Mack hairdressing

Turning dreams into reality is what hairdressing is all about; whether the client longs for long hair, yearns to be a brunette or look like their favourite Hollywood star, anything is possible. Hairdressers also have their dreams and since he started in the business 20 years ago Andrew Mack has dreamed of opening his own salon. In 2004 the dream came true when he opened Mack Hairdressing, in Chelmsford, Essex, with his wife Tina taking on the business role. “I don't have any experience in the hair industry except being married to a very passionate hairdresser,” says Tina. “I used to work in the fashion industry, but when Andrew opened his salon it was natural for me to take on the business side.”From the first day they opened, Andrew and Tina wanted to offer an experience people in Chelmsford wouldn't get anywhere else. They chose a waterfront location three minutes walk from the town centre, and although they don't get a lot of walk-by trade, they do get a lot of custom from people who have driven past. “One of the main car parks for shoppers is just opposite the salon so lots of people will drive past us, see us and come in,” says Tina. With a simple cream and black interior, Andrew and Tina wanted to offer something unique. “Clients come to us with high expectations and we want to exceed those and make their visit even better than they thought possible. There are about 40 salons in Chelmsford, but no one is offering what we offer. We have created our own niche of luxury surroundings and high standards in service.” The salon is situated on the waterfront, with an outside terrace where clients can sit while waiting for their appointments or while their colour develops. Inside the salon there are shiatsu massage chairs and i-vu screens showing the latest DVDs. A cut and blow-dry will cost between £26 and £65 and there are two main groups of clients: 19-25-year-olds and 25-35-year-olds. “We have a younger clientele than we aimed at and than we thought we would get when we started the business,” says Tina. “We don't know why we attract this age group more than any other. I assume they want to go somewhere that is trendy, knowledgeable and affordable, and we offer them just that.” Hairdressing is the main service, as Tina decided to concentrate on what they are best at and leave beauty to the professionals. “Even if the only thing you offer is a hair cut, it doesn't have to be complicated and should be the best hair cut the client has ever had,” she says. “Simple is sometimes best.” And simplicity has certainly worked. In the space of 18 months, Mack Hairdressing has really stamped its mark on the local area, winning a host of business awards, including New Company in the Mid Essex Business Awards 2005 and 2005 Independent Business Newcomer at the British Hairdressing Business Awards. It has also been a finalist in the Customer Care category of the UK Start Up Awards and in the Essex Business Awards. “Entering awards is an essential part of running a business,” explains Tina. “It takes a lot of time, but it’s good for the team to see they are working for a forward-thinking company and clients love it when you are up for an award. They feel part of it as well.” It’s also good for making you sit down and look at different parts of your business in detail, says Tina, something you might not necessarily do if it wasn’t for a competition. “When you smell success it’s like an adrenaline rush and you want more. You can’t sit still and rest on your laurels, or someone else will come and take your place.”