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“We’re Curating Something Special Here” – Inside The Noir, Edgy Revamp Of Josh Wood’s Atelier

“We’re Curating Something Special Here” – Inside The Noir, Edgy Revamp Of Josh Wood’s Atelier

Nov 27, 2024 | CREATIVE PROJECTS, CREATIVE PROJECTS HEADER, EXPLORE, HOME EXPLORE

“We’re Curating Something Special Here” – Inside The Noir, Edgy Revamp Of Josh Wood’s Atelier

A decade on, the iconic Notting Hill salon has transformed into a sleek, modern space with
a bold vision – blending high-end design, artistic flair and next-level support for its talented team.

by MADDI | CREATIVE PROJECTS

Josh Wood_Maria Stavang
Josh Wood_Maria Stavang
Josh Wood_Maria Stavang
Josh Wood_Maria Stavang

A decade after its initial launch, the Josh Wood Atelier has enjoyed not only an interior refresh but a business rethink, too. Design group West and Vittori were brought on board to elevate the space. “I wanted it to look slick, stripped back, modern,” says Josh. “It’s a little more noir, slightly edgier. We’ll be hosting art and flower installations, so we need to have a backdrop that can keep evolving.” His favourite element? A pink quartz underlit table in the colour room: “It glows,” he whispers, describing it as his pièce de résistance. “It took some doing with engineers because those quartz bricks are quite heavy. It was a labour of love.” 

This transformation wasn’t just aesthetic; it reflects a shift in the Atelier’s ethos. Josh explains, “We wanted to think about the next five to ten years and what the industry might look like. It’s about creating a much cleaner, crisper space – a blank canvas – using very high-quality furniture and materials. The design before was quite full-on and we pared it back to focus on timeless functionality.” 

Located in Notting Hill, just behind Holland Park tube station, the Atelier aims to strike a balance between its international reputation and a local salon feel. “A lot of our clients are high-profile or high-net-worth individuals, and their image is incredibly important. But they don’t see hair as separate from their overall look – it’s about the full picture,” he explains. “So, we think about how they’re going to look and feel at the end – whether they need brows, lashes, nails or make-up. We’re a one-stop shop for incredibly time-starved clients.” 

Josh Wood_Maria Stavang
Josh Wood_Maria Stavang
Josh Wood_Maria Stavang

The redesign also prioritised flexibility, allowing the space to evolve over time. “The upstairs floor, for example, used to feel more curated with old furniture I’d collected – library tables from France, a black metal chest from America. Now, we’ve stripped it back so it’s more open and adaptable. I dream of hosting a sculpture exhibition up there one day,” Josh shares. 

Beyond the physical changes, the Atelier now operates more like a talent management agency, nurturing the careers of its self-employed stylists, including The It List Editorial Stylist winner Mike Mahoney. “The industry has shifted,” Josh explains. “Most people here are self-employed and running their businesses. We encourage their growth, whether that’s through creativity or building a team. We act almost like agents, helping manage both their salon clients and creative work. If someone has a big job, we’ll take care of the logistics so they can focus on their craft.” 

Clients have embraced the changes wholeheartedly. “They love the freshness and cleanness of the space,” Josh says. “But more than that, they appreciate the spirit of the business. We’re curating something special here, from partnering with Chanel for make-up at Claridge’s to introducing Bio Sculpture nails and collaborating with local food producers. It’s all about creating opportunities and taking the headache away from the team, so they can focus on what they do best – being creative.”  

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“Going Grey Is Fine If A Client Suits Grey Hair, But They Are The Exception”

“Going Grey Is Fine If A Client Suits Grey Hair, But They Are The Exception”

Nov 26, 2024 | CONVERSATIONS, CONVERSATIONS HEADER, EXPLORE, HOME EXPLORE

“Going Grey Is Fine If A Client Suits Grey Hair, But They Are The Exception”

Salon owner Gustav Fouche discusses the pros and cons of clients transitioning to grey and why ‘growing old gracefully’ isn’t the same for everyone

by KELSEY | CONVERSATIONS

bebop team members
Gustav Fouche
“I always say going grey is fine if a client suits grey hair, but they are the exception. For most people, they see ‘going grey’ as just leaving the hair to go grey naturally, which doesn’t work, because it doesn’t suit the skin tone. It requires work to make grey hair look good.”

“More and more, I see other hairdressers suggesting clients transition to grey but that massively impacts business. All of a sudden, clients think, ‘Oh, we can just leave our hair.’ It encourages them to leave the salon and do nothing with their hair going forward. The result? You have regulars who used to visit every six weeks now no longer visiting at all.”

