From leading global hair brands to bringing the American salon suite model to the UK, John Gillespie is shaking up the industry in his role as Managing Director for Phenix Salon Suites. This year alone, he’s overseen the launch of new locations in Derby, Nottingham and York.
How did your career in hairdressing begin?
I’m from a family of hairdressers, both my mum and dad were both hairdressers so I grew up in a salon. I was folding towels and sweeping floors at five years old.
I always enjoyed the buzz of the salon and the people in it, but my Dad wanted me to go down a more academic route so didn’t encourage me to go into the industry at first. By the time I’d turned 16 it was clear I wasn’t invested in school or an academic path, so I tried out hairdressing and it all unfolded from there.
Later I attended Salon International in 1985 where I saw a side of the industry I didn’t know existed. There were cool people with microphones who weren’t just doing hair behind the chair. That really solidified my path into a different side of hairdressing. Something a bit different from the norm.
Were there any big lessons you learned straight away?
It wasn’t going to be easy. I realised fast that there was a lot to learn. I was always told to do everything so you know what’s a good job or a bad job. I never wanted to have someone else do something I couldn’t do or wasn’t prepared to do. I learnt it was going to take blood, sweat and tears, and there was plenty of that along the way!
From running your own salon to now leading a major brand — how would you describe that transition?
It’s been really organic. I’ve been involved with so many aspects of hairdressing and brands I’ve built a vast wealth of experience which has helped exponentially with my current role.
I’ve always said yes to opportunities and worried about it later. Through saying yes and showing up time and time again I’ve managed to lead a major brand development. There’s very little I’ve not seen or not done, so no matter the task at hand I’ll have some experience to pull from a past project somewhere. I’ve also been, and still am a salon professional, so I know what they need.
What was it about Phenix Salon Suites that caught your attention?
It was brand new and something I hadn’t seen before. I knew things were changing in the industry when I was first introduced to the concept, but I wasn’t sure where it was going.
I met Phenix Salon Suites founder, Gina Rivera, because she was bringing out a colour line and I was going to consult on building an education concept. Whilst I was over in the US with Gina and the team, on our final day together they took me to Phenix Salon Suites in Dallas so I could see another side of the business. I was really excited by what I saw so that got my mind ticking.
Was there a specific moment or conversation that convinced you Phenix was the future?
That day in Dallas, but also the connection with Gina as a person. We have very similar backgrounds, she grew up in a salon and understood the industry from that perspective; it just felt right. I was at a point in my career where I wasn’t sure what my next step was. When I saw Phenix Salon Suites in Dallas there were around 50 buzzing suites filled with pro’s and I expressed how we didn’t have anything like this in the UK, to which they said ‘why don’t you do it then?’… so I did.
Did you ever imagine yourself taking on a role like this — moving into leadership and brand expansion on a national level?
Yes I did. I’ve always been a dreamer and thought I was going to do more.
I always dream of the next thing I’m going to do and as soon as I get there I’m ready for something else bigger and better.
Biggest pinch-me moment in your career?
Amway Corp signed me and I ended up working with them for 20 years. I worked and performed in 60+ countries.
The pinch me moment was getting on the plane for my first business class flight to Bali. I was set to work with Amway in South Korea, and as I was boarding that flight I was so excited that I could travel and experience these amazing moments off the back of my achievements in hairdressing.
What keeps you motivated in an industry that’s constantly changing?
There’s so much to try out and get involved with. I actually love the fact it’s constantly changing because it gives me the opportunity to shift and explore new challenges with it.
How do you stay connected to your creative side while managing the business side of things?
I’m still behind the chair once a week, that keeps me grounded. It helps me to understand what’s happening with people, salon, and stylists. I’m being creative all the time with Phenix Salon Suites, just in a different way. Developing businesses you have to be highly creative because the path is never linear.
Who have been some of your biggest mentors or inspirations throughout your career?
Charlie Miller, there’re still things he said to me that I maintain to this day but generally his overall standards and wisdom. Another would be Trevor Sorbie, I always loved his presentations. He’s inspiring creatively but also as a male role model in our industry.
What does success look like for you now — and how has that changed since your early days in the industry?
Developing Phenix Salon Suites throughout Europe and over the world. I’m involved in every side of that new business development, so we’re pioneering a whole new business sector. My goal used to be to have 5-6 salons myself, but we’re nearing 100 suites in the UK so things have shifted, but that’s what success looks like to me these days.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Listen and live in the moment.
For a bit of fun…
● Tea or coffee: Tea
● Most used emoji: Smiley face 😀
● If you weren’t in hairdressing where would you be? I’d be the third member of Oasis.
● Sum your career up in 3 words: Dynamic, Different, Daring.
● Describe the future of hairdressing in one word: Change.
For more news from Phenix Salon Suites click here
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