WHEN Carrie Jackson bumped into a former employer in the summer of 2019 and heard that she was planning to retire, it was the first step towards opening her own salon.
Fast forward a few weeks and the 32-year-old was buying the business so her previous boss could retire, and JAXX Hair and Beauty was born.
It’s been a busy three and a half years, with closures due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but thanks to their loyal customers, Carrie and her dedicated team have made the salon a success.
Here, in our Meet The Salon Owner feature, Carrie tells us how she’s turned a childhood dream into a reality where she’s adding top industry awards to her growing collection.
What’s the name of the salon/business?
JAXX Hair and Beauty
What’s the address?
6 Ribble Place, Winsford, CW7 3NA
How many employees do you have?
Six
When did you open the salon?
November 2019
Are you local to the area?
Yes, I grew up in Winsford.
Tell me a bit about your salon
Here at JAXX Hair and Beauty, we pride ourselves on our attentive services tailored to each guest. We have a passionate, dedicated team of highly skilled, creative professionals with more than 60 years of combined experience. We provide a simple retreat away from day-to-day busy schedules where people can wind down, relax and enjoy themselves.
What do you do? What services do you provide?
We provide a variety of hair and beauty services that are bespoke to each guest, from cuts, colours and styling to hair extensions. We also have facial waxing, brow laminations and lash extensions.
READ MORE:
Meet the salon owners who turn clients into friends
Why did you decide to open your own salon?
Opening my own salon was something I’d always dreamed of, but I never wanted it to be something I rushed into. I knew how I wanted it to be, from the atmosphere to the services we would provide, even down to the drinks we would serve. In the summer of 2019, I ran into my first employer and she told me she was looking to retire. Before I knew it, I was buying her business, so she could retire, and I could take that next step in my career.
The dream had become my reality!
What’s your hair and beauty background?
I started working in a salon when I was 13 and I loved it. I left high school and went straight into a hairdressing apprenticeship, where I went on to complete my NVQ level 2 and 3 in hairdressing and barbering and Vidal Sassoon training. I also completed various beauty qualifications from waxing to nails. My most current qualification is in assessment, which I have thoroughly enjoyed. I love to see other individuals with the same passion doing well and I’ve been fortunate enough to teach in a college classroom as well as with apprentices in salons.
Why this type of business?
My family is in the hair and beauty industry and from a young age it was something that fascinated me. My mum trained in hairdressing and would always do something amazing with our hair when there was a special occasion. I loved going to the barber shop with my dad and brother to watch my aunt cut and style their hair.
How did the Covid-19 pandemic affect your business?
JAXX opened its doors in November 2019, so it was just before the pandemic hit. It was an uncertain time for us as a new business. We kept in touch with our clients throughout lockdowns and made sure they were up to date with what was happening. We even ran competitions and raffles and offered a delivery service for clients that needed product top ups. We are forever grateful for our clients’ support, patience and understanding throughout such a worrying time.
What makes your business different to others in the same area/field?
I feel what sets us apart is the team we have. We have genuine relationships and friendships and that really shows, creating a relaxed, comfortable environment for our guests. We offer a modern luxury salon with bespoke services from highly experienced stylists. Everyone makes a genuine effort with each client that walks through the door. We’ve won multiple awards including Best Customer Service, Local Salon of the Year, Hair Salon of the Year and Hair and Beauty Salon of the Year for the Great British Hair and Beauty Awards. These are incredible achievements and prove how dedicated we are.
Why do loyal clients return to your business?
Clients know they will always receive outstanding service. They love what we do and enjoy their experience in the salon. Teamwork is our most valuable asset and this ensures our guests are our number one priority. Each member of our team is constantly attuned, compassionate and attentive to every need. At JAXX attention to detail is a key factor in how we operate, from how you like your coffee to the dedicated hours of training we put in which enables us to create the latest on trend looks.
What’s next? What do the next few months hold for you and your salon?
We will continue to work hard to provide the best services for our guests. We have plans to grow the salon and the business, but most importantly we will stay focused and passionate in everything we do. Commitment to education and innovation will sustain and fulfil our future at JAXX Hair and Beauty.
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