Nov 2021 - Rob Hicks
Rob Hicks Salons
Our local business champion is Rob Hicks who has quickly established a successful hair salon in Tivoli. Not only did he do this in the middle of the challenges of Covid, he demonstrated great community spirit by accommodating stylists from Montpellier Salon, Beau Amis when their salon was badly damaged by fire.
Watch Maxine Nelmes’ interview with Chris below to hear about his love of the Tivoli area and his belief in the importance of community connections.
How long have you been living and working in the Cheltenham Connect area of South Cheltenham?
From Gloucestershire originally, I moved to Brighton and worked there for 7 years gaining valuable experience by working with world renowned hairdresser Trevor Sorbie. My wife and I moved back 9 years ago after having a baby, as this is where the free babysitters are (grandparents)
What do you feel is special about our local community in this part of town?
I love the community feel Tivoli brings to Cheltenham. We are all independent businesses that really support each other.
Tell Us About Your Business
My salon was born out of a desire to move away from the traditional salon of haste, hustle, bad lighting, weak tea and the continual churn of clients through the door.
I wanted to create a space where my team and other session stylists can work on their valued clients in a conducive atmosphere, with the freedom and flexibility needed to maintain careers in the fashion and beauty industry.
What have been the biggest challenges and rewards?
The biggest challenge was opening in the middle of a global pandemic, but the greatest reward is having an extremely busy diary, an incredibly talented team and people leaving with great hair and a smile.
What keeps you going? What motivates you?
The desire to be different from the other salons and the knowledge that every person that leaves our shop, leaves having the best experience.
What are your dreams for your business?
In the future I would like to open a couple more salons around the Cotswold area.
What has running your business taught you?
It takes a lot of hard work, and you can’t take your finger off the pulse for a single second.
Do you have a message or ‘top tip’ for anyone thinking about starting their own business?
When it is the right time to do it, it will happen. Don’t rush it, have a clear vision and don’t settle for less than that vision.
https://robhickssalons.co.uk
Watch Maxine Nelmes’ interview with Chris below to hear about his love of the Tivoli area and his belief in the importance of community connections.
How long have you been living and working in the Cheltenham Connect area of South Cheltenham?
From Gloucestershire originally, I moved to Brighton and worked there for 7 years gaining valuable experience by working with world renowned hairdresser Trevor Sorbie. My wife and I moved back 9 years ago after having a baby, as this is where the free babysitters are (grandparents)
What do you feel is special about our local community in this part of town?
I love the community feel Tivoli brings to Cheltenham. We are all independent businesses that really support each other.
Tell Us About Your Business
My salon was born out of a desire to move away from the traditional salon of haste, hustle, bad lighting, weak tea and the continual churn of clients through the door.
I wanted to create a space where my team and other session stylists can work on their valued clients in a conducive atmosphere, with the freedom and flexibility needed to maintain careers in the fashion and beauty industry.
What have been the biggest challenges and rewards?
The biggest challenge was opening in the middle of a global pandemic, but the greatest reward is having an extremely busy diary, an incredibly talented team and people leaving with great hair and a smile.
What keeps you going? What motivates you?
The desire to be different from the other salons and the knowledge that every person that leaves our shop, leaves having the best experience.
What are your dreams for your business?
In the future I would like to open a couple more salons around the Cotswold area.
What has running your business taught you?
It takes a lot of hard work, and you can’t take your finger off the pulse for a single second.
Do you have a message or ‘top tip’ for anyone thinking about starting their own business?
When it is the right time to do it, it will happen. Don’t rush it, have a clear vision and don’t settle for less than that vision.
https://robhickssalons.co.uk
