When Jack and Ross Williams-Hirst opened their co-working space, Williams & 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 experiences as skilful solo stylists and business entrepreneurs. This month, they discuss the fundamental elements to ensure your success as a freelancer…
At Williams & Hirst, we understand the unique challenges and joys that come with being an independent or freelance stylist. It’s a career path that takes courage, hard work and years of honing your skills and building trust with your clients. Whether you’re just starting out on your own or looking to grow your client base further, we’ve got some tried-and-true advice to help you succeed.
- Be Proud of Your Independence
First off, let’s take a moment to celebrate where you are. Going independent is a huge achievement! It shows you have confidence in your abilities and a passion for your craft. But while being your own boss is exciting, it also comes with the responsibility of keeping your client list growing. Building and maintaining a thriving base of loyal clients takes time, effort and a little creativity.
- The Power of Word-of-Mouth
When it comes to gaining new clients, one of the oldest methods is still the best – word-of-mouth. There’s nothing quite like the recommendation of a happy client to bring in new faces. People trust personal recommendations, especially when it comes to something as personal as their hair.
Encourage your clients to spread the word, and don’t be shy about asking them to mention you to their friends or share your details. You could even introduce a referral scheme, offering discounts or perks for clients who send new people your way.
- Making Social Media Work for You
We get it – social media isn’t everyone’s cup of tea! However, if you are comfortable with it, platforms like Instagram and TikTok can be brilliant tools for growing your client base. Hair is such a visual art, and the right photo or video can really catch people’s attention.
It doesn’t have to be complicated. A quick snap of a beautifully styled head of hair or a short video showing off your techniques could bring in more interest than you expect. Social media can also be a great way to showcase your personality and style, helping clients feel like they know you before they’ve even met you.
- Keep Challenging Yourself
As an independent, it’s tempting to stick with the clients you already have, especially once you’ve built up a good base, but it’s important not to rest on your laurels. Think about the kind of clients or projects you’d like to attract in the future, and how you can market yourself to appeal to them. This might mean taking courses to add new skills to your repertoire, updating your portfolio or experimenting with different styles to keep your work fresh and exciting.
- Stay Visible and Authentic
Finally, remember that you are your own best marketing tool. Whether it’s chatting with someone new in the salon, networking at industry events or simply sharing your genuine love for what you do, staying visible and authentic will help people gravitate toward you.
