Jamie stevens talks business
Jamie Stevens has made quite a name for himself as a creative force in hairdressing, but he's now flexing his business muscles with the opening last month of his first eponymous salon in Woolavington, Somerset.
Has opening your own salon always been a dream of yours?
Ever since I started in the industry, I have planned to launch start my own business. I have previous experience of running a salon - I took over my mum's business at 18 and ran it for four years before moving to London. For the past seven years, I've been building up my profile and working with some of the most talented people in the industry.
Why was now the right time to open?
Following my work with Gok Wan, winning the 2008 HJ Men's Hairdresser of the Year, and having just signed a contract with Matrix as an artistic director, I feel my profile is high enough for me to launch the Jamie Stevens' brand. After my sister and I both moved to London, my mum took over the Somerset salon again. As she decided to sell it, the perfect opportunity was presented to get the ball rolling.
How have you fitted in your work at Errol Douglas with the launch of the new salon?
I'm freelance at Errol's now, so, technically, I am my own boss. This makes it much easier, as I can come and go as I please.
What have been the major challenges while opening the new salon?
Because I will only be at the new salon one day a week, I needed to find the right staff to look after the salon while I'm not there. Other than that, I found it smooth-running. And, although the building works were quite stressful, I'm really pleased with the finished result.
How will you balance your work in London with working in the Somerset salon?
I will be at the Somerset salon one day a week, and spending one or two days working with Gok Wan on television projects. I usually spend four days at Errol's salon. I will be doing seven-day weeks but, apart from being tired, I'm managing to fit everything in so far.
How will your client base in Somerset differ to that in London?
I don't want my client base to be any different. The selling point of my salon is that it brings London standards to Somerset. Styles can take about a year to filter through - I want to offer them the second they hit the catwalk. London-styling has massive appeal, and with wealthy areas like Bath, Bristol and Exeter around the corner, my clients won't differ that much to those I look after in London.
How has business been so far?
The phones have been ringing off the hook, and we have been really busy. With Gok at the launch party, we had a huge local press turnout, which, in turn, generated immense interest.
What was your criteria for choosing staff?
My motto is: "No ego, just great hair." I'm prepared to invest time in training my staff. One member of the team was lacking some technical skills, but I could see the potential, and knew that a week of training would bring her up to speed. She is now excelling.
What ambitions do you have for the Jamie Stevens hairdressing brand?
The plan is to open a new salon every year - and to have one in London within the next year or two. I want to continue entering awards and working on TV, and, eventually, I will launch my own product range. I also want to keep working towards a nomination for HJ's British Hairdresser of the Year.
