‘At KIT, Everything Is Prescriptive And Tailored To The Individual’ – Inside Karrie Fitz’s Vision For Elevating Hairdressing Talent

From behind the chair to elevating global talent, Karrie Fitz of KIT Studios reveals the emotional and strategic alchemy behind building a successful hairdressing career and brand. 

by MADDI | DOCUMENTS

For Karrie Fitz, co-founder of KIT Studios, the journey into the hair industry has been anything but traditional. From starting as a salon assistant in Ireland to leading a forward-thinking agency that reshapes how hair professionals approach business, Karrie’s career has been defined by creativity, adaptability and a drive to elevate the craft. 

“Hair was always my path,” Karrie explains. Growing up in a household surrounded by creativity – her parents ran a garden centre – Karrie was drawn to hands-on work. ‘It wasn’t so much why hair but rather, what else could I have done? Hair was a natural fit.’ 

With the encouragement of her mother, Karrie wrote a CV and landed a job at Hugh Campbell Hair Group in Ireland. “I loved it so much,” she recalls. “But after 10 years, I realised being behind the chair wasn’t for me. At 25, I wanted to do something different – not out of hair, but not doing hair in the traditional sense.” 

In search of inspiration, Karrie took a trip to London with a friend. “We were walking around Notting Hill, popping into vintage shops and I suddenly thought, ‘I’m moving here.’ A month later, I was in London.” 

Karrie’s first role in London was with Rush Hair, where she earned accolades like Newcomer of the Year and a spot on the junior art team. Yet, something still didn’t feel right. “I thought moving to London meant I’d be doing shows and Fashion Week, but it was still five days behind the chair. It wasn’t the change I was looking for.” 

After a year and a half, Karrie left Rush to go freelance, assisting on music videos and editorial shoots. “I entered a competition with Rankin and created some of my proudest work. But even then, I knew I wasn’t quite where I wanted to be.” 

A chance opportunity at L’Oréal marked a turning point. Initially freelancing as an educator, Karrie transitioned into a full-time role after six months. “Moving into the corporate world was worlds apart from salon life. I struggled with presenting myself in a corporate way. But with the right mentorship, I found my footing and started to thrive.” 

Karrie’s creative instincts quickly found a new outlet in digital strategy. While working on L’Oréal Professionnel Paris’ Instagram account, she noticed a gap in the content. “The page was very consumer-focused, but we were talking to hairdressers. I wanted to showcase the amazing work happening in our academy every day.” 

To address this, Karrie launched L’Oréal Professionnel Paris Education UK on Instagram – a bold move that grew the page by 30,000 followers in just six months. “That was a real pivot point for me. It showed me the potential of digital platforms in connecting with hairdressers and elevating their work.” 

After five years at L’Oréal, Karrie moved to Hamburg to work with Schwarzkopf Professional. “Working on a global scale was amazing. I collaborated with incredible talent like Paddy McDougall and Andy Smith and led projects like Essential Looks and Indola’s Street Style collections.’ 

Despite the professional success, Karrie felt isolated in Germany. “I didn’t speak German, and I was quite lonely. So, I decided to return to London.” 

Back in London, Karrie collaborated closely with Jack Howard, helping him grow his digital profile. “We worked on fine-tuning his content to go viral while adding real value for his audience. It was such a buzz to see the results – thousands of new followers, millions of views. It was success after success.”

The momentum led to the creation of KIT Studios in 2021. “I wanted to build something that truly supported hair talent and brands, helping them grow their profiles and achieve their goals. At KIT, everything is prescriptive and tailored to the individual. It’s about mentoring and strategising in a way that’s unique to each client.”

Karrie emphasises the emotional aspect of the work. “A lot of what we do is addressing emotional blockers. Whether it’s fear, limiting beliefs or confidence issues, we sit with those and help people move forward. Growth often comes from discomfort and that’s where the magic happens.”

KIT Studios has since expanded into consumer PR and content production, with plans for further growth. “We want to elevate the industry by thinking outside of it. Our team works to create fresh, exciting opportunities for our clients, whether that’s through PR, events or digital strategy.”

Looking ahead, Karrie is developing a digital platform to serve hair professionals at all stages of their careers. “It’s a one-stop destination for hairdressers worldwide. Whether you’re looking to collaborate, find freelance work, or simply grow your profile, this platform will be for you.”

Reflecting on her journey, Karrie shares, “I’ve been told before that the most valuable person on your team is the one who doesn’t always agree with you. At KIT, we’re not afraid to have honest conversations, even when they’re uncomfortable. That’s where real growth happens – for us and our clients.”

From her early days in Ireland to the launch of KIT Studios, Karrie Fitz has remained committed to elevating the hair industry, one connection at a time. “It’s about creating spaces where people can thrive, both creatively and professionally. That’s what keeps me excited and inspired every day.”

‘It Would Have Been The Easy Route To Open On Saturdays’ – Sacha Fleming On Her Forward-Thinking Approach To Salon Business 

Closing Saturdays: why Sãn Studio is rewriting the hairdressing rulebook 

by MADDI | DOCUMENTS

In a bold move that challenges longstanding industry norms, Sacha Fleming, founder of Sãn Studio, has chosen to close her salon on Saturdays. The decision, rooted in her desire for a better work-life balance, has not only reshaped her business but also inspired her team and clients to rethink what really matters. 

