Celebrating Women in the Hair Business

Seasonal - 6 March 2024

◴ Read time - 5 mins

Insights from Francesco Hair Salon Franchisees

As International Women’s Day 2024 approaches, it’s a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women in various industries. 

In the dynamic world of hairdressing, where creativity and innovation flourish, women entrepreneurs are making significant strides, shaping the landscape of beauty and style. 

Today, we’re thrilled to share the inspiring stories of Lola Skelton, Salon Director of Eccleshall, Vicky Taylor, Salon Director of Cheltenham, and Alex O’Brien, Salon Director of Newport, and how they’ve carved their paths in the hair business industry.

Embracing Entrepreneurship with Francesco Hair Salon

Lola, Vicky, and Alex’s journey into entrepreneurship with Francesco Hair Salon is a testament to their passion for hairdressing and personal growth. 

Lola’s story reflects a journey of transformation, from a young, eager teenager walking into Francesco’s Eccleshall salon to becoming a Salon Director. Her journey was not just about honing her skills but also about finding a supportive community that nurtured her talents. Lola shares…

From the outset, I was driven by a passion to learn the intricate art of hairdressing

Similarly, Vicky’s transition from a successful career at the Cheltenham salon to becoming a franchisee was marked by determination and dedication. Vicky recalls…

Having a great relationship with Anya, our managing director, through hard times, we put a plan together for me to become Cheltenham’s newest franchisee

Alex’s decision to pursue entrepreneurship was rooted in her desire to create a nurturing environment for her team. Alex affirms…

Francesco helped me along that journey because of their family and training beliefs, which are everything I believe in

Fostering Creativity & Innovation

Running a successful salon goes beyond just cutting and styling hair; it’s about creating an atmosphere where creativity thrives. Lola, Vicky, and Alex emphasise the importance of empowering their teams to express their unique styles and techniques.

Lola’s creative approach to management encourages healthy competition among her team members, driving excellence in their work. Lola explains… 

My creative approach to management empowers each member of my staff to express their unique creativity through their work

Vicky believes in embracing individuality, allowing her team to showcase their personal style. Vicky shares…

Allowing the team to wear their own style of clothing to work helps them to engage with clients and allows them to see our personal style

Alex’s vibrant personality and innovative spirit set the tone for her salon’s atmosphere. Alex adds…

I am a little bit crazy, I like to wear brighter colours and brighter hair. I also make sure to use the correct products on my hair and make sure the team is doing the same

Lola Skelton – Francesco Hair Salon Eccleshall

Commitment to Customer Satisfaction

At the heart of Francesco Hair Salon’s success lies its commitment to customer satisfaction. Vicky shares a touching story of going above and beyond to ensure a client left the salon feeling truly delighted. Vicky recounts…

It’s always a real job satisfaction when a client sheds a tear of happiness, joy because I have listened, have advised and explained every step of the way during their hair journey

This personal connection and attention to detail define the exceptional service provided by a Francesco Hair Salon.

Overcoming Challenges & Learning Experiences

Being a successful businesswoman comes with its share of challenges. Vicky reflects on the obstacles she faced when taking over an existing salon and how she turned them into valuable learning experiences. Vicky explains…

Taking over an existing salon had some fabulous perks but also some very difficult habits

She navigated through the challenges with resilience and determination, emerging stronger and more knowledgeable.

Alex shares her journey of overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome, emphasising the importance of continuous learning and self-belief. Alex shares…

An obstacle I faced was the fear of cutting hair and how I didn’t think I was good enough… I started to tell my clients why I was doing something, what the angels mean, how I react to their hair rather than planning each cut, and clients loved it

Alex O’Brien – Francesco Hair Salon Newport

Adapting to Diverse Cultural Preferences

In today’s multicultural society, catering to diverse cultural preferences and beauty standards is essential. Vicky and Alex emphasise the importance of staying informed about different cultures and lifestyles to provide inclusive services that resonate with all clients. Vicky stresses…

As a salon director, I think it is extremely important that all hair stylists can now work with all textures, curls, etc

By embracing diversity, Francesco Hair Salon ensures that every client feels welcomed and valued.

Staying Current in an Evolving Industry

With trends evolving rapidly, staying current is crucial for salon success. Lola, Vicky, and Alex highlight the role of social media and ongoing education in keeping their teams up-to-date with the latest styles and techniques. Vicky shares…

Social media is a great tool to use for trends, styles, and techniques. There are so many extremely talented hairdressers who are creating their own how-to videos

By leveraging social media and investing in continuous education, Francesco Hair Salon remains at the forefront of the beauty scene.

Vicky Taylor – Francesco Hair Salon Cheltenham

Balancing Business & Self-Care

As women entrepreneurs, striking a balance between managing a business and personal life is key. Vicky and Alex share their strategies for self-care, emphasising the importance of setting boundaries and prioritising time for oneself amidst the demands of entrepreneurship. Vicky says…

Business life for me ends at the end of my working day… I make sure once a month I take time for myself!

Alex adds…

Set a routine and follow it, don’t feel guilty for spending that time on yourself and allow yourself to switch off

Breaking Barriers & Thriving

Being in business is a traditionally male-dominated industry, navigating and thriving as a woman entrepreneur can be challenging. Lola, Vicky, and Alex offer advice to aspiring women business owners, encouraging them to take risks, smash their fears, and pursue their goals with confidence and determination. Alex asserts…

People always presume that the male hairdressers are the managers… I just try to lead by example. If you truly want to set yourself your own goals and achievements you have to get out of your comfort zone and smash your fears!

Trailblazing Women

As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2024, let’s applaud the remarkable achievements of women like Lola, Vicky, and Alex, who continue to inspire and empower others in the hair business industry. 

Their stories remind us that with passion, perseverance, and a supportive community, anything is possible. Here’s to the trailblazing women shaping the future of beauty and style!