“A lot of people discuss growing old gracefully, but what does that even mean? It’s each person’s individual wants and needs. For my clients, I encourage them to be outrageous. I love outrageous. Let’s shock the people. When people walk in the street, let them look at us, be quirky and bring out all your uniqueness. That’s what I love. If your uniqueness is to be very Chanel, then that’s fine. And if your uniqueness is to be very Alexander McQueen, then that is also okay. But let’s bring some personality, whatever level of scale that is, let’s encourage clients to show it in their looks, whatever their age.”

“Really look at your client. To give them the most flattering result possible, the perfect grey requires salon services. That may not be every six weeks, but rather an appointment every eight to 10 weeks (or at the most four times a year) to make the grey creamier, to add texture or whatever is required for them to look amazing.”

“A lot of people discuss growing old gracefully, but what does that even mean? It’s each person’s individual wants and needs.”

“We need to look at ways to keep them coming back – it’s the same for balayage clients! If you only see a client once in four months, do you realise how many clients you need to see to actually have a full diary? On a typical day, if you see six clients and they come every four months across a five-day working week, that is 30 clients. If you think of this across a four-month cycle, that’s 500 people that you need to have as clients. That is massive for a general diary, which is typically 180 clients. The reality is you would need to see double the number of clients to have the same outcome.”

Gustav with his client June

“As an industry, we need to look at how we will survive. I have grey-haired clients, but they will see me for a gloss, toner or neutralisation. They do not leave their hair to its own devices. Look at each client as an individual and see what you can do to enhance because every single client’s hair can be enhanced. And it may be very subtle. Speak to your clients – find out what they like and what they dislike – and tap into what makes them unique. The key is offering bespoke services tailored to their needs.”

Gustav’s salon

“A lot of my older clients now have a pink or purple piece in their hair, and that is the attitude that we should embrace. Let’s uplift people. Let’s take them to a place where they can stand and look and just be happy and confident. I think women are the best things ever, and we as hairdressers should celebrate them and help them grow in confidence by bringing out that inner reliance in them. I think that is is the true skill that hairdressers have.”

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“The Important Thing Is Giving People The Freedom To Express Themselves”

“The Important Thing Is Giving People The Freedom To Express Themselves”

Nov 25, 2024 | DOCUMENTS, DOCUMENTS HEADER, EXPLORE, HOME EXPLORE

“The Important Thing Is Giving People The Freedom To Express Themselves”

Pont Smith and Chloe Herve’s ethics-first business ethos has taken their bebop salon brand from tiny start-up to an award-winning mega-space that’s on the radar of major fashion brands.

by CATHERINE | DOCUMENTS

bebop team members

The bebop team set the mood – and the clients love it

Launched by Pont Smith and Chloe Herve in 2017, bebop is an industry success story – a bright, airy salon in London’s Holloway with a brilliant vibe, great music and a team of big, colourful personalities, who, alongside hair and nail services, do a roaring trade in tooth gems. People love the quirkiness. Two-and-a-half years ago, bebop had to expand into sizeable new premises to cope with surging client demand. In the last 12 months it’s made the Best London Hair Salon list in TimeOut magazine and won Best Salon Team at Creative HEAD’s Most Wanted awards.

We’re not surprised. Because if you ever needed an example of a modern, forward-thinking hairdressing business with a completely fresh approach to creativity, teamwork and clients, bebop is it. Chloe and Pont have built their brand carefully and ethically from day one, pioneering gender-neutral pricing and eco-conscious practices long before they were trendy and priding themselves on providing inclusive, super-friendly service and a buzzing atmosphere in the salon. Their overriding ethos? “Treat other people the way you would want to be treated yourself.”

Pont Smith

Pont Smith

“When Chloe and I went into business there was a lot of stuff that we’d always moaned about in our own careers, so we made a pact that we would never do that to anyone else,” says Pont. “Listening and communication are such a big thing with us and expressing thanks as well. We know we are lucky we’ve got such good stylists with us, and we couldn’t be where we are without them, so gratitude’s a big one and just trusting them as well.”

The bebop team is undoubtedly a big part of the brand’s success – a bunch of 22 charismatic extroverts that clients love to be around. But with the vast majority declaring some form of neuro-divergency, Pont and Chloe have had to figure out a different way of working to create the perfect environment for them to feel comfortable.

“Our business model has always been quite open – everyone’s individual and that’s how I try to run the business. So, if someone wants to do four days, they work four days. If someone wants to be employed, they can be. It’s kind of down to them. With mental health being such a big issue, I think you need a bit more freedom nowadays, you can’t put everyone in the same box. And while it can be a bit chaotic at times, the team genuinely care about what they do, they’re completely invested in it and they work really hard at it, too.”

