Lewis moore - a creative salon owner

Lewis Moore is owner of Lewis Moore Salons, Sutton Coldfield Moore and a member of the Structure European Design Team. Inspired by Vidal Sassoon, Lewis started hairdressing at the age of 16 in his local town of Cannock, Staffordshire. His detailed and perfectionist approach to cutting led him to join the Francesco Group where he worked as a guest stylist for Wella, taking part in shoots and education seminars across the UK. Having then won Midlands Hairdresser of the Year at the British Hairdressing Awards in 2010, Lewis’ strong business experience within franchising inspired him to set up his own salon, which opened its doors in spring 2013. Now his long term goal is to grow his salon into a chain across the midlands, offering accessible catwalk inspired styles to the masses. What would you say to someone thinking of training as a hairdresser who is put off because they don’t view it as a career? I think that hairdressing is truly unique as a career because you can take it as far as you want and there are so many different avenues for you to take within that field.  How did you enter hairdressing and what was the attraction for you? I started working at a local salon on a Saturday as I knew I didn’t want to go down the traditional and stereotypical route of ‘office work’. One of the main attractions for me was the diversity of my colleagues and working with a real mix of creative individuals.  What were your first impressions of the industry and the possibilities open to you? I was amazed at the energy of a busy salon and how addictive it was, but also the progress of learning a trade was incredibly exciting.  How did your career progress? Mine was slow initially - I think guys in the beginning don’t have such a natural dexterity towards the hair industry as girls do.  How did you start to work towards achieving your goals? I saw a lot of things including Hairdressers Journal International and industry competitions that made me aware of how much there was to the hairdressing world. This all lead me to start putting plans in place to achieve my goals.  What advice would you offer someone looking to carve a long-term, exciting career in hairdressing? Immerse yourself totally, take as much advice off people as you can and finally, as with anything, the more effort you put in the more, the better the reward! Also, enjoy it! What has been your career highlights to date? Winning Midlands Hairdresser of the year in HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards and being selected to be a member of the Structure European Design Team as well as finalising at the Visionary Awards and at the Alternative Hair Show held at the Royal Albert Hall. Last but definitely not least, opening Lewis Moore Salons in Sutton Coldfield with my wife Susanne.