Role: Hair Dresser and Business Proprietor
Company: Sharon Malcolm Hairdressing
Track Record:
Tell us about your day:
7.45am: Sharon gets up and starts the day with a healthy bowl of porridge, with berries, and a cup of hot water. “I’m not a tea or coffee drinker so it’s hot water for me! A good breakfast is vital to kick start the day as my working hours vary from 8 to 12 hour days.”
Even on Sharon’s day off on a Wednesday, she is full of life and has a jam-packed schedule to make the most of every hour and ensure every day is fulfilling.
8:00am: The beauty regime begins… “Working in the hair and beauty industry, I feel it’s important for my staff and I to look our best whilst in the salon. Our clients come to us to look and feel fabulous, therefore we need to practise what we preach and be groomed, with fresh, styled hair every day.”
8:20am: It’s a short drive to work – but against the traffic. Sharon arrives at the salon on High Street, Newtownards for 8:50am and the mayhem begins. “Every day is a busy day at the salon. Over the past 12 years, we have built up a loyal clientele which ensures back to back appointments. In addition, I have a quick catch up with Robert, the salon manager, who handles the everyday running of the business.
“Every so often, Robert and I run team meetings, usually on a Friday, when we catch up with the team on minor issues. We also choose a different topic and brainstorm this as a group, with a view to seeing how the ideas could be applied in the salon to further enhance our customers’ experiences.
09:00am: “My day is spent with clients ensuring that they really enjoy their time at the salon as client satisfaction is what we pride ourselves on most. My team and I truly believe that delivering excellent customer service is a combination of 50% what we do with a customer’s hair and 50% of their experience at the salon.
“From ensuring the most up-to-date magazines are available to having the finest Italian coffee brewing, at the salon we create a relaxing, ‘time out’ experience for customers, and one which they look forward to time and time again.”
1.00pm If there’s time for lunch Sharon will take 30 minutes. Sharon normally prepares her lunch the night before and it consists of fish and salad, and is finished off with a small treat. This is also a time for me to return emails and phone calls.”
1:30pm Back at what she does best, Sharon works through to finish. “It’s a cliché but every day is different. I could be looking after one of my clients, with whom I’ve formed a great relationship with over the years, or making a new client feel and look fantastic.”
6:00pm “Today’s an early finish and I’m off home for a dinner of fish, wholegrain rice and veg. As often as possible, my good friends and I meet up for a catch up at the Conor Café – one of our favourite haunts and for that extra special occasion, Tedfords is top of the list.”
7.00pm “There’s nothing better than a brisk walk or jog along the coast from Helen’s Bay to Bangor to clear the head…it’s my favourite location and really lifts the spirit. On a Monday evening, I attend a yoga and pilates class to unwind,” says Sharon.
9.00pm “From this time onwards, my evenings vary. I could be at the cinema, visiting friends or family or catching up on some salon admin.”
11.00pm “With all of my thoughts on paper, and a fulfilled day, I head to bed, looking forward to what the next day brings.”
Follow the salon at facebook.com/Sharon Malcolm Hairdressing or follow Sharon on twitter @smalcolmhair