For Sacha, closing on Saturdays wasn’t just a business decision; it was deeply personal. “I wanted to achieve my dream of a work-life balance, creating a working life that would always fit in with my family,” she shares. “Taking time for myself and our family instead of creating a crazy hectic business life that I ended up hating.”  

When Sãn Studio opened, Sacha made it clear: Saturdays were off the table. “It would have been the easy route to open on Saturdays, an age-old tradition and service we are expected to provide,” she comments. “It would bring in more clients and more revenue, but it wouldn’t make us happy. We have no plans to change it. We get a proper Friday feeling, and we love discussing our weekend plans!” 

Sacha noticed a shift in how clients scheduled their appointments, with Saturdays no longer the busiest day of the week for many businesses. “I saw more and more people arriving during the week for hair appointments with their laptops in hand, ready to continue work while fitting in their routine hair appointment,” she explains. 

This observation became central to Sãn’s design, which features purpose-built work-from-home stations. “Creating purpose-built work-from-home stations for clients to comfortably work with everything they needed was our way into freeing up our weekends,” Sacha says. 

Three months after opening, the concept has been a hit. “We now have online bookings specifically requesting a work-from-home station,” Sacha says. “So much so, we already have plans to build more in the new year.” 

The response from clients has been overwhelmingly positive. “Clients have been amazing – some switching it up and working in the salon during the week instead to make sure they can get in, others praising us for putting ourselves first,” Sacha shares. 

She highlights how many women have supported the decision. “Women in our chairs tell us every day about how important it is to be around your family and how fast those early years go. My children are three and five, and my husband and I have them as our number one priority.”  

The decision has also had a profound impact on the team. “It has encouraged all the girls working within Sãn to put personal and family life first,” Sacha mentions. “Something, as hairdressers, we have struggled to do in times past.” 

San Studio

Sacha’s advice to fellow salon owners considering a similar move is clear: “It’s a huge decision. It’s not easy. But we all must be aware of a happy, sustainable workplace. Be bold and choose you!”  

By closing on Saturdays, Sãn Studio has set a new standard for what a modern salon can look like – one that prioritises well-being without compromising on quality. With plans to expand their work-from-home spaces and growing support from clients, Sacha is confident in the path she’s chosen. “We’re building something different, something sustainable,” she says. 

Beyond The Chair Care

How salons are transforming their communities all across the UK and Ireland

by CAITLYN | DOCUMENTS

Salons have always been places of connection, care, and transformation. But for some salon owners, their impact goes far beyond the services they provide. These salons are creating safe spaces, building community programmes, and volunteering their time to support those who need it most. Whether it’s through offering a warm, inclusive environment or providing outreach to vulnerable groups, these salons are changing lives in ways that go well beyond haircuts.

Creating Safe Spaces

At the core of many salons is the connection between stylists and their clients, but some salons take this further by making their spaces feel like sanctuaries of warmth, acceptance, and care. Craig Henderson, owner of Craig’s Barber Shop in Bolton, has created a space that is uniquely welcoming for neurodivergent clients, children with disabilities, and those who often struggle with traditional salon environments. “A lot of them have had really bad experiences until they found the right hair professional who they could confide in,” Craig shares. His shop offers a calm, non-judgmental environment that helps clients feel safe.

Similarly, Siobhan Maher, owner of The Peculiar Hair Club in Leixlip, County Kildare, designed her salon as a gender-neutral, inclusive space where everyone feels at home. “When a client comes in, they know they are in a safe space where they can express themselves,” she explains. This welcoming atmosphere is especially important for clients who may not feel comfortable in more traditional salons. Both Craig and Siobhan’s spaces reflect a growing movement in the salon industry – one that recognises the need for salons to be more inclusive and emotionally supportive environments.

Going Beyond the Salon

While creating safe spaces inside the salon is essential, some owners take their work a step further by reaching out into their communities and providing care to those who may never step foot inside their doors. For these salon owners, giving back is not just a gesture – it’s a commitment.

Inspiring Others

The impact of these efforts doesn’t stop with the individuals these salons serve. Both Craig and Alison are taking their commitment further by developing programmes that help other salon professionals offer the same level of care.

Craig is currently working on a training programme for other hairdressers and barbers across the UK, teaching them how to work with neurodivergent clients and individuals with disabilities. “It’s really about communication and giving them the extra time they need,” Craig explains. His goal is to create a network of professionals who can provide the same level of thoughtful, tailored care that his shop offers. This effort is about more than just teaching technique – it’s about creating a new standard of inclusivity in the industry.

Alison, too, is working to expand her influence beyond Inverness. Her vision is to create a network of salons that can offer similar services to hospices across the country. “The difference it makes to people in their final days is something that can’t be overstated,” she adds. By sharing her experience, getting people in contact, and helping other salon owners understand the value of this work, Alison is paving the way for more salons to integrate care into their business models.

Siobhan Maher’s Peculiar Hair Club is much more than a salon; it’s a home for self-expression and inclusivity, a place where the LGBTQ+ community finds acceptance and empowerment. And Samantha Cusick’s dedication to uplifting women and young stylists –– through her advocacy, mentoring, and community outreach – shows how the act of giving back can extend far beyond a single moment, inspiring confidence that resonates long into the future.

Together, these salon owners are leading a movement within the beauty industry, one that recognises that the true power of a salon lies in its ability to create change, not just in appearances but in lives. Their stories challenge us to think bigger, to care deeper, and to redefine the role that salons can play in the fabric of our communities.