What was your first job and what did your responsibilities include?

I was a trainee in a small salon in Tours, France. I had to start at 8.30am on my own and my colleagues would arrive 30 minutes later. I had to clean the whole salon by myself, and the extra time was not paid.

How much was in your first pay packet and what did you spend it on?

A few French francs. I spent it on a watch.

Describe how your career developed to the present day.

I did my apprenticeship in France, took two exams — CAP (equal to NVQ Level 3) and Brevet Professional (above Level 4, just below degree level). In France, hairdressing is regulated — the CAP is required to practice as a hairdresser, while the BP is needed to open a salon. I then moved to the UK in 1986 as an au pair because I did not speak enough English to work in a salon at first. After three months I found a hairdressing job in a salon in Beaconsfield. During most of the 1980s I worked in various salons in Surrey then bought my own in 1991 in Oxford What are the key responsibilities in your position?

I am lucky as I work with my partner, Keith. He deals with all aspects of the business which are not hairdressing, which leaves me to concentrate on what I like best — the creative side — doing hair, and inspiring my colleagues.

Describe a typical day.

There is no such a thing as a typical day for me. If I am in the salon, I arrive early and catch up with messages in the communication book. I tend to be fully booked most of the time and I am not always in the salon. If I am teaching ,I ensure I arrive at my destination early so I have got time to set up before the participants arrive. I work a lot with hair and beauty wholesaler Aston & Fincher in Birmingham. I teach all day and drive back — I find teaching very rewarding, but very draining so it is hard to keep alert behind the wheel. But like everything, you get used to it.

Who/what have been the biggest influences on your career?

There are so many. I look up to hairdressers like Errol Douglas MBE, Angelo Seminara, Guido Palau and many more for their creativity. And women in hairdressing like Beverly C. She runs a successful business, creates fantastic hair style images, was first women to win British Hairdresser of the Year and received an MBE for services to hairdressing and charity work.

What has been your best decision?

Buying my own business.

And your worst?

Not moving next door to bigger premises when I had the chance.

What is the best advice you can give to someone starting out in your business?

The success of your business is not negotiable.

What is the secret of good management?

Making time for your team.

Do you have a good work/life balance?

Not really. I tend to take too much work on. I do not think of the more creative stuff as work as I love doing it, but it does take me away from my family.

What hobbies/interests do you enjoy in your spare time?

I like exercising, so I run quite a bit. I also love making mosaics. Give me five minutes and I will mosaic any spare shelves!

Is there anything in business that really irritates you?

Lazy people.

How do you see your company developing over the next five years?

I would like to develop the training side more — involving more of my team in teaching big groups of hairdressers. On the more personal level, I am now an ambassador for two brands, Matrix and Balmain, so I am really looking forward to a full program of shows and photoshoots.

What has been your most satisfying moment?

Opening my own salon and receiving an award from Antony Mascolo of Tigi at the Alternative Hair Show at the Royal Albert Hall. Also, meeting Vidal Sassoon at the AHS two years ago, when the industry celebrated his 80th birthday was pretty great.

Do you believe there is enough help and support from Government and agencies for growing businesses?

No. I think there is too much red tape.

What is your attitude to the environment and do you have any green policies in place?

I feel very strongly about the environment. We do have a green policy, but I think to be more effective we all need more action by Government (but not red tape) at a policy level — e.g. commitment to more alternative energy, ensure all local authorities provide recycling services to businesses (Oxford City Council does but many London boroughs do not) . The Government should do a lot more to reduce the UK’s carbon footprint; a few less wars would help.

What is the secret of a happy workforce?

Good communication and respect Is there any other job you would like to have done and why?

I would have loved to be an athlete, probably a runner. I like challenges.

What would you like to do when you retire?

I cannot visualise that far ahead. But I would like to travel the world in a camper van. ib