Business Education Featured

Williams & Hirst Share Their Experiences as Solo Stylists

February 27, 2025

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 independent hairdressing that we find ourselves in.

In an exclusive new series for ProHair, Jack and Ross share their experiences as skilful solo stylists and business entrepreneurs. Here, they kick off with why they think chair rental is where it is at now…

At Williams & Hirst, we’re firm believers in the power of independence. It’s one of the reasons we’ve built our co-working salon around the chair rental model. For us, it’s the best way to empower stylists to grow their own brands while benefiting from the support of a collaborative environment. If you’re weighing up the pros and cons of commission-based employment versus chair rental, here’s why we think chair rental is the ultimate way to go…

  1. Freedom and Control

    One of the biggest advantages of chair rental is the freedom it gives you. You’re in charge of your business, your hours, your pricing and your clients. Want to take a long weekend or book in a last-minute appointment? It’s entirely up to you. Being able to call the shots means you can shape your work life around your goals and priorities. For us, that independence is invaluable, and it’s why we’ve created a space where you can thrive as your own boss while still feeling part of a bigger community.

  2. Build Your Own Brand

    When you rent a chair, you’re not just working – you’re building your own brand. You have the chance to develop your unique style and reputation, separate from the umbrella of an employer’s brand. At Williams & Hirst, we see each stylist as a creative entrepreneur, and we love how everyone brings their individuality to the salon. Clients will come to know you for your skill, creativity and personal touch. It’s an opportunity to grow something that’s entirely yours, while benefiting from the shared energy and exposure of a co-working space.

  3. A Collaborative, Not Competitive, Environment

    At Williams & Hirst, we’ve worked hard to ensure our chair rental model creates a sense of collaboration rather than competition. Everyone here is focused on growing their own business, but there’s always room for sharing ideas, advice and inspiration. It’s a supportive environment that fosters creativity and success for all.

  4. Financial Control and Benefits

    Chair rental puts you in control of your finances in a way commission-based employment can’t. You decide your prices, so your income reflects your worth and your effort. Unlike commission splits, where a percentage of what you earn goes to the salon, with chair rental, your profits are yours to keep. Another perk? You can expense your costs. From your tools and products to travel and training, these are deductible against your income. This not only helps with managing costs, but also makes running your business more efficient from a financial perspective.

  5. The Best of Both Worlds

    For us, chair rental creates the perfect balance; it gives stylists the freedom to run their own show while providing a professional and stylish space to do it in. You get to be part of a buzzing salon with all the facilities and atmosphere you need to impress your clients, but without the strings of traditional employment.

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