Adventures of a marketing trailblazer - cally borg

Sustainable salon owner, award-winner, innovative marketer - Cally Borg's insights are industry-wide and forward-thinking, plus she's flying the flag for home salons. What was your journey into the industry? I started as a an assistant at John Carne, Wimbledon, before moving to Toni&Guy and Charles Worthington. After suffering from an injury, I decided to venture into the freelance world, with nothing other than a big dream and an unstoppable mindset. I took every opportunity & within a year, I  was working as a session stylist, working with magazines, TV and red carpet events. What does marketing mean to you? Marketing myself has drawn the right opportunities to me like a magnet, resulting in rapid growth in my business even during the pandemic. I believe opportunities are everywhere, you just have to be open minded and willing to step out our comfort zone to see them. How are you championing sustainability in your Reigate salon? We recycle, paper, plastic, chemicals, foil and hair and we use eco friendly towels, (Scrummi) and  brushes. All of my colour range is natural,  organic & vegan, with packaging that is made from already recycled material. My styling ranges are also fully sustainable and I have consciously chosen brands that support small salons. Who is inspiring you at the moment? I am always inspired by Dom Lehane, who interviews different hair stylists. I also love what Rae Palmer is doing for the industry with ‘WELOVE’, a community of hair stylists that share the passion of sustainability & holistic hairdressing to collaborate. I am very proud to be an art director for the WELOVE Art team, which came about after Rae spotted what I was doing on social media. What’s next for you and your career? As well as continuing as a commercial session stylist for photoshoots and events, my key goal is to change the stigma for home salons. I have created a six-figure business from mine and I see it as a lucrative opportunity, so I want to share my knowledge by mentoring other stylists to do the same. I have also been given the position of the U.K ambassador for TUFT Professional, using my social media marketing to launch the brand in the U.K. by educating consumers and salon owners.