After four decades in the hair industry, one thing has remained absolutely certain for John Gillespie, Managing Director of Phenix Salon Suites UK & Europe: change is inevitable.
“The only constant in any career that spans a long period of time is change,” John reflects. “You have to be willing and flexible to move with that change. Having an openness to those shifts allows new opportunities to come in, and when you take them, you remain relevant.”
That willingness to evolve has been the cornerstone of a career that’s seen the hair industry transform multiple times over, from the days before social media to the emergence of salon suites and independent workspaces. Through it all, John has stayed not only current but ahead of the curve, guided by a simple belief in lifelong learning. “You have to accept you’ll never know it all,” he says. “Learning new things, and sometimes revisiting and relearning old ones, really helps with moving forward. Looking at learning with a keen, positive attitude keeps you malleable.”
A Turning Point
By late 2017, after years of running successful salons, John sensed another major shift on the horizon. “Up until that point, I’d assumed I’d just accumulate more salons and go down that career path,” he recalls. “But with changes in business and the way the industry was shifting, that dream started to fade. Costs were increasing and I felt more and more squeezed.”
Around that time, a chance consulting project with the founder of Phenix Salon Suites in Dallas, Texas, would prove transformative. “I was working with them on their colour line, it had nothing to do with the Suite business. But they took me along to see a Phenix Salon Suites unit in action. I’d never heard of the concept before, it was huge in the US but practically unheard of in the UK. When I saw it for the first time, I thought, wow, I need to get involved with this. It felt new, fresh and organic, a whole new direction I hadn’t even known existed until that moment.”
That instinctive leap led John to spearhead the brand’s introduction to the UK and Europe, helping stylists gain more independence and flexibility within an ever-evolving marketplace.
Staying True to the Craft
“Staying true to your expression can look different at different times,” John says. “Lean into what you’re good at and what you believe in. I never chased trends, by the time something becomes a trend, it’s already off trend. Developing your own style goes hand in hand with developing your craft.”
For today’s stylists navigating the world of social media, John advises a practical approach. “Social media has caused a huge shift in the industry. You have to step forward and venture into it. If you find it’s not for you, collaborate with people who are good at it—play to everyone’s strengths. What matters most is continuing to prove your skills, whether that’s through magazines or digital platforms.”
Communication and Connection
“Communication is the most underrated skill in hairdressing,” John says. “You can be the best cutter or colourist in the world, but if you can’t communicate, you won’t have a sustainable career. You need to be able to talk to clients, your team, brands etc. Relationships and communication are everything, and those are two things that will never change.”
Longevity Through Renewal
Like anyone in a long career, John admits to having faced moments of burnout. The key, they say, is variation. “Try new things. Do what you’re doing differently or explore another side of the industry. It’s invigorating and keeps you excited for what’s next.”
Ultimately, John believes longevity in this business comes down to mindset. “Be willing to change, keep moving forward, and always be open to new challenges,” he says. “When you feel good and positive about yourself, you pass that energy on to others. People will always buy into people, and that’s something that will never go out of style.”
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