This issue, Karoliina sits down with MARNEY LIAN, co-owner and Creative Director of Gritt, London.
HI MARNEY, IT’S GREAT TO MEET YOU. TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR CAREER –HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN HAIRDRESSING AND HOW DID YOU GET TO WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?
I started my career at the age of 14 as a Saturday girl, so that’s now 21 years I have been working in salons. I can honestly say I’ve never had a change of heart or fallen out of love with hairdressing. I’ve worked in small boutique salons to big chains, but I finally took the plunge to be self-employed and, shortly after, I decided to open Gritt in 2021.
IT SOUNDS LIKE IT WAS A BIG STEP FOR YOU SETTING UP ON YOUR OWN. WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR BIGGEST LESSONS?
Yes, it was a total life-changing step. My top three biggest lessons would be: ask for help when you need it; be your own person and finally, you can’t please all of the people all of the time. And that’s ok!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE THINKING OF TAKING ON A BUSINESS?
A lot of the time as a salon owner, you have to put yourself last. It can be tough!The best advice I can give is: Firstly, make sure you have enough support outside of the salon and secondly, never cut corners.
TELL US ABOUT GRITT, LONDON
Well, the definition of ‘gritt’ is a personality trait characterised by perseverance and passion for achieving long-term goals. ‘Gritt’ entails working strenuously to overcome challenges and
maintaining effort and interest over time despite failures, adversities, and plateaus in progress. That sums up the ethos of the salon. It was born out of hard work and determination. We’re based in Clapham and we offer a 5-star service with an amazingly talented team of stylists. Gritt is anything but the norm – our aim is to be the most original and unique salon space in London.
IT’S A GREAT LOOKING SALON. HOW DID YOU GO ABOUT DESIGNING IT?
Actually, I can’t take credit for the design. My business partner Charles put a lot of time and effort into creating our Gritt look. The salon was designed around how to offer the best experience possible, and we spent a lot of time creating the perfect salon ambience for our clients to relax, be themselves and enjoy their time with us. Our dream was to achieve a look that epitomised luxury.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES OF MANAGING A TEAM?
Truthfully, managing a team is a lot about YOU keeping salon morale high. Your team will feed off of your energy so being positive every single day while working on the shop floor can be hard sometimes –especially on days when you’re not feeling 100 per cent – but it’s essential. Meeting all your team’s expectations while teaching and mentoring them can also be challenging in its own right.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR CREATIVE WORK AND HOW DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION FOR IT?
Fortunately, the salon is made up of a creative team, so we feed off each other. I find lots of inspiration in my day-to-day life – I bring it to the team, then we brainstorm and perfect it.
GRITT HAS A GREAT PRESENCE ON SOCIAL MEDIA. WHAT TIPS WOULD YOU GIVE TO ANYONE ELSE ABOUT CREATING CONTENT?
To be totally honest, social media isn’t easy to keep up with. It takes time and effort. My tips would be to take as many pictures and videos as you can and practice angles and your lighting. No one shot fits all and you will need to make time to work on content – that won’t always be during work hours.
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NOMINATION FOR LONDON HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR IN 2022. WHAT PLANS HAVE YOU GOT FOR ENTERING COMPETITIONS THIS YEAR AND WHAT WOULD A BIG WIN MEAN TO YOU?
Thank you so much! What an honour it was to even finalise with some of the most talented people in the industry. It’s always been a dream of mine and this year we’re going for the win! It would be such a privilege to win such a prestigious award.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE HAIR PRODUCT THAT YOU COULD NOT LIVE WITHOUT?
I could not live without Bumble and Bumble Thickening Dry Spun Texture Spray and their Prêt à Powder is my ultimate fave.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR 16-YEAR-OLD SELF?
I would tell my 16-year-old-self that you’re not going to wake up one day with your life exactly where you want it to be. It’s a constant battle; there’s no substitute for hard work.
HOW DOES OUR INDUSTRY LOOK TO YOU AT THE MOMENT AND HOW DO YOU SEE THE NEXT COUPLE OF YEARS?
I feel the industry looks the most exciting it has ever been! There’s so much new, raw talent, and it’s incredible how far we have come on education for all hair types. I see us being much more of an inclusive industry and stylists finally gaining the respect they deserve for the work they do.
HOW DO YOU MAKE TIME FOR YOUR SELFCARE?
Ha ha, if I’m honest, I’m still struggling with finding a balance. But I’m working on it!
WHO ARE THE HAIR HEROES YOU LOOK UP TO?
My hair heroes are my team. They come in to work rain or shine and literally turn around amazing hair all day, every day, regardless of what’s happening in their personal lives. Heroes!
THANK YOU SO MUCH AND GOOD LUCK WITH ALL YOU’VE GOT LINED UP THIS YEAR!
