Retirement complex salon is a cut above the rest

Our feature – Meet The Salon Owner – gives business owners and managers the chance to shine a spotlight on their salon and showcase some of their best work.

Here, 39-year-old Kelly Barlow tells us what it was like trying to launch a new business – Elegance Hair and Beauty with Kelly - during the Covid-19 pandemic, opening her salon just a week before the second wave of lockdown restrictions, and what sets her salon above others in the area.

What’s the name of the salon/business?

Elegance Hair and Beauty with Kelly

What’s the address?

Willowmere

East Road

Middlewich

CW10 9PY

How many employees do you have?

I have one employee, Courtney Blower, who is currently studying Hairdressing Level 2. She started working with me in April last year and together we make a great team.

When did you open the salon?

I opened the salon in October 2020. A week later I had to close because of the Covid pandemic.

A sleek colour and cut

Are you local to the area? Did you grow up here?

I have lived in Winsford most of my life, so have a good knowledge of Middlewich and its surrounding areas. When the opportunity arose to open a salon in Middlewich, I couldn’t think of a better place to set up my business.

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Tell me a bit about your salon/business

My salon is in a retirement complex and I love the intimate and friendly location. My salon is diverse and inclusive and we do our very best to meet every customer’s individual needs. We have a wide range of clientele of all ages and we specialise in catering for those that may have a learning difficulty or disability, including those that have autism or other challenging behaviours. We also offer silent appointments for anyone suffering with anxiety or mental health problems on a Sunday by appointment only. I have access to a sensory room in the complex which my clients can use if they need some quiet time.

The salon can cater for all needs

What do you do? What services do you provide?

I offer all aspects of hairdressing from cuts and colours to perms, wedding hair and keratin treatments. I also offer a small selection of beauty treatments including manicures, pedicures and eyebrow wax and tints. The hairdressing side of the business is my passion as this has been what I’ve wanted to do from an early age. It can give clients such a huge boost in confidence.

Why did you decide to open your own salon?

I have always wanted to open my own salon so when the chance arose, I jumped at it.

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What’s your hair and beauty background?

At the age of 17, I started an apprenticeship at a local salon and within a couple of years I was given the opportunity to manage another salon taking on more responsibilities. A couple of years later I decided to become a self-employed mobile hairdresser which gave me the flexibility to work around my family life. I then made a career change and got a job at a local school where I developed my knowledge and understanding of children with special educational needs. But I realised something was missing - I missed hairdressing and the time was right to open my own salon.

Bouncy, glossy waves

Why this type of business?

From an early age I was always playing with my dolls hair and giving them different hairstyles and even cutting the odd one or two! As I grew older, I took dancing lessons with a friend and my mum would spend ages doing our hair for different competitions and I ended up doing some of the other children’s hair too.

How did the Covid-19 pandemic affect your business?

I opened my salon a week before we went into the second wave of restrictions in October 2020. It was tough and I re-opened my salon as soon as we were allowed in December 2020, making sure my clients were as protected as possible. During the restrictions I was determined I wasn’t going to lose my salon after everything I had put into it and I was able to make some extra improvements and complete some online training.

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What makes your business different to others in the same area/field? What sets your business apart from your competitors?

I think what makes my business different to others is that I tailor my appointments to suit everybody’s individual needs. I am diverse and inclusive. My clients are like family. The support they have given to me over the years and through lockdown has been amazing and their support and friendship means a lot to me.

The salon is located in Willowmere, Middlewich

Why do loyal clients return to your business?

I believe my clients come back time and time again because I make them feel special and I try and keep my prices competitive. I make their visits warm and welcoming and cater for all their needs, making them feel special.

What’s next? What do the next few months hold for you and your salon?

I will continue to build my business and clientele and Courtney and I will develop our knowledge through modern training methods, keeping up with new trends to offer a wider choice of treatments. My salon has been nominated in this year’s English Hair and Beauty awards 2023, which is a huge honour as it is based on client votes. We will be attending the final stages in February. I believe in giving back to the community and over the past two years I have supported and sponsored some fantastic local projects. I am hoping to be able help more community projects throughout the year.

If you would like to feature in Meet The Salon Owner, email heidi.summerfield@newsquest.co.uk