“Our business model has always been quite open – everyone’s individual and I want us to reflect that”

While Chloe takes care of the numbers in the business, Pont, whose background is in education, takes care of the people – but with such big characters to deal with, he admits he’s got his work cut out. “Team meetings can be quite taxing!” he smiles. “But the important thing is giving people the freedom to express themselves. Creating the right atmosphere is key when you’re dealing with neuro-divergency and that trickles down from the top. I spend time making sure I’m mentally fit and kind on myself because that works down to the guys on the floor. And our atmosphere is what the clients really enjoy and comment on.”

bebop at Most Wanted Grand Final

bebop strike a pose at the 2024 Most Wanted Grand Final

When Chloe and Pont launched their business, they talked about flipping the hair industry on its head. “We wanted to do everything differently,” says Pont. “We wanted to think the opposite of what the industry was thinking – it’s the only way to make the industry grow.” When, after two-and-a-half years, bebop moved into its current, much bigger premises, a key part of the vision was to use the space for events and to create a sense of community among London salons that they felt was lacking back then. The salon’s pub quizzes, led by the team, are legendary (a recent St Patrick’s Day edition saw clients buying tables and staff pulling pints of Guinness), and the bebop Hair Jam, where the team invites 12 hairstylists from all over the UK and Europe to showcase their work (“There’s no judgment, no competition, we’re all just there having a good time looking at good work and sharing ideas and networking”), is fast becoming a recognised annual industry event.

bebop salon

bebop’s salon doubles up as an event space

Collaborations are another line of interest. In May 2023 bebop were approached by SSHH Ltd, the creative agency for the Kickers shoe brand, who were gearing up to relaunch the Kade shoe and saw bebop as the ideal venue to captivate the youthful, fashion-forward target market. The salon was transformed into a vibrant showcase for fashion, fun and creativity, with DJs providing the sounds, attendees hitting the dancefloor, and the bebop team providing hairstyling with colourful hair beads, exclusive nail art and tooth gem installations. “I never see hair salons collaborating with big brands like that,” says Pont. “It was a lot of hard work because we’re such a small team to be working out all the logistics and stuff, but it was a cool thing to be part of and our team loved it.”  The team is now planning a collaboration with homeless charity Crisis, as well as exploring opportunities with other clothing brands. “We’re just figuring things out with them, seeing whether there’s a good fit,” says Pont.

“I spend time making sure I’m mentally fit and kind on myself because that works down to the guys on the floor”

Looking to the future, bebop is all about pushing the boundaries of what a salon can be. The business has set up an online shop selling a range of bebop merchandise, including neon mugs, logo T-shirts and a bebop camo cap that sold out within days (such are the benefits of having a clientele that can’t get enough of you!). “We’re even considering creating our own product line,” says Pont. “Our dream is to see bebop’s concept take off in different parts of the world.”

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The Value In Finding Creative Outlets Outside Of Hair

The Value In Finding Creative Outlets Outside Of Hair

Nov 20, 2024 | DOCUMENTS, DOCUMENTS HEADER, HOME EXPLORE

The Value In Finding Creative Outlets Outside Of Hair

Five hair pros share how they switch off while keeping the creative fires burning

by KELSEY | DOCUMENTS

El Viaje Scents

In a world where most of us are ‘chronically online,’ it’s never been more important to seek out ways to switch off and stay away from screens. As naturally creative people, many hair professionals are turning their attention to other creative outlets outside of working hours. From fashion styling and dance to candle-making and gardening, hair pros have a whole host of passion projects away from the chair – with some even pursuing them as additional business ventures.

“Working in the hair industry demands a lot. We are up close and personal with our clients all day,” says Stephen Aiken, colourist at Pure Hair in Belfast, who has discovered a passion for creating fragrances and candles. “When I’m creating my scents, I get to be in my studio alone, enjoying some much-needed ‘me’ time—just myself with some music or even a podcast in the background,” he explains.  

Stephen Aiken

Stephen Aiken

Stephen was drawn to creating fragrances because of the fascinating chemistry behind them, where blending different scents can evoke distinct moods and atmospheres. What started as a love of buying candles and scents for his home led to a lightbulb moment of wanting to create his own fragrances based on his favourite aromas.  “There’s nothing better than getting home from a busy day at work, putting my feet up and setting the mood with the warm glow of a candle,” he comments.

What started as a small-scale project creating candles for himself, as well as friends and family, has grown into a business venture, with Stephen launching El Viaje, offering a range of charcoal incense, room sprays and wax melts. “There is so much involved in creating a scent, and the fun part is coming up with the combination—a little bit of this and a little bit of that to create the perfect blend. It’s the same as when I create colour mixtures for my clients,” he adds.

Likewise, for freelance hairdresser Justin Meckland, it’s been important to find a passive project which allows him to switch off and focus on another creative industry he loves – fashion styling. “Being a hairstylist has become part of my personality – since going freelance this was the perfect opportunity to explore my love for fashion styling on a deeper level and study online with the London College of Style,” Justin explains.

