Stockbridge hair salon Wilson Allen celebrate first year with expansion
STEVEN WILSON and Lisa Allen have been snipping and colouring hair in their new business since last July, but the champagne and cookies seemed a little bit premature on the actual date, as the shop has only been open for around nine of those months.
The two hairdressers have around 35 years of hairdressing experience between them, and opened the doors at Wilson Allen in Stockbridge just as they thought the first lockdown was over. Attracting some of their old clients from their earlier days, business was going well until Christmas when, like everyone else, they had to put the hairdryer down for a while.
But the new business owners used the time during the second lockdown after New Year to have the salon renovated according to their own style.
They ripped out the interior of the shop and everything was changed during a six week project. With new chairs, backwashes and fresh decor, the salon is now very inviting and calming with its muted colours.
Steven said: “We had a lot of time to think during both lockdowns. Lisa and I had worked together for about 15 years. We formed a strong bond and had often talked about opening a business. This shop became available just after the first lockdown and we decided the time was right to take the big step.
“I think that having the time to clear our heads was good and we were able to weigh everything up. Running our own business really works for Lisa and me.”
Lisa and Steven now both live locally in Stockbridge and love both living and working in the neighbourhood.
With Inverleith Park close by Lisa likes to run there and enjoys eating out in one of the nearby restaurants. Steven takes a textured approach to cutting and colouring hair and particularly enjoys creating a short textured cut for his clients. He plays tennis and keeps fit by walking his dog in the park. He loves cooking and has conquered the art of sourdough.
The USP of their new hairdressing salon is all about the people.
Steven explained: “For us it is all about buying from people rather than a business. That was reinforced during lockdown when I really wanted to spend my money with people where I felt part of something, on a journey with the people who own the business.”
The hairdressing business has a superb location in the heart of Stockbridge, in a very visible spot. Their client base is made up of clients already known to them and new ones who are recommended to them. Recognising the value of word of mouth referral the salon will reward any referrals with a discount scheme.
Although Steven said that it is their aim to recruit apprentices and juniors, but they are not in a position to do so just yet. The salon offers slightly longer appointment times at present which allows the stylist to attend to everything for an individual client before moving on to the next. But their ambition is to grow and to train juniors, imparting some of their own experience. As well as the talent and enthusiasm for their profession which they share, it is also important to both Steven and Lisa that their clients receive the best personal service.
Wilson Allen uses products by L’Oreal, Olaplex, and the Italian brand Davines, a sulphate free brand, which concentrates on sustainability using natural active ingredients.
Now that the first year is firmly behind them the business is set to grow. The vision is to become just a little bigger with the signing of two more hairdressers, Stephanie Fairlie Morgan who joined at the end of September, and Rosy Kenny, who has been a hairdresser for around 27 years. Steph has a loyal following of gents clients and won the L’Oréal colour trophy in 2012. She is also a runner and trains for marathons.
Rosy specialises in lightening and bleaching hair. She enjoys taking her two young boys for walks in the city.
All four stylists trained at the same city centre salon, and with similar experience behind them promise sophistication in the styles and colours they create for their clients.
Three of the team are L’Oréal colour specialists and all are highly skilled in all other hairdressing. The team is also committed to supporting the Little Princess Trust charity, cutting and preparing hair to be used in making wigs for people who have hair loss.
Wilson Allen 49 Raeburn Place EH4 1HX 0131 315 3525 www.wilsonallenhair.com
Instagram /wilsonallenstockbridge