Robert eaton - hairdressing's rising stars
Three times winner of HJ's North Eastern Hairdresser of the Year, Robert Eaton is admired internationally for his creative work, and now - still aged just 29 - he is embarking on his biggest challenge yet, managing his own salon in Leeds.
No doubt, growing up in a hairdressing family - his father Russell Eaton owns both the Leeds salon and a second business in Barnsley, Yorkshire - will prove an invaluable experience as Robert embarks on this latest venture.
Family values
Says Robert: "My dad has always been a great inspiration to me and I really respect what he has achieved in his career. As we have worked together so closely, I have been very influenced by his work ethic and artistic values." 
Not surprisingly, Robert's initial training involved an apprenticeship with his father's salon, combined with working through the NVQ syllabus at the Leslie Frances training school in Barnsley.
"This gave me a great foundation in hairdressing skills," says Robert. "I have always believed that you never stop learning and after my initial training I attended as many courses and shows as I could to broaden my knowledge from as many influences as possible."
Continues Robert: "Having a good grounding and understanding of all aspects of the industry has helped me to really know what I enjoy the most and given me a strong work ethic. It's great to get involved with artistic work and attend lots of events, but, ultimately, it's about our business and clients."
And, it's the business that will receive the bulk of Robert's attention for some time to come, with running the recently opened Russell Eaton salon in Leeds his main responsibility. He's had time to prepare for the new role - he and his father have been planning a Leeds opening for three years - but he still describes it as his "biggest challenge yet".
Art meets business
"I would not be able to do this without my family and our great team," says Robert. "It is interesting mixing an artistic role with management and a great motivation to see a new team and business grow.
I am working seven days a week now, managing the salon alongside Gill Daley, who has more than 35 years of experience - many of them with Sassoon - and is still passionate about the industry. It will be inspiring for me to work with Gill."
Despite the pressures of running a new salon, Rob intends to continue to give back to the industry he loves, including his involvement with the Fellowship for British Hairdressing. Says Robert: "I love being involved with Fellowship events, particularly Project X."
The Fellowship describes Project X as "the ultimate hairdressing finishing school" offering young, ambitious hairdressers from member salons the chance to take part on courses with some of the biggest names in the industry - including mentor, Robert, who says of the role: "As a young hairdresser I feel I can relate to the Project X students and their desire to expand their knowledge.
"I help to guide them through the year, giving them advice and art directing some of their shows and shoots. It's a great experience for me to work with the students and also some of the amazing industry names that are involved with the course. Although it is difficult to fit this in while working full-time at the salon, it remains very rewarding."
Asked what he would say to a student or trainee wanting to obtain the kind of success he has achieved, Robert says: "My advice would be to take every opportunity that comes your way, learn as much as possible from as many hairdressers as possible in order to broaden your knowledge and focus on your strengths. You need to put in as much extra time as you can - I have always worked on my days off and weekends - and eventually you will achieve your goals."
