When Jack and Ross Williams-Hirst opened their co-working space, Willams & Hirst, in the heart of Soho, their goal was to create a space that supports and celebrates this new era of the independent hairdresser that we find ourselves in.
In an exclusive series for Pro Hair, Jack and Ross share their experience as skilful solo stylists and business entrepreneurs. This month, they offer their top tips for building your own brand.
At Williams & Hirst, we know that building a brand can feel like a big task, but trust us, it’s actually one of the most exciting parts of creating your business or personal identity. A strong brand not only helps people recognise you, but it also tells them what you’re all about. Here’s how we did it…
- Nail the Basics First
Let’s start with the essentials. Every great brand needs a memorable logo, a set of eye-catching brand colours and a slick website. Your logo is like your signature; it should be simple but powerful, and something that people will associate with you instantly.
Your brand colours? Think of them as your outfit; they should reflect your style and the kind of vibe you want to give off. Then there’s your website. This is your home online, so make it welcoming and easy to navigate. Make sure your contact details are obvious (no one likes hunting for a phone number or email!) and use it to shout about what you do best.
- Get Social in Style
For us, social media has been a game changer. It’s where we can showcase the talent of the stylists who work here, share the buzz of the salon and connect with both clients and collaborators. From the start, we’ve been intentional about how we present ourselves online. We’ve developed a cohesive aesthetic – clean lines, vibrant colours and a mix of work and personality – that represents who we are.
- Collaborating and Showcasing
One thing we’ve always loved doing is working with brands we admire. Whether it’s using products we genuinely love in the salon or featuring them on our socials, we’ve found that these collaborations have not only enhanced our services but also strengthened our identity. We’ve even reached out to brands we’re passionate about, and sometimes a simple email saying how much we love their products has opened doors to collaborations we didn’t expect!
- Think About PR Support
We get it, juggling everything can be a lot. If you’re ready to take your brand to the next level, hiring a PR company can be a brilliant move. A good PR team can help you tell your story, get your name out there and connect you with the right people.
- Stay Consistent
Once you’ve got everything in place, the most important thing is to stay consistent. Your logo, colours, tone of voice and even the way you sign off your emails should all feel cohesive. Over time, this builds recognition and trust – the two things every brand needs to succeed.
