Richard darby talks business

 Richard Darby is the business brains behind Mark Leeson Hair Body and Mind, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire - he also does cutting and colouring! 

As well as Mark, who do you admire creatively and in business?

I admire Charles Worthington and his partner Allan Peters as they have really created an impressive business empire and are highly respected for their creative contribution to the industry.

What's the best career advice you have been given and from whom?

My mother always said to me that I could achieve whatever I set my mind and heart on and I still believe that today.

Has there ever been a crossroads in your career and did you make the right choice?

I think you face crossroads constantly throughout your career. I wanted to be a policeman and I was accepted into the Force but I decided that it wasn't for me. That was the right choice as I wouldn't be in hairdressing and I love my job.

What ambitions do you still have?

I still want to do all I can in helping Mark be recognised as the fantastic hairdresser that he is by winning HJ's British Hairdresser of the Year one day. I would like to open more salons and our own training academy. I am also working on launching our own product range.

What was your first job and did you learn anything that you use today?

My first proper job was as a lifeguard. I did this for about three years when I was still at sixth form and college. I experienced working with the public. It was a fun job.

What's the best part of your job?

It's very varied as, although I run the business side of Mark Leeson Hair, Body & Mind, I also do hairdressing and I love colouring. I also take part in all the salon's photo shoots and shows and I am part of the artistic team, so I am never bored and always busy.

What's the worst part of your job?

Not having enough time to dedicate to what I need to do, which means I have a lot of late nights trying to do paperwork after I have worked in the salon all day.

If you could go back in time and give yourself advice as a 20-year-old, what would it be?

Don't doubt - just do. I started my business in 1996 when I was 21 and it was the best move ever.

If you could change one element of the industry, what would it be?

People's perception of the trade - it is often not very kind, but now people are talking about hairdressing being a career again and not something you do if you didn't pass your exams or couldn't be bothered with anything else. It's an amazing career path with so many avenues and people are respecting it again.