In the beginning:

I started hairdressing in 1983 with Braids Salon Northampton they had salons in Milton Keynes, Birmingham and London. I loved my job working with so many people and looking after clients. Although the salons were very trendy and hip they didn’t really care about their clients and because of this I left to look for a company that did.

I found a salon, again in Northampton called Catz, owned by a very talented lady called Joy Agar that ran it., To this day she is the most talented all round creative hairdresser I’ve known. She was the one who taught me how to cut hair. I stayed 3 years, but still something was missing! Joy wasn’t teaching me about business or service.

I left in October 89 to become a stylist with Michael Barry and John Hensman. I worked between two salons as a stylist, doing stock control and learning any task they threw at me. I knew this would help me in my long term plan to own lots of salons, reach my goals within the industry and to become a salon director.

I stayed for 2 years, but in 1988 I left to work in Newport Pagnall in a salon called Scruples, which was owned by a guy called Guy Christie. He changed my whole outlook on hairdressing and with his help he sent me on courses with 365 day hairdressing (of which Greg was a member). The company 365 hairdressing was owned by Steven Way and Lesley Spear’s. There I learnt about consultation and the real key to success in our business. In those days we called it the Five Step Recipe. It was a consultation technique that got all the information out of a client. We would ask our clients:

1. Why they changed hairdressers?
2. Why they had come today:

• if they were going out,
• just for a maintenance cut,
• special occasion etc

3.. Have they got time for this? Making sure it is ok with them

4.How do they manage their hair at home?

5.Find out what they would like and suggest a change

6.Make sure you tell them you are going to listen to them, most client’s leave their old salon because their hairdresser didn’t listen to them

7.Find out how long it has been since their last hair cut and make sure we give them the instruction to manage their hair at home!

8.I could go on and on…………………

Thing I love about my job:

I love the feeling I get when someone comes in and I can see they are not happy with the way they look. They might have just had a baby or may just be feeling down and they want me to help them feel better about themselves. I know how to do that by taking the time and care to give them a colour or style. I can send them home feeling good about themselves and looking great (even doctors can’t do that). It’s simple. There is always an away to make someone hair look better! It’s just the time and the interest in the client that is important.

I also love to see new stylists go onto the salon floor for the first time. I feel really proud of them. Most of them don’t realise how much it means to me to see them succeed in their profession and be great hairdressers. They develop from kids or school leavers into these bright creative young stylists that are completely different people from when they walked through the doors 2 or 3 years before. Some move on to other salons and some stay, but that is just business but the whole development of them is great to see.

People who inspire me:

VIDAL SASSOON: He is in my book of ‘The Greats! He was the man who revolutionised our business by inventing the blow-dry! That’s just naming one of his innovations. His haircuts are the basis of all our work today. Amazing!

ANTONY MASQOLO (the Tony from Tony&Guy): Probably the sharpest business man I know, whilst being a great hairdresser and fab photographer!

MY WHOLE TEAM: They never cease to amaze me with some of the work they do!

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Tracey

Ok! If you don’t mind me asking, how old are you?

38 years young

List 5 words to describe yourself

Funny/ Loyal/ Honest/ Creative/ Approachable

What do you enjoy doing out of work?

Running! Walking the dog (Rosie Peach)! Shopping! Socialising! Travelling!

Which of the three glamorous salons do you work at?

Far Cotton and Weston Favell!

What level stylist are you classed as?

General Master (Manger)

What side of hairdressing do you specialise in?

Cutting, Colouring and putting hair up!

How long have you been working in the hairdressing industry?

21 years

Cool…so what do you think hairdressing is all about?

Making people feel good about themselves!

A good hair cut makes you feel….

…Proud and Happy!

What aspect of personality do you think every hairdresser has to have?

Need to be a good listener and you need to be approachable!

What type of skills do you bring to the salon everyday?

I bring experience and knowledge!

How do you get all your amazing inspiration from and who is your idol and why?

I get my inspiration from the catwalk and magazines. Vidal Sassoon is the GOD of all hairdressing!

Who has the coolest hair in the world?

Marilyn Monroe

Who has the worst hair in the world?

Russell Brand / Peter Stringfellow

What do you like the most about hairdressing?

Getting a sense of achievement!

What celebrities do you take inspiration from and why?

