Mandy has been a hairdresser for well over 30 years, starting as a Saturday Girl in Harrow, London before moving to the beautiful, historic market town of Oundle in 2006. Mandy completed her Level 3 Apprenticeship with Heart of England Training and we were delighted to visit her recently in her very own salon: Studio 36.
Mandy had been making plans since 2012 to open her own salon, but it wasn’t until the pandemic 8 years later that she finally made her big step. “Covid hit – that was it!” said Mandy, who successfully applied for a start-up loan and received mentoring and support with her business plan to take her dreams to the next level.
Before she could open the doors to clients, Mandy created a range of ‘colour at home’ kits for doorstep delivery. When the doors did finally open 8 weeks ago, Mandy and her team were overwhelmed by positive comments regarding the design and aesthetics of the salon, enhanced by a large amount of natural light through the front windows overlooking the historic Market Place.
“A studio is a place where an artist creates” said Mandy, hence the salon’s name, and the business has quickly evolved into a combined offering of hairdressing and beauty therapy services as well as bridal and prom packages. Mandy is thankful for her HOET Educator, Megan Heath, who is a “great mentor – and made it much easier to pass the qualification.”
Mandy shared her top tips for aspiring salon owners:
- Really hone your skills and become an all-rounder
- Consider a business course or some mentoring
- Get some money behind you
- Go for your dreams!
Although opening a new business during a pandemic came with a larger share of challenges than under usual circumstances, it was the very thing that gave Mandy the push she needed: “anything is possible if you want it enough.”
To find out more about the Studio 36 experience, visit www.hairatstudio36.co.uk or search ‘Hair at Studio 36’ on Facebook.
