Guy kremer on his love of hairdressing

Famed for his beautiful collections, Guy Kremer is something of a creative genius of the hairdressing.

But as owner of the highly esteemed Guy Kremer L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Expert Salon in Winchester as well as new hairdressing initiatives in India, it's clear he is also a shrewd businessman.

We caught up with Guy to discuss his successful career

What are the biggest issues affecting you right now?

You can't move in this country at the moment for talk of the credit crunch but I think it's an opportunity. We are constantly reminded that as a team we need to 'step up' our levels of customer care and we are really focussing on exceeding expectations. All of our goals are about going the extra mile and making our clients feel loved and truly part of the family. Our salon is a hub for our client community and every three months we throw a staff and client party to get together and just enjoy!

Who do you admire?

From a business perspective, I have deep admiration for Richard Branson, with few exceptions, everything he touches turns to gold. He has an in-built sense of optimism even about the wildest commercial choices and he turns that optimism into money.

Creatively, Robert Lobetta has to be one of my all-time heroes - his personality and creative talents are fascinating and I never tire of him or his work.

What's the best career advice you have been given?

My first boss told me 'you get out what you put in'. I learned not to expect anything for nothing and I believe that dedication and hard work really do bring rewards beyond the investment.

Do you still have any ambitions?

I am concentrating on developing my team and am really enjoying watching it flourish. I want to pursue my business dreams, particularly my newly established Eye Catchers initiative in India. It means that clients in Kolkata and Mumbai will be able to experience the same standards of hair and beauty as my clients do in the UK. It is an incredibly exciting alliance and gives me the opportunity to travel to India with my team to teach the staff of the new salons.

Any regrets?

Hairdressing has an overwhelming amount of choice but I am fortunate to have no regrets - whatsoever. It's my first and only love.

What was your first job?

My first job was as a hairdressing apprentice. But, when my father passed away I did an accountancy course and then returned to hairdressing bringing with me everything I had learned about bookkeeping. It has made sound business sense to have both of these skills but hairdressing has my heart.

What's the best part of your job?

Meeting people from different walks of life every day and making them feel fabulous about themselves gives me a continuous buzz.

And, the worst part?

Trying and failing to be in two places at once.

Is there anything you would do differently if you had the chance?

I feel really lucky to be saying this but I would do it all over again, as I said I have no regrets. This industry is my first love and has been so good to me. I work hard and I feel I get the returns. I am blessed with a fantastic team and we have grown together to truly become a family.

If you could change one aspect of the industry what would it be?

We take a lot of time to teach the technical side of hairdressing but we need to spend more time nurturing and coaching young hairdressers to make the emotional commitment to the craft. Young people need to learn to truly demonstrate a determination to succeed; it's a skill I was taught and so were many of my peers but I feel we are failing the newer generations in this essential respect.