There are so many I couldn’t choose

What type of cut do you enjoy doing the most?

I enjoy all the different aspect of cutting!

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Right then… First things first, what’s your name?

Gemma Collins

OK… If you don’t mind me asking, how old are you?

31

List 5 words to describe yourself.

Reliable/Chatty/Good time keeper/Friendly/Confident!

What do you enjoy doing out of work?

Spending time with my little girl, she always makes me smile. Oh, and drinking too much wine!

Which of the 3 glamorous The Cutting Rooms salons do you work at?

Abington Grove

What level of stylist are you classed as?

Manager

What type of hairdressing do you specialise in?

Cutting, Training, and colour. MCA in wella colour (Master colour award)

How long have you been working in the hairdressing industry?

15 years

Cool… So what do you think hairdressing is all about?

Giving people the confidence in the appearance, and creating the perfect haircut that will suit the client and their lifestyle.

How do you think a good haircut service makes the client feel?

Confident in us and the salon which makes them more comfortable. A full consultation puts a client at ease.

What personality trait do you think every hairdresser needs to have?

Able to listen and advise

What type of skills do you bring to The Cutting Rooms?

Professionalism, support and fun!

Where do you get your inspiration from when hairdressing?

All magazines give me inspiration of the new looks, working with the wella team on new techniques gives me more confidence to be more creative.

Who has the coolest hair in the world?

I love long feminin hair such as; Cheryl Cole, Jenifer Lopez ect..

Who has the worst hair in the world?

Simon Cowel!

What do you like the most about hairdressing?

Meeting new people and building a relationship with our clients!

Which celebrities do you take inspiration from?

Marilyn Monroe, I love her look, hair and make-up!

What type of cut do you enjoy doing the most?

Something choppy

Describe a typical day at The Cutting Rooms

Fun, busy! We work as a team. Lots of chatting, it’s a GREAT atmosphere!

How do your fellow ‘Cutting Rooms’ team members influence you?

They keep me informed in whats happening now as they are all younger than me!

Where do you see yourself and what do you hope to achieve in your future hairdressing career?

To be a good, confident hairdresser that my clients can rely on for a great service!

[Show as slideshow]

Right then…. Where do we start…. Whats your name?

Kelly Gibson

Ok! If you don’t mind me asking, how old are you?

29

List 5 words to describe yourself

Outgoing / Bubbly / Honest / Considerate / Confident!

What do you enjoy doing out of work?

Gym! Cinema! Eating and drinking out!

Which of the three glamorous salons do you work at?

Abington

What level stylist are you classed as?

Manageress

What type of hairdressing do you specialise in?

Colouring, bobs and hair ups!

How long have you been working in the hairdressing industry?

13 years

Cool…so what do you think hairdressing is all about?

Being creative and making people feel great

A good hair cut makes you feel like….

….Confident, stylish and happy

What personality trait do you think every hairdresser has to have?

Bubbly, Chatty, Professional and Artistic

What type of skills do you bring to the salon?

Fun, Creative and being daring!

Where do you get your inspiration from and who is your idol?

I think I get all my inspiration from all hairdressers for all different reasons!

Who has the coolest hair in the world?

Rihanna

Who has the worst hair in the world?

Amy Winehouse

What do you like the most about hairdressing?

Being able to have fun all day and how everyday is different!

What celebrities do you take inspiration from?

Mainly stars from the music industry because they’re so up to date. Girls Aloud especially!

What type of cut do you enjoy doing the most?

The bob- from long to a choppy graduated bob

Describe a typical day at the cutting rooms.

Professional – Happy – Busy!

We create a good atmosphere because our team gets on so well!

[Show as slideshow]

Right then…. Where do we start…. What’s your name?

Sophie Wood

Ok! If you don’t mind me asking, how old are you?

21

List 5 words to describe yourself

Driven/ Hard Working/ Caring/ Patient/ Energetic

What do you enjoy doing out of work?

Shopping, Swimming and Relaxing

Which of the three glamorous salons do you work at?

Western Favell

What level stylist are you classed as?

Manageress

What type of hairdressing do you specialise in?

Cut, Colouring, Put ups and Blow drying

How long have you been working in the hairdressing industry?

4 years

Cool…so what do you think hairdressing is all about?

Giving a client satisfaction and making people happy!

A good hair cut makes you feel like …..

