Opening a new salon brings with it many emotions – trepidation, excitement, fear and optimism. After 21 years at their existing salon, Jamie and Sally Brooks moved to a brand-new building in the heart of Covent Garden 12 months ago.
Jamie says…
The last year has been really full on, busy settling into our new home and running a business at the same time. Central London feels more solid after a few unsettling years, and business has been good.
When we originally opened our salon in Holborn we were a lot smaller; this time we are an established brand and had 30 staff to care for so every aspect of opening a salon has been different. When we first opened, we were new to running a business; this time it was a smooth transition as we closed the doors on one salon and opened the doors to a brand-new salon the following week.
One of the biggest challenges the team faces is constant changes in consumer behaviour. Running a business in 2024 means you have to be reactive and be willing to change plans quickly. Six months ago ,Friday was our quietest day, now it’s our busiest so we have had to accommodate that with team changes and salon opening times. It might change again in three months’ time so you have to be quick and make hay while the sun shines.
Jamie’s top tips
- If you can’t find the right location, just keep going and trust your gut instinct. We lost three properties before we found the one we moved into.
- Remain positive and have faith in what you are creating.
- Aim high and think big.
- Do your homework and maths forensically; look at your business model and make sure it includes rent and leases as well as other expenses.
- Be prepared to adapt; it’s a different world to what it was five years ago, so be prepared to change as times change. Everything happens faster in business now and you have to react quicker.
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