Rush hair - the growth of a family brand
When it comes to building a brand, the Rush business model demonstrates proven success, and 2016 began with Rush celebrating their most successful year yet with their annual Rush Oscars Awards, held in January.
Having opened 14 new salons last year with another 20 to follow under their franchisee programme in 2016, the brand has seen rapid growth in a short amount of time. Despite this, co-founders Andy Phouli and Stell Andrew still remain at the heart of the company after their 20 year partnership and promote the family feel the brand is known for.
2015 saw Rush become a nationwide brand for the first time with expansion outside of London into Liverpool, Birmingham, Cambridge and Bristol.
Rush are all about their people and launched the ‘Rush for Life’ campaign which is about celebrating the creative talent within the Rush family and attracting new employees to a brand and is invested in their future in hairdressing.
“When we invest in people we try our hardest to keep hold of them. Essentially, when you join Rush you become part of the family. Rush for life” – Stell Andrew.
Rush Co-Founders Andy Phouli and Stell Andrew met while studying hairdressing, the pair opened their first Rush salon in Wimbledon in 1994. Determined to follow their dream of opening more salons across London, Andy and Stell have since grown the brand to over 70 salons, including three beauty salons and two flagship salons.
“Our people are our product, (if you’re thinking about franchising,) before it works for me it has to work for you” – Andy Phouli.
The key to successful expansion and achieving industry accolades is down to Rush’s education and training teams, headed by 2015 Fellowship Hairdresser of the Year Award Winner and new International Creative Director of Rush, Andy Heasman. All stylists are offered continuous fully funded training and educational courses at the Rush Academy to reach their full potential, whether that’s artistic hairdressing, education, salon management or becoming a franchisee.
Rush believe in the importance of education and offer opportunities to all employees to have a long and successful career with Rush. Expanding within their franchise model, 2015 saw several Rush stylists take the next step, become a franchisee and own their own salon.
Andy Phouli's top 3 tips on what makes a great director
1. To have the confidence to make decisions
2. The strength to lead by example
3. The ability to identify great potential
Read Rush Co-Founder and Chairman Andy Phouli's full interview in the March issue of Hairdresser's Journal.
