Award-winning hair stylist, Inanch Emir joins us to talk about her hairdressing career, the hard work that goes into running a salon and her flair for hair extensions. Inanch also has experience working BTS at fashion shows which is where she first discovered Unite hair products.
Where did it all start?
Well, as a child all my dolls were bald. I’m from a Turkish family who wanted me to be doctor or lawyer, my parents felt there was more potential for me to study rather than ‘drop out’ and become a hairdresser. We compromised that I would study business at college and if I still wanted to, I’d go into hairdressing after.
I worked in a North London salon which saw an awful lot of blue rinses and sets, so I knew this wasn’t where I wanted to be. I was a bit of a teacher’s pet and my teacher invited me go along to her hair appointment at a central London salon, I loved it and she told me to ask if there were any jobs. Luckily I got a job, but I was way out of my comfort zone. The client’s here were wealthy and not what I was used to in my local salon. I stayed there for 14 years, but always knew I wanted my own salon. I saw a premises and told boss, who was angry at first but we worked it out and I continued working at the salon for a further eight months, until mine was ready.
I named the salon Inanch so clients could easily find me – it’s an unusual name, isn’t it? Instagram wasn’t a thing then.
Where does your drive come from?
Seeing people happy. I’m a people person. I don’t like the idea of walking away from somewhere knowing someone won’t speak to me again. If a client is not happy, they won’t pay for service.
The reason I introduced hair systems into my salon was because I could see the hurt when I had to turn clients away because hair loss was on top, and extensions wouldn’t be able to fix it. See, a people pleaser!
Why is design and standard important?
Michael – my old boss – set this into me. If there was a finger print on a mirror he’d throw it at me. My clientele are wealthy and are used to having things done for them, which is why I wanted the salon to feel like a boutique. I want clients to enjoy a coffee, sit on the sofa whilst their colour develops, the music also had to be at the right volume.
I have hired a full time cleaner so my assistants can spend more time shampooing and being on the floor around clients. They train at Alan D, and I’m about to hire someone for in-salon training and staff development – I actually met them through Unite.
How do you maintain service levels?
It’s all about respecting their privacy and being consistent. I have celebrity clients who don’t want to shout about the fact they wear extensions or hair pieces and we respect that.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in hairdressing?
Find your interest, then find the salon that specialises in that. If you love extensions, approach me. If colour is your thing then Daniel Galvin. Or, if you want to specialise in afro, go to Junior Green.
How does education and CPD work in the salon?
I used to train my team on a Monday and Wednesday but now I’m hiring someone, as I’m struggling with the time. All my staff are encouraged to do two courses a year on something they are interested in, and we have colour training in the salon every six weeks.
I also hold regular staff meetings. Believe it to not I actually find out more in the staff meeting than 1-to-1’s. My team find courage when they can gain support from team. I do a monthly £500 bonus for stylists who have sold most products, done the most haircuts, whatever I can think of. The assistants also get £50 for a review on google that mentions their name. It keeps the team engaged.
What are you most proud of?
That we’re still standing after 17 years! When I opened the salon all people wanted to tell me is that “it’s a mans world” or “most new businesses don’t survive three years.” As each year passes, I feel proud. My biggest achievement is that we are recognised and respected in the industry and of course my hair extensions.
What advice would you give to someone opening a salon?
Think about it – because I didn’t! Some months I take home less than a staff member. it’s not easy, and if you think it will be forget it.
Why did you choose Unite for the salon?
There are so many good products, I got into it when I worked on fashion shows. When they say volume, I get volume, when they say 7Seconds Detangler, it actually detangles. Texturiza spray gives the illusion of so much hair – that’s an easy one to sell.
All products do what they say on the packaging. It’s simple and does the trick.
Discover how to join the Unite family by contacting us today! Learn more by visiting Lacey’s Distribution.
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