Rae palmer - creative with business
2008 Southern Hairdresser of the Year, Rae Palmer is an increasingly high profile presence in the industry both creatively and in terms of her business acumen. Rae's Portsmouth-based salon is prospoering and her commitment to forging links with student hairdressers remains a vital part of the business.
What is the biggest challenge facing you now?
My biggest challenge right now is to sustain business profitability and growth in the current economic climate. It's even more important for me to focus on my team's morale and happiness, but also their ability to exceed customers' expectations and provide them with the best hairdressing service and salon experience ever.
Who do you admire?
I have always deeply respected Antony Mascolo. Both creatively and in business, he has always been an inspiration to me - he has a true passion and unique dynamic ability to use his artistic vision. Early in my career, I was also very honoured and lucky to meet and share some time with the legendary Umberto Giannini. He was a great inspiration to me too and had a real influence on me and my own business today. He inspired me with his contagious passion, but also the femininity and beauty of his work. I loved his drive and clear vision, but I also admired and respected his photographic work.
What is the best advice you've ever been given?
The best career advice I was ever given was by my family and it was to choose a career you love because you are going to spend at least eight hours a day doing it!
What are your ambitions?
My ambition is to grow my business in this country with more boutique salon franchises - the first one has just launched in Chichester - and to continue building my brand.
Has there ever been a major crossroads in your career?
The major crossroads in my career was when I had to decide on either pursuing a career in hairdressing or to continue with my lifelong ambition to go to RADA and be an actress. My whole time at school was centred around drama, but when I decided to take a Saturday job in a hairdressers, it made me rethink my whole direction and career. I have no regrets.
What advice would you offer a young hairdresser?
Be positive and philosophical about life, learn as much as you can, be motivated by your favourite hairdressers, mentors and inspirational people around you, but also learn to use your own vision. Create opportunities and be happy enjoying your achievements, but be sure to have lots of goals and plans.
What would you change about the industry?
There isn't much I'd like to change, other than open more doors for professional salons to work with colleges and students - and therefore get new hairdressers into our industry. I also believe it's the right way forward when salon owners and industry around the country are united and working round the table together to introduce change and make all our futures better.
