Combing Scotland for hair extensions expert led Katrina to set up Fife salon

A search to find a hair extension specialist inspired Katrina Scott to set up Boni Hair & Beauty

What does your business do?

We specialise in hair extensions and hair loss solutions for ladies.

We provide bespoke hair integration systems for clients with trichotillomania (hair pulling), alopecia, female pattern hair loss (such as hair thinning around parting and crown), and other forms of hair loss.

In the salon we also offer make-up and a range of beauty treatments.

How and why did you start in business?

I started my business from my living room in 2012 while studying the HND course 3D Design at Fife College.

The idea popped in to my head when I tried to find someone to fit my own hair extensions and ended up having to travel for over an hour to have them fitted.

I went back home to Latvia for a week to complete an intensive hair extension course and practised on friends and family until I was confident to fit hair extensions on a real client.

Business grew very quickly and within a year I opened my first salon in Cupar.

How did you get to where you are today?

With a lot of hard work, determination, passion and love for my job. It’s very rewarding as I have the opportunity give clients their hair back, restoring ladies’ confidence and self-esteem.

Who has helped you along the way?

I attended several Business Gateway Fife workshops which helped me understand what to do to set up correctly.

When it was time to open my first salon they put me in touch with The Prince’s Trust who provided a loan.

I worked closely with Marissa Yassen, The Prince’s Trust regional manager. I cannot thank her enough. What was your biggest mistake? Not trusting my intuition and jumping too high too quickly without thinking it through.

What do you hope to achieve in the future?

To open a hair extension training school to provide in-depth training to those with a passion for hair.

Do you want to recruit in the future?

I have recently moved to a new salon premises where I have a private room specifically for hair loss clients. The salon has been extremely busy since we moved and I have taken on someone to give me a hand and am currently looking for a colour specialist to join the team.

What is the hardest thing about running your own business?

Your mind never switches off – you wake up in the middle of the night and are planning your next steps.

Any advice to wannabe entrepreneurs?

Do it, but don’t go in half-hearted. With hard work and determination you can achieve anything you want.

Katrina Scott of Boni Hair & Beauty with one of her clients.