Abbie Jackson opened The Strand Hair Salon in Hull in 2023. With 20 years of experience, including managing a salon for TONI&GUY and previous salon ownership, Abbie launched her new salon with a robust growth plan. Drawing on her experience and focusing on building her team, Abbie has grown the business to include six busy stylists in just two years. Here’s how she did it…
Abbie understands that the requirements of a business owner have changed over the last few years. She has kept up to date with these changes and adapted as an employer. She attends at least one training session, whether online or in person, each month to keep her ‘tyres pumped up,’ and has recently completed the ‘Help to Grow’ management course at Hull University. “What worked in the 2010s no longer works. I have surrounded myself with others who are more successful and mature in their business than I am. My Passion4hair peer group inspires me hugely – we regularly meet at the Passion4hair Academy in Milton Keynes for business training, where I gain new ideas and insights. Sharing with like-minded people helps me to understand that the challenges I face are universal; I’m not alone.” “I’ve had to develop a thick skin after seeing stylists I’ve helped nurture move on, sometimes even taking the client base we worked hard to build together,” Abbie continues. Despite this issue, however, she remains focused on creating a culture where people believe in the salon’s mission, vision and values. Her focus now is on retaining the team for longer. “If I am investing in them, I want them to stay with me as long as possible,” she says.
Abbie keeps the team focused on progress, celebrating wins and discussing areas for improvement. She uses a colour-coded scorecard, allowing the team to identify which areas need more improvement. Weekly check-ins with all her stylists, either via voice note or in person, ensure that issues are not left unaddressed, and a monthly one-to-one provides guidance to stay on track. Abbie believes the team want to improve and do well, “I don’t think someone comes to work to do a poor job. Sometimes they just need a nudge.”
“As a creative, business training was not necessarily something that I had a great handle on, but investing in myself has helped hugely. I get up, show up and do the best I can,” Abbie concludes. “I have a genuine care for my team and customers, which I think helps with the success and growth of the business. I do love this industry, and I hope my children will follow in my footsteps.”
✔ Every team member is unique.
✔ Surround yourself with successful, inspiring people.
✔ Always be adapting, both yourself and your business.
✔ Build a culture your team can believe in.
✔ Always focus on progress.
A ‘Beat the Week’ chart on display in the salon is a great way to showcase each stylist’s best performance. Those who surpass their personal best each week can receive a reward.
