A career as a salon owner and educator

Syran John opened her eponymous salon in Pontypool, South Wales  in 1998. Here she talks about her love of being a salon owner and educator. Can anyone make a successful career in hairdressing? I think that hairdressing is an amazing career but I truly believe you have to have a certain flair and passion to be a successful one. If the ambition and passion isn’t there then it’s not for you. How did you enter hairdressing and what was the attraction for you?My mum had her own salon in Cheltenham and I started to work there on a Saturday. One of the main attractions for me was seeing people’s faces light up at the end of their hair service. They all look so happy with their end result. It’s so uplifting to make somebody feel so good about themselves. What were your first impressions of the industry and the possibilities open to you? First impressions were that it was hard work! Standing on your feet all day and no matter what mood you are in you must always be happy and smiling and willing to listen to all kinds of conversation. There are so many avenues you can choose to go down within the hairdressing industry, whether it is working for somebody, owning your own business or even working on a cruise liner. The opportunities are endless! How did your career progress? I was employed at the age of 16 and achieved my City and Guilds within three years.  I then went on to work for various salons when in 1998 an opportunity arose and I opened my own business when I was 28 years old. I have been in my business now for the last 15 years and I love it. I couldn't be more interested or motivated. How did you start to work towards achieving your goals? I read Hairdressers Journal International and searched the internet all the time for inspiration and guidance. This led to me entering competitions and working on photographic shoots. What advice would you offer someone looking to carve a long-term, exciting career in hairdressing? Listen and get as much advice from people as you can; put all your efforts in to your work and, most importantly, believe in yourself! What has been your career highlights to date? I have a few: the first being chosen as one of the 12 finalists for Matrix Destination Fame 2012; seeing my work published in various hair magazines in the UK and USA;  working as an Educator for Matrix is an amazing highlight and most importantly opening Syran John Hairdressing.