EP140 – Williams & Hirst share what a salon for independents can offer

Moving from being employed to going self-employed, the search for the best working situation led Ross and Jack Williams-Hirst to open their own co-working salon in central London in 2024. Here they have created a stylish, sophisticated environment which is a cohesive salon space created specifically for helping self-employed hairdressers grow their careers, and yet to feel part of a team as if in a more traditional salon.

Talking with Respectfully host Nicky Pope, Jack and Ross explain how they have constructed the business model of a co-working space. From decor and facilities, the pair reveal all. They explain how they have carefully curated an extensive array of retail to provide a stock for members to tap into if needs, and all processes such as making the financial process super-smooth. In this episode, you’ll be intrigued by how open they are in sharing their story.

The inspiration

Jack and Ross were employed by major salon groups prior to deciding to go freelance. But they missed the salon ethos, being part of a team and accessing good retail. “We missed having our hands held,” says Ross, “we missed working in a team.” So they investigated joining existing co-working salons, but again their experience wasn’t quite what they wanted. It was the prompt to conceive Williams & Hirst on Soho, central London, and bring their dream to life.

With 26 member users of the space at the time of recording. Jack and Ross have a salon-style co-working shop with great retail, a strong personality, offering the freedom to work for as little as an hour to care for a client, or set up for days at at time. “We knew what we wanted, and were lucky to find an empty space split over 2 floors, with space for 18 chairs,” says Jack.

In the podcast you’ll find out how the salon works, what it takes to be a freelancer, and what this environment will offer. Williams & Hirst is intended to be homely, and the focus is on creating a calm, welcoming premises. If you’re inspired to work in this way, this is clearly worth investigating. The process is easy with a ‘talk, a tour, and a try’ approach to finding out if this suits you before any commitment.

Keep in touch

There are myriad ways to contact Jack and Ross. They are highly engaged on social media and will respond quickly to DMs on Instagram and online. Or drop in to arrange a visit?
INSTAGRAM @williamsandhirst
ONLINE: www.williamsandhirst.co.uk
WORK INDEPENDENTLY join the team
Call direct: 02034746655

Enjoy the podcast and let us know your thoughts! Send us an email info@ihaa.co.uk or DM us at @respectfullypodcasts

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