Claire Savage, a hairdresser, business woman, educator, mother and wife – there’s nothing she can’t do. A mum of four and a dog mum of two, Claire is married to a submariner who is rarely at home juggling family life and business is only possible with thanks to her amazing team.
How did you get started in hairdressing?
I started as a hairdressing apprentice at 16 at a local salon. I moved to Verelle when I was 18 and by 21, as well as working in the salon, I started my assessor awards and progressed to my certificate in education which helped me to become a trainer
Verelle started Academy at no 5 over 15 years ago offering training through apprenticeships for hair and barbering
To ensure quality within the sector I took a position at VTCT as an EQA for a few years and now I solely focus on the business side of verelle and the training school with Anita co-ordinating the training school and Brooke managing Verelle with assistant managers Sophie & Karina
To ensure I keep my head in the game I have carried out business qualifications , leadership and management.
How do you keep your business moving forward?
By working closely with manufacturers, ensuring training is continuous each year, subscriptions to trade magazine and using social media
How important is it for you to facilitate growth?
So important to excite and encourage the next generation of hairdressers , the academy works with over 25 local salons and seeing students start with not being able to hold a pair of scissors to go on to win competitions or be running their own salon etc is very humbling.
Your team members Jenna and Sophie participated in the first Runway Ready course, how did this affect their skills and motivation?
It gave them a massive buzz – doing the Runway Ready course and then going to London to support London Fashion Week was really inspiring and being able to bring back ideas to incorporate in their everyday work was really good – and made them realise they can work well under pressure.
How did they feel?
They loved it. They said they worked under a lot of pressure and promised to never moan about their busy columns ever again.
How did Runway Ready positively impact your business?
Really showed what the products can do and gave them a boost on discussing hair care and the benefits.
Team member Brooke is signed up for the next Runway Ready course in August, what are your expectations as a result of her attending?
Brooke will do the starter and advanced course, she wants to travel with Runway Ready and be part of the Miami team next year.
You’ve been part of the Unite family for 4 years now, how did your relationship with Unite come about?
I was introduced to the brand by a friend of mine and we instantly fell in love with it at the salon. The styling range works fabulously along side my other products , the publicity is fantastic.
What is it you like about working with Unite products?
They do what they say. Lovely packaging that suits all bathrooms! The team are very friendly and approachable – we recently did the Paramount Business course with Dale – fantastic, a real kick up the bottom and a boost of great ideas
Which Unite product is the best seller in your salon?
7 Seconds Detangler! U-Oil , Smooth & Shine cream, Texturiza and Expanda Volume are also exceptional products !!!
Learn more by visiting Lacey’s Distribution.
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