Halo Hairdressing – Business Profile

Julie Wotton and Sarah Jury, owners of Halo Hairdressing located in Crownhill Village, are now coming up to their 8th year of ownership since taking over the business in 2009.

They first met when Julie was Manageress at the ‘Snips’ Crownhill Branch and Sarah became her apprentice. Sarah tells us how Julie got her through training. “I’m really grateful she was on at me all the time, else I wouldn’t be where I am today!”

Fast forward to 2009, manager Julie was just returning to work after having her first child when the news broke that her 10 years of management at the Co-op owned salon Snips was soon to be no more, due to Co-op selling off the non-food businesses. “Both of us hated the thought of the salon closing and that us, and the rest of the staff would no longer be together” says Sarah. Julie and Sarah took the decision to team up, and buy the Business. “It was a no brainer as it’s such a lovely salon with lovely, loyal clients” Sarah tells me.

Julie explains that the name Halo was chosen as they collectively wanted something short and sweet. “We had shortlisted the name as one of our favourites, then a week later Beyonce brought out her song ‘Halo’ – it was definitely a sign and confirmed that this was the name to be!”

The two ladies work very well together as partners, owing to their many years of combined hairdressing experience and close friendship. Now in her 30th year of hairdressing, Julie works two days a week as she has three children to look after; nevertheless, she is always on the end of the phone to give advice. She has complete trust in her loyal team members that all the work will carry on smoothly and continue to serve hundreds of happy customers each week.

Julie balances her work life and personal life well. She does a lot of work for her childrens primary School on the PTA. She tells us how she was recently selling tickets for a pig race, and is now organising a circus in her spare time “I do it for my children really, my youngest is going into foundation this year- the money that I help raise benefits them so it’s all worth it”.

It’s been a year now since the salon had a total refurb. “We can’t believe how quick that time has gone. We are really pleased with the end result and it’s now hard to imagine how it was before”. Sarah tells us that it was only meant to be some ‘new mirrors and a lick of paint’ but instead everything apart from the wooden floor – which was replaced only three years ago was renewed, transforming the salon into the spotless, sleek, modern and stylish space we see today. “the feedback has been great.

Together, the professional team of six has 100 years’ combined experience, five of which are the ‘original Snips Girls’. Sarah explains that she feels very lucky to have a great bunch of girls who work so well together. The newest team member is Emily, who has been working at Halo for 18 months now. Julie tells us how Emily “fits in perfectly with the friendly salon team”.

“We are quite fortunate that we can offer a wide range of services to our clients”. Each stylist can do anything and everything – ranging from a simple cut to a modern colouring technique. Sarah says “it’s nice that all of our stylists can do different aspects of hairdressing. It keeps the job exciting and varied as no two hairstyles are the same!”

As Halo is a popular family salon, every member of the team is an expert in treating customers of every age, and the salon welcomes ladies, gents and children. They will also go the extra mile to help every one of their clients, taking the time to help them down the stairs even during a very busy day.

For years, Halo has continued to stock professional L’Oreal, Goldwell and GHD products. The global leader in cosmetics, L’Oreal, holds an excellent relationship with the salon as they know that the staff are very proactive, therefore they are regularly provided with in-salon training so every stylist is fully trained and up-to-date with all the latest trends, products, knowledge and techniques.

Halo prides itself on its outstandingly strong, friendly and professional team who are all very close friends both in and outside of work

They regularly go out for each other’s birthdays, bringing their partners along with them as they are also close to the team members at Halo. And despite being the owners, partners Julie and Sarah don’t believe in a hierarchy when it comes to the not-so-fun, end of the day jobs; they will happily help out and clean at the same time as all of their staff members.
They are committed in keeping a very strong work ethic in many senses. They have a strong client focus, a passion for great customer service, a friendly and professional team and many offers in store such as a free consultation and money-off vouchers. Julie believes that impeccable customer service is the key to keeping the regular clients.

So what is the key to Halo’s Success? Julie says it’s all down to communication. “Communication is key. Making sure the team talk to each other and communicate with clients makes for a successful salon”. Sarah and Julie also agree that having a great team who work together so well helps with the salons success.

Their many positive testimonials show just how good a reputation the salon has built up over the years. Clients can be sure to receive the best possibly service every time as they comment on the continuous cleanliness and well-being of the salon; the floor is swept after every appointment, towels are freshly laundered after every client and only the most professional products are used, neatly tucked away in their new upstairs storage unit. They are always looking to attract new clients and they never take their regular clients for granted.

So what does the future hold for Halo? Julie explains that she just wants to see the salon thrive and continue what it is doing so well. “L’oreal and Goldwell are keeping us on our toes with continuous training opportunities.” Julie says they just want to keep up with the ever changing fashion trends and always be learning new things together. Sarah finished off by saying “Halo is going into its 8th year and is still nice and busy, although we always welcome new clients. We offer a free consultation for anyone. Whether you want a complete change or just would like a general chat about your hair- we will always offer a warm welcome. We pride ourselves in offering great service to our clients”.

Visit – www.halo-hairdressing.co.uk | Call – 01752 303155  |   Come see us – 44 Morshead Road, Crownhill, Plymouth- PL6 5AQ