Jamie stevens - keeping on top of business while travelling the globe

In the past two months salon owner and TV hairdresser Jamie Stevens has also travelled the World as a global ambassador for Matrix Haircare - with engagements in Naples, Canada, LA and Milan. Matthew Batham asked the jet set stylist how he manages to maintain two successful salon businesses when he is out of the country so mu What is the secret to running a successful salon business, while also travelling as a brand ambassador? It’s really important to set up strong foundations at the beginning, so that when you’re away everything should run smoothly without you. For me, having the right team in place that I can trust and rely on is key. With so many commitments how do you ensure clients aren’t disappointed when you are not personally in the salon? You can’t please absolutely everybody 100% of the time, so there will sometimes be those who are disappointed. However, I do as much as possible to minimise this. Firstly, I tend to get most of my dates in advance which are then marked out on my column, so that clients are directed to when I am in. When I have lots coming up outside of the salon, I prepare my clients in the lead up by introducing them to another member of my team who will come and have a chat with them and watch what I do, to make the client feel at ease in their hands. Furthermore, I tend to give my clients a bit of a change every third haircut, so I always suggest to them that they see one of my team for maintenance haircuts in between and that way it’s much easier for me to see all my clients in between all the work I do beyond the salon floor. How do you cope with the inevitable tiredness/jetlag and still deliver either on stage or in the salon? It’s just one of those things that you have to deal with in whichever way feels right at the time. So lots of coffee, sleeping on planes and taxi rides, wherever possible! I also try to stay healthy as possible with good diet and additional nutrition. Lastly, after a long day’s work it’s tempting to go out socialising in the evening. With so many overseas jobs, I try to avoid too much of that so I can deliver my best on stage, but sometimes it’s difficult especially when you get invited out for dinner by the host team! What tips do you have for the business owner on how to manage their time effectively and balance all the different aspects of the job? As I said previously, the secret to making it work is in creating strong foundations with the right team, planning and good delegation. If we’re all singing from the same hymn sheet, the team and clients will be happy which for me, is always the main priority.