News of another venture that is joining the trend to redefine space for freelance creatives: Stā Studios in London. Described as a space that has been designed by hairdressers, for hairdressers, Stā Studios is founded by Samantha Cusick – hairdresser and owner of Samantha Cusick London. Successful in her career, including roles as an ambassador with Olaplex and yuv Beauty, Samantha is proving her calibre as an entrepreneur in the UK market! Brand spanking new, having repurposed this listed building from its previous existence which was nothing to do with hairdressing, this is one gorgeous venue. It’s designed to a be a membership club with hourly rates for rent-a-chair. Take a tour:
Stā Studios
The low down is this: Samantha has in place 18 styling stations, two private studios, a content creation booth, private meeting rooms, a soundproof podcast studio, educational spaces and an in-house coffee bar. Try saying that lot without taking a breath. Impressive huh?! She tells us: “As a hairdresser and salon owner, I know exactly what it takes to offer a luxurious experience that justifies a £400-£500 price tag. Yes, clients want to leave with great hair but more than ever it is the experience they will remember. I wanted to design a custom-built space that didn’t compromise any aspect of the client journey and I’m confident that is exactly what we have achieved.”
Despite being a listed building, Stā’s water, heating, LED lighting and ventilation systems are state-of-the-art and tuned to the needs of high-end hairdressing. Lighting density is designed to replicate natural sunlight and is controlled to ensure minimal shadowing over stations whilst maintaining optimal coverage of light over the client’s hair. With the focus still on colour, the ventilation system incorporates the latest technology to ensure that 21.0-21.9C is maintained, ensuring the development of colour is even and controlled. Non-artificial humidity levels are maintained by blending fresh air with the climate control system and water supply is pressured, filtered and heated on demand. Colour work remains consistent, predictable, easy to rinse and compatible with a wide variety of brands and products across the world of styling and colouring.
The brand vision
As a core value of the brand, sustainability doesn’t start with the working aspects of Stā Studios. Samantha says, reclamation and restoration is at the heart of its design, with GPlan furniture being used throughout, in combination with walnut as a wood choice to ensure a more sustainable, lower carbon impact. Surfaces such as counters and walls feature low plastic usage, with stone, walnut and tile favoured. After being dormant for 7 years, Stā Studio’s grade-listed windows and main doors have been restored and refurbished, and an internal lobby has been built to minimise wasteful heating/cooling whilst adding additional digital access options for Members.
Importantly, everything created at Stā Studios has been designed with freelancers at the forefront. From interiors to the client experience, plus a transparent membership model and the Stā Studios business management software, which allows for online booking and deposits to be easily taken and is also completely owned by the stylist. Even if they leave Stā Studios they take their database with them.
Samantha Cusick London residency
Additional to the freelance membership model, there is a spot for Samantha to practice her luxe hairdressing, too. This will be the Samantha Cusick London residency salon, so she will be onsite also. She explains: “The consistency of having the same team based in the space every day facilitates a salon vibe and allows members to interact and communicate with one another. A calendar of membership events is also being launched to encourage growth, connection and creativity while simultaneously supporting members with business development in areas such as accountancy, marketing and diversification.”
Looks amazing… we wish this all the best!
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