John-Lee Guy Hairdressing

e difficult for local independent salons to flourish. The demise of the high street and the new-found consumerist obsession with national and international brands has also seen customers’ expectations increase. Expensive fixtures and fittings are now commonplace features in most high street salons; massaging backwash chairs are no longer the exception and plasma TV’s are so mainstream that they are barely worth a mention. So with most decent salons offering an excellent hair service and top quality products in luxurious surroundings; what sets John-Lee Guy apart from the rest? The touchstone of our success is simple: we have focussed on people rather than things; on substance over superficiality. John-Lee explains: ‘I have been privileged to train and work in some truly wonderful salons, including in London and abroad. Whilst many were wonderfully decadent salons with all the latest gadgets and techniques, it occurred to me that I was the most happy when I worked in a smaller, less opulent salon on work experience many years previously. I recall that the team members were loyal and cheerful and the clientele came back regularly. I realised that the key to a successful, buzzing salon was a happy, valued team. The team creates the magic which in turn makes customers feel amazing. I really owe my success to my outstanding team, who in turn have helped me create a wonderful environment in which we offer truly exceptional experiences for our clients again and again’. In 1996, John-Lee started out as a trainee, going on to working alongside his mum in the family-run salon In 2001, following many years working as a stylist and colourist in different salons, including a period spent working on the cruise ships in the US and Caribbean, John-Lee decided to take the plunge and strike out on his own. Starting out in a small shop on the outskirts of Bolton, John-Lee’s success and reputation grew, necessitating a move to central town centre premises. Bravely, John-Lee decided to take over a large empty shop, only doors away from national leaders Toni and Guy and Saks. Undeterred by the heavyweight competition and challenges faced by the high street, John-Lee created a warm, inviting salon and trained his staff in line with his vision; namely, to treat all customers like cherished family members. As John-Lee’s ethos became his brand, he naturally attracted a team of like-minded, talented and warm-hearted people to create a salon that exudes a passion for people as much as for hairdressing. Despite having a large team, John-Lee reports that people very rarely leave. A recent exception is a stylist who John-Lee is proud to say, has gone on to open her own salon last year, which was shortlisted for the North West Hair Awards and Rick Roberts who has also gone on to open 2 successful salons in Yorkshire and also be nominated for Ladies Stylist if the year 2013 and to win Yorkshire Salon of the Year 2013, This evidences that John-Lee Guy turns out high-quality stylists and colourists, who share his vision of excellence. Owing to his exceptional understanding of customer service and outstanding people-skills, John-Lee instinctively knew that customers are no longer satisfied with just a fabulous haircut; most clients have come to expect excellence as standard; therefore to really stand out, you must truly exceed a client’s expectations. John-Lee and his team are passionate about hair, which means they take pride and pleasure in continuous learning, identifying new trends and style innovation. ‘It goes without saying that all stylists have their own niche; from on-trend hair extensions and technical colouring expertise to the more mature client and men’s grooming’ reports John-Lee. Owing to his belief in giving something back to the community and industry, John-Lee and the salon team have regularly raised money for local and national charities, also welcoming the next generation of hairstylists through work experience and trainee schemes. The salon was recently chosen in which to film scenes for Coronation Street’s charity event, which was a real boost to the salon’s profile. Despite having what many may describe as ‘celebrity’ clients, John-Lee is proud to treat all of his loyal customers like VIPs, irrespective of status. At John-Lee Guy, established clientele and new customers alike are treated as old friends and individuals. We are very proud to have won the English Hair and Beauty awards North West Salon of the Year 2013.