michelle Davies Hair, Goodwick
Hairdressing takes far more dedication than people realise. You have to continually adapt, lead your team, understand your clients and make brave decisions. I now look at the whole picture rather than turnover alone, including profit, wages, stock, client retention and team productivity. There is so much potential in the business you have already built.
Grace Patel, The Freelance Expert and founder of My Colour Cost
I’ve learnt not to make decisions based on assumptions. When you understand what is truly happening within your business, you can make informed choices with more confidence and clarity. The more I learn, the more opportunities I can see to work smarter, become more profitable and create something successful and sustainable.
Julie Charles, re:new Hair & Beauty by Expressions, Woodhall Spa
I’ve learnt that being a good hairdresser and running a good hairdressing business are two very different things. You need to understand your numbers, team, clients and marketing. You don’t always need huge changes or lots of money to grow; sometimes the opportunities are already sitting within your business. You just need to spot them and put a plan in place.
Laura Bates, Creations Hair & Beauty, St Leonards-on-Sea
There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for running a successful salon. Every business has its own heart, personality and drive. You can’t just copy someone else’s success; you have to find what makes your own business tick and run with it.
Kerry Anne Buckell, KB Hair Extensions and KB The Hair Studio, Sussex
There are so many hats you wear that clients never see: marketing, finances, stock, pricing, education and social media. I’ve learnt that growth isn’t always about being busier. Sometimes it’s about stepping back, understanding what is actually working and making smarter decisions about where you put your time and energy.
Hannah Lowndes, LH Hair Design, Bourne
Hairdressing has changed over the years, and running a salon as a business is a whole lot tougher. We need to keep investing in our future hairdressers to keep the industry growing and future-proof it. It’s still the best industry, with some of the most skilled and inspiring people to learn from.
Liza Raby, Spencers, Peterborough
One of the biggest things I’ve learnt is that I didn’t know my numbers as well as I thought I did. I need to step back from the chair and spend more time working on the business. Being a successful salon owner isn’t just about being a great hairdresser; you need to give yourself time and space to be a business owner too.
Sonny Playforth, Sonny Playforth Hairdressing, Northallerton
Being a fantastic hairdresser simply isn’t enough. Systems and human connection are where you really grow the business. As salon owners, we have to realise that we can’t do it all ourselves. The moment you stop treating it like a job behind the chair and start running it as a proper business, the shift and growth are huge.