2011 independent salon - business newcomer: hair at 58

Former Junior of the Year Sam Bell's first salon Hair at 58 was the winner of Independant Salon - Business Newcomer at HJ's 2011 British Hairdressing Business Awards.

She told us about some of her experiences with opening her first salon.

It has been a difficult climate to open a salon in, what have been the main reasons for your success?

Working very hard for the past 14 years to build a clientele so loyal, they were literally begging me to do it! I had a clear vision for what I wanted to achieve and I had 100% belief that it would work. This is complemented by my skill/passion for hair and people, my drive to be successful and most of all creating the best team in the industry.

Did you have any doubts about opening in that financial climate?

No, not one! I have never felt so strongly about doing something in my life. It was the only direction for me to go and I had the confidence it would work. I even re-mortgaged my house to fund it as the bank turned me down! My boyfriend tried to talk me out of it and almost all of my family tried to tell me to wait until the recession was over, but my instinct told me to follow my dream.

How did you make the transition from Junior of the Year to successful salon owner?

My goal had always been to open my own salon when I was 30; I always kept that as my main focus and worked very hard, learning many skills as possible.

I spent years building a strong loyal clientelewhile absorbing as much knowledge and skills in all aspects of the industry. I have always kept at the forefront of my mind how it felt to be an employee and I made it my mission to help grow my team and achieve their personal goals as well as my salon's.

What advice do you have for would-be salon owners?

Take your time on employing staff; having the right team members is vital to the success of the salon.

You should make sure you know what you want to achieve and don't be influenced by anybody else about changing your goals. I'd also advise people to build up a strong clientele before making the jump.

What have been the biggest lessons you have learned since opening?

Never take a client for granted, you're only as good as your last haircut.

What would you do differently with the benefit of hindsight?

I should have got a bigger salon,  as we have already outgrown ourselves.

Describe Hair at 58 in three words...

Unique, Creative, Passion.