….A super star

What personality trait do you think every hairdresser has to have?

Good attitude, people skills, confidence, and belief in what you know!

What type of skills do you bring to the salon everyday?

People skills and a good attitude!

Where do you get your inspiration from and who is your idol?

Current trends and other stylists!

Who has the coolest hair in the world?

Nicole Roberts

Who has the worst hair in the world?

Simon Cowell

What do you like the most about hairdressing?

Interacting with different people on a day to day basis!

What celebrities do you take inspiration from and why?

Angelina Jolie – Hollywood Glamour

Agnes Deyne – Edgy, Punk

Nicole Richie – Soft, Modern

Kate Blanchet – Elegant chick

What type of cut do you enjoy doing the most?

Any cut! Different variations

Describe a typical day at the cutting rooms!

An enjoyable, nice atmosphere! Busy day! Working with lovely staff and loving what you do best!

[Show as slideshow]

Right then…. Where do we start…. What’s your name?

Jo

Ok! If you don’t mind me asking, how old are you?

24 years

List 5 words to describe yourself

Happy/motivated/loyal/hardworking/creative

What do you enjoy doing out of work?

Being with my baby girl Lyla, socialising, swimming, dining out and holidaying.

Which of the three glamorous salons do you work at?

Weston Favell

What level stylist are you classed as?

Senior Stylist

What side of hairdressing do you specialise in?

Cutting, Colouring and putting hair up

How long have you been working in the hairdressing industry?

6 years

Cool…so what do you think hairdressing is all about?

Making clients feel happy about their hair!

A good hair cut makes you feel….

…Proud and Happy

What aspect of personality do you think every hairdresser has to have?

Be open and be able to listen in every way

What type of skills do you bring to the salon everyday?

Team motivation and creativeness!

How do you get all your amazing inspiration from and who is your idol and why?

I get my inspiration from top celebrities and love catwalk and magazine hair!
Also get alot of inspiration from the team in the salon!

Who has the coolest hair in the world?

Rihanna……for sure

Who has the worst hair in the world?

Amy Winehouse………………..eerrr

What do you like the most about hairdressing?

It’s rewarding making people feel good about there hair.

What celebrities do you take inspiration from and why?

Obviously Rihanna as her hair always looks amazing….
Danni Minogue- her hair always looks amazing and she wears in so many different styles just from one hair cut.
Jennifer Aniston- her hair is beautiful, colour, cut, love it all!

What type of cut do you enjoy doing the most?

Graduated bob!

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Right then…. Where do we start…. What’s your name?

Kerry Perkin

Ok! If you don’t mind me asking, how old are you?

24

List 5 words to describe yourself:

Bubbly/Reliable / Patien / Professional / Honest

What do you enjoy doing out of work?

Socialising, going out and having fun!

Which of the three glamorous salons do you work at?

Abington

What level stylist are you classed as?

Manageress

What type of hairdressing do you specialise in?

Every aspect!

How long have you been working in the hairdressing industry?

7 years

Cool…so what do you think hairdressing is all about?

Creativity and making a client feel special and satisfied!

A good hair cut makes a client feel…

Amazing!

What personality trait do you think every hairdresser has to have?

A friendly one!

What type of skills do you bring to the salon everyday?

Me, cutting and colouring to clients satisfaction!

Where do you get your inspiration from and who is your idol?

Celebrities, the cat walk and ALL of the Magazines!

Who has the coolest hair in the world?

Kim Karashion

Who has the worst hair in the world?

Lady Gaga

What do you like the most about hairdressing?

The atmosphere in the salon and making clients smile!

What celebrities do you take inspiration from?

Victoria Beckham and Cheryl Cole because they are bang on trend. Everyone wants there haircut or colour

What type of cut do you enjoy doing the most?

The Graduated Bob!

Describe a typical day at the cutting rooms!

-Busy

-A giggle

-Nice atmosphere

-Professional

How do your fellow ‘Cutting Rooms’ team members influence you?

Sharing idea’s with eachother.

Where do you see yourself and what do you hope to achieve in the future of your hairdressing career?

To further my skills and become better and better!

[Show as slideshow]

Right then…. Where do we start…. What’s your name?

Sinead Maria Doherty

Ok! If you don’t mind me asking, how old are you?

