Salon Smart 2015 – Day one round-up
Salon Smart 2015 got off to a rip-roaring start yesterday with stunning presentations alongside honest, moving and truly inspirational talks from the first batch of industry speakers.
Following a short introduction from Creative HEAD publisher, Catherine Handcock, sisters Abby and Karly Whittaker from the Sarah Hodge group kicked off the afternoon, discussing how they took their parents’ business on and looked to create more income to split four ways, doubling the business by launching diffusion brand The Salon. Offering no appointments and only 12 services at a very affordable price point, the siblings recalled how they knew they’d found success when they discovered a queue of 18 people outside the salon waiting to be seen. “Behave like a super hero; act with dedication and perform like a legend,” was their advice – and know your numbers stressed Abby, who has undergone accountancy training to master the family business.
A true star of this year’s event was Karen Wharton, founder of Obsessions salon group in the Midlands. She shared her incredibly emotional story of losing her third salon in a fire, and fighting tooth and nail after her insurance company voided her claim. She decided to fight, and was told it would take two years and £98,000 to fight her case. Some five years later, she had survived five trials, 27 hearings and seen the bill explode to nearly £2m, finally settling the case but without all of the costs covered. “If you can face up to the worst that can happen, you can carry on,” she advised. Oh, and always read the small print…
After a short break and quick outfit change, the legendary Meet and Mix session began, and was abuzz with conversation (helped along by the free-flowing fizz). Sam Burnett was unfortunately forced to make a swift exit to continue with model prep for his imminent presentation, but The Riverbank Plaza’s Thames Room was flooded with delegates, eager to mingle and pick up some invaluable first-hand advice. Hob Salons’ Sean Dawnson held court at one table, dispensing tips on everything from staff mentorship to multi-salon management, while expert business coach Ken West from 365 Hair talked boosting takings with another captive group.
Karine Jackson was on hand to provide insight into the dizzying and world of bridal hair, as well as the ever-increasing demand for organic colour services. Andrew Cannon of Ruffians completed the speaker line-up and fielded questions about how to effectively market your salon in the social media age, and just what it meant to embark on a hairdressing venture when your background is in business rather than barbering.
Guests soon headed back to the Ballroom for dinner, but were first treated to a stunning show by Sam Burnett for KMS California, packed full of drama, technically astounding textures and breath-taking styles. Models even walked among the tables, giving attendees the chance to admire the detailed creations up close.
After three courses of delicious food (and numerous arty Instagram snaps of dishes pre-demolition), it was time for the final session of the day: a tour-de-force of live-styling, life lessons and laughter from inimitable Hooker & Young. The pair were a seasoned double act, doling out anecdotal advice as they recalled their journey to forefront of the industry, complete with a healthy dose of Northern wit and Tyneside charm. Throughout, guests also witnessed the duo’s astounding skill, crafting a series of looks live on stage that interspersed the banter.
As talk turned to the future, delegates were offered an exclusive glimpse at Hooker & Young’s first work with new product partners Schwarzkopf – a masterful shoot called ‘Hotel’, that was produced in collaboration with Creative HEAD magazine and will appear in the May issue. With one final on-stage flourish, they then reproduced two looks from their acclaimed Metamorphosis collection, before being joined by the entire model line up for a passionate standing ovation.