What were your career ambitions growing up?
I always knew that I wanted to have my own business so that I could set my pace, trends and rules. It just so happened I fell in love with hair. When I first trained in hair extensions they were a fairly up and coming trend. Nothing like what they are today.
Tell us about your current role?
Currently, I am the proud owner Hair Boss Hair Extensions, (formerly @Jadeywig) serving my clients for over 16 years. I’m very fortunate to have such a loyal client base, but you often find in this industry, if you do a good job, clients stay with you for a long time. I have recently qualified as a trainer and I am just launching Hair Boss Training Academy which offers fully accredited courses in all aspects of hair extensions, covering all main techniques as well as business advise for new starters. This is to allow my students the chance to set up their own successful business, something that really wasn’t on the market when I started my company. I wish there had been a course that showed me how to market, advertise set up social media etc., as that is a huge part of running a successful business.
What is your proudest business achievement?
I am so proud of everything that I have achieved so far, from building my business from working in my little kitchen after work to now designing my own salon, and seeing my vision come to life exactly how I imagined. From just doing friends and families hair to building the most loyal following of wonderful clients. I take nothing that I have done for granted. But I think my proudest moment Is what I am working on at the moment which is launching my own brand of hair extensions. This is something I have been working towards for the past 16 years and is finally coming to fruition. How has your industry changed in the last decade? The hair industry has changed so much over the past 10 years, fashions are always changing and It’s important to be constantly retraining in order to keep up with the latest techniques and trends. The biggest change has been how popular hair extensions have become! Literally so popular now with all age ranges, they have become a must-have accessory for many now.
What are you currently working on?
Currently the launch of my training academy is taking up a big chunk of my time, but this is something that I have been planning throughout lockdown, so it gave me an opportunity to focus all of my attention on it, without other work distractions. I am so excited to start the teaching though, it has always been a passion of mine and I think it will be a great challenge for me. I am also working behind the scenes on launching my own line of products including my very own hair brand, so it really is a case of watch this space! This really has been years in the making and a huge goal of mine, so I am super excited! Watch this space… What is the best piece of business advice you have been given? Never Quit. I don’t know anyone who hasn’t at some point wanted to give up, a bad day, a bad week, a big setback, but if I had given up back then I wouldn’t be where I am now, so I would say perseverance is key!
What has been your biggest business challenge?
My biggest challenge is always remaining current, with the hair extension industry becoming so saturated, and salons popping up everywhere it’s harder than ever to stay ahead of the game, especially in the current climate. Educating myself is key, so that I can then educate others. It’s a fast-moving industry, but I endeavor to always keep up.
Who are your biggest heroes outside of work?
My biggest inspiration is and always will be my sister, Alex. She works as a signal director on the trains and is both levelheaded and caring. She is always available to offer help and advice, no matter what she has on her own plate. She really is an inspiration and my hero. My daughter Tallulah is also an inspiration, she’s the reason I work so hard and who all of this for. How do you unwind outside of work? My favourite thing to do outside of work is cuddle up with a good book and a glass of wine, but I have been known to kick my heels, occasionally!