While he may admit to never fully switching off from his work as a hairdresser, committing to the styling course enabled Justin to set aside a day each week to turn his phone on ‘do not disturb’ and fully immerse himself in the world of fashion, completing weekly assignments and discovering more about the industry. “I’m constantly creating mood boards based on things like fashion through the decades, or drafting editorial submissions for projects, so the creative juices are always flowing,” he adds.

A world away from fashion styling but equally as mindful, salon owner Oliver Blackaby uses gardening as a source of creative expression.  For as long as he can remember, Oliver has had a deep love of gardening, but over the past two years it’s transformed from a casual hobby into a source of relaxation and even therapy. “Gardening, for me, is an art form,” he comments. “It’s about layering textures and colours, experimenting with plant combinations, and embracing the challenges of finding compatible plants that thrive together in light or shade.”

 

Justin Meckland

Justin on set styling

The results of Oliver’s hard work

In the past year, he has taken on some ambitious projects in the garden that have pushed him both creatively and physically. Last year, he relocated his fishpond to a new area and added a water feature. “The soothing sound of water has become a central part of my garden, offering a peaceful spot to meditate and unwind,” Oliver shares. “This year, I took on the challenge of building a nature pond, a sanctuary for frogs and other critters. This project breathed new life into a neglected part of the garden, transforming it into a vibrant, thriving ecosystem.”

Gardening has become more than just a pastime for Oliver, it’s a way for him to engage with life on multiple levels—creatively, physically and spiritually. “It’s where I find peace, challenge myself and connect with the world around me.”

For hairdressing apprentice Rhys Cockell, switching off and pursuing other creative endeavours has also helped him become immersed in another community, the Welsh Ballroom Community, which celebrates the Welsh ballroom scene in Wales. “Initially, it was my housemate who asked about going to some open sessions running in my city,” Rhys explains. “It was just after the final round of COVID lockdowns, and I thought it would be a way to break up the routine of going to work and coming home.”

Rhys had long admired Ballroom from a distance, through the lenses of Paris is Burning and watching Kendrick Mugler’s YouTube channel, so decided to go to the session. Since then, it’s become his main creative outlet and has actively been competing in the in the Kiki scene for around ten months. “Ballroom helps me switch off from work because the creativity for me is in different areas,” Rhys shares.

The Ballroom scene brings together a wide range of cultures and identities, meaning Rhys is influenced by the varying interpretations of the categories, which helps him stay creative. “A lot of the time we are creating effects (costumes) out of a shoestring budget or last minute and that to me is where the creativity lies. Ballroom teaches you to really go in on an idea.”

Rhys in motion captured by @hannahtottlephoto

 

Whether from the comfort of your home or garden or joining other communities to participate in activities, the value of switching off cannot be understated. Not only beneficial for mental health, but it can also spark inspiration and allow you to express yourself outside of the salon environment. It’s an opportunity to nurture your other talents – and the results speak for themselves. Case in point, Richard Phillipart’s impressive embroidery.

What started as a way to stop looking at screens after work has blossomed into beautiful artwork. “Embroidery requires both hands and demands your complete attention, there is no way I can find myself on a screen if I’m doing needlework,” he explains.  “So much of my time is consumed by hairdressing that I wanted an outlet that had nothing to do with the industry. My mum crossed stitched, and as a very gay child I would practise with her but nothing like the work I’m creating now. When looking for a craft to keep me off screens I thought this skill may still be in the recesses of my memory and I could tap into it,” he adds.

Richard is still trying to find his artistic style in this medium, as it’s traditionally a woman’s craft, so inspiration in a modern, less flowery style is limited. “I started out recreating paintings by famous artists like Picasso and Dali but felt constrained trying to recreate existing imagery. Lately, I’ve been exploring more modern art styles that allow for interpretation such as psychedelics, graffiti and cartoons.”

Richard’s epic embroidery

What is most apparent is there’s no one set passion project that you should or shouldn’t follow. Consider this your sign to nurture your inner child and tap into your interests, who knows where it could lead…

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

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

Nov 19, 2024 | DOCUMENTS, DOCUMENTS HEADER, EXPLORE, HOME EXPLORE

‘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

Karrie Fitz

For Karrie Fitz, 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.” 

KIT Instagram

@kitstudios on Instagram

KIT Instagram

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.”

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

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

Nov 19, 2024 | DOCUMENTS, DOCUMENTS HEADER, EXPLORE, HOME EXPLORE

‘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

San studio

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 Fleming headshot

Sacha Fleming

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.” 

San studio 2

San Studio

San studio 4

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 3

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. 

  

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