Back in 2009, Kayta Milavic Davies launched Myla and Davis, an independent, South London Hairdressing Group with four salons. In an exclusive series with Pro Hair, Kayta explores how to cultivate a supercharged salon culture with a thoroughly modern mindset.
At Myla and Davis, our business ethos centres on people and progress. Our team of 55 across our four-salon group is our heartbeat; they keep our business alive and thriving.
The aim from day one has always been to look after our people respectfully, so that they can look after our clients in the same way. We have focused on building: 1) An authentic and cohesive culture. 2) A welcoming, progressive and supportive part of the local community. 3) A space where stylists are free to be creative and innovative.
Crucially, we wanted our space to be free from the ego and intensity that can sometimes become a by-product of working in the hairdressing industry.
We have worked hard to cultivate sincere care for every person in the business, from our most junior apprentices to our most experienced stylists. This has helped us maintain a markedly high stylist retention rate over the past fifteen years.
For me, a healthy culture is what keeps your team creative, happy and loyal. If you focus on looking after them, they can concentrate on what they do best. A client can sense when a team is cohesive and respected, which helps to reinforce our promise of delivering high-end services that are rooted in experience, connection and community.
Here are my top tips for maintaining alignment and cohesion within your salon culture:
- Connection is essential to salon growth, but a culture cannot remain static.
Change is critical, and adapting to your team’s needs and the changing business environment is vital.
- Listen and learn, and don’t be afraid of change.
Sometimes that involves refreshing your approach to training, rethinking your work-life balance or listening closely to what a team member values most.
- Culture isn’t a one-off project; it’s everyday practice.
This can be maintained through small, consistent actions, such as regular check-ins, encouraging individuality and leading authentically and by example.
- Expectations for work-life balance have shifted significantly.
A modern outlook involves recognising that work should support people’s lives, not dominate them. It’s about flexibility and inclusivity.
- Be receptive to new ways of working.
Always listen to your team, and respect their nuanced, individual needs.
- When recruiting, focus on candidates who align with your core values.
While technical skills are essential, a cultural fit takes priority. We seek individuals who are genuine, curious, team-oriented and kind.
- Regularly monitor market shifts and respond appropriately.
While any adaptability must remain true to your values, it’s also vital to stay flexible in your approaches and commit to ongoing improvements.
- Remain focused on what you believe is most important.
While the current climate makes recruitment and retention challenging for salons, we still prioritise training apprentices, offering ongoing education and providing growth opportunities.
- Cascade your ethos throughout the company.
This will ensure your team culture aligns with your brand vision. Cohesion begins with clear communication and a consistent approach.
- Invest in internal development.
Our homegrown talent naturally promotes and upholds our values, and we always listen to what’s happening on the floor so that everyone feels included in shaping the business’s direction.
While a super-powered team culture is the business goal, it’s important to remember that it requires consistency. Consistency in how we communicate with one another, how we celebrate the big (and small) wins, how we handle challenges and how we adapt to change. When combined, it can become your most substantial competitive advantage and, in a volatile marketplace, exert the most significant impact on your salon business, regardless of its size.