21

List 5 words to describe yourself

Outgoing/ Friendly/ Bubbly/ Fun/ Mature!

What do you enjoy doing out of work?

Socialising with my friends, shopping, going out and running (slowly hehe)

Which of the three glamorous salons do you work at?

Western Favell

What level stylist are you classed as?

Senior Stylist

What type of hairdressing do you specialise in?

Cut, colours and finishing

How long have you been working in the hairdressing industry?

4 years

Cool…so what do you think hairdressing is all about?

Making people feel fab and giving them a trendy look

A good hair cut makes you feel like…….

…..A different person. Makes you feel happy and gives confidence in ourselves!

What personality trait do you think every hairdresser has to have?

People person

What type of skills do you bring to the salon everyday?

Have an ambition in the skills what you are best at!

Where do you get your inspiration from and who is your idol?

Tracey (General Manger), she is fab at everything she does and it always looks great!

Who has the worst hair in the world?

Amy Winehouse

What do you like the most about hairdressing?

I like talking to people. Enjoying everyday conservation with clients!

What celebrities do you take inspiration from and why?

Jennifer Aniston – Lovely and natural looking, nothing to much

Cheryl Cole- Lovely big hair which always looks nice whatever her style!

What type of cut do you enjoy doing the most?

Everything

Describe a typical day at the cutting rooms!

A lovely and enjoyable atmosphere to work in! The girls are great to work with!

[Show as slideshow]

Right then…. Where do we start…. What’s your name?

Kayleigh

Ok! If you don’t mind me asking, how old are you?

21

List 5 words to describe yourself:

Bubbly/ Chatty/ Sociable/ Friendly

What do you enjoy doing out of work?

Spending time with family and friends

Which of the three glamorous salons do you work at?

Far Cotton

What level stylist are you classed as?

Assistant Manager

What type of hairdressing do you specialise in?

Cut and Colour

How long have you been working in the hairdressing industry?

5 years

Cool…so what do you think hairdressing is all about?

Being confident and listening to what clients want!

A good hair cut makes you feel…..

…Good about yourself

What personality trait do you think every hairdresser has to have?

A good listener

What type of skills do you bring to the salon everyday?

Listening to what clients want!

Where do you get your inspiration from and who is your idol?

Trevor Sorbie because he is an amazing hairdresser and has been around for a long while!

Who has the coolest hair in the world?

Sarah Harding and Cheryl Cole

Who has the worst hair in the world?

Jodie Marsh

What do you like the most about hairdressing?

Meeting new people and creating new styles!

What celebrities do you take inspiration from and why?

Sarah Harding because she always has up to date styles, which are funky!

What type of cut do you enjoy doing the most?

Long to short

Describe a typical day at the cutting rooms!

Busy but friendly!

[Show as slideshow]

Right then…. Where do we start…. What’s your name?

Emma Louise Hillyard

Ok! If you don’t mind me asking, how old are you?

21

List 5 words to describe yourself

Individual/ Creative/ Confident/ Fun/ Outgoing!

What do you enjoy doing out of work?

Partying! Socialising! Shopping!

Which of the three glamorous salons do you work at?

Weston Favell

What level stylist are you classed as?

Stylist

What type of hairdressing do you specialise in?

Cut, Colouring and Blow drying

How long have you been working in the hairdressing industry?

4 years

Cool…so what do you think hairdressing is all about?

Making people look and feel great! Also, showing off your own creative skills!

A good hair cut makes you feel like …..

…It gives you a lot more confidence and makes you feel good!

What personality trait do you think every hairdresser has to have?

A hairdresser has to be confident, creative and a good listener!

What type of skills do you bring to the salon everyday?

I bring creativity, hard work and individuality!

Where do you get your inspiration from and who is your idol?

From all the other stylists that I work with, they are all my idols!

Who has the coolest hair in the world?

Cheryl Cole

Who has the worst hair in the world?

Amy Winehouse

What do you like the most about hairdressing?

Being able to make people feel great, and it is also very social!

What celebrities do you take inspiration from and why?

David and Victoria Beckham’s constant change of style and always up to date

What type of cut do you enjoy doing the most?

All of them! I’m open to new ideas!

Describe a typical day at the cutting rooms!

Enjoyable. Nice & relaxed atmosphere even when the salon is busy. Surrounded by your friends and work colleagues is great!

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