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Posted:13-January-2021

Exclusive interview: Becoming part of a cutting-edge franchise

Franchisee: Nicola Keith-Jopp
Territory: Surrey
Trading: Rush Reigate opened in 2009, second Rush franchise in Dorking opened in November 2015.

Nicola, can you tell us why you decided to franchise with Rush?

After many years in hairdressing it had always been a dream to open my very own salon. Having worked at a Rush salon for over 15 years and having become a top stylist the next natural step was to become part of their education team and, subsequently, a franchisee.

Rush franchisees all benefit from our recognisable and reputed brand name, as well as the great support you receive from the franchise network.

On a practical level the investment is very affordable and it includes full training and support/guidance from a fantastic team.

Can you tell us about the benefits of working in the hair and beauty industry?

One major benefit of working in this industry is that hairdressers will always be in demand, even in the midst of a recession. People like to be pampered and made to feel fantastic. We love to make that happen and we receive loyal clients in return.

Also it isn’t every job where you have a fantastic social life as part of your job role. I am lucky to have an amazing creative team and get to meet both new and regular clients every day. There is never a dull moment!

What has changed in the hair and beauty industry over the last few years?

I have seen many advancements with hair/beauty products and treatments. There is a lot more to choose from and, more and more, people are willing to spend both time and money on their appearance.

I have seen that many of my clients take real pride in how they present themselves and they like to make a positive statement in doing so.

Alongside this we ensure that our creative team are totally up-to-date with the most cutting-edge styles and have plenty of adventurous ideas of their own. We find the industry incredibly exciting!

Since you became a franchisee, what has been your experience so far?

I have had an amazing journey so far. I am so proud when our team won ’Salon of the Year’ more than a few times at the Rush Hair annual awards ceremony.

I believe the reason I have come so far is due to the franchise business model in place which has allowed me to bypass many of the challenges you face as a business start-up.

Nonetheless, whether a franchisee or an independent business owner, employing and keeping the best staff in the business will always be a challenge.

However, I have had excellent guidance in this area and have learned a lot about staff management and ways we can continue to offer top customer service.

What was the training and support from the Rush team like?

I cannot fault the training offered to Rush franchisees. There is an in house Rush academy which offers us continuous training (both franchisees and staff members) so that we all have the highest possible standard in the hairdressing industry.

Behind the scenes, as a franchisee I receive fantastic help and support from the HR team when I opened my salons and was looking for team members.

On top of this the marketing team were superb; they ensure that for openings the salons were fully booked and continue to work in the local community ways to drive more clients to my salons.

The full Rush team are with you every step of the way as you build a thriving and profitable business with them.

What advice can you offer to those considering investing in a franchise business in the hair and beauty industry?

This franchise would be ideal for you if you are creative and social.

Not all Rush franchisees are hairdressers like me, as long as you have the passion for the industry and the drive to work hard and succeed.

It is incredibly exciting as the industry is constantly moving!

What are your plans for the future?

I am happy to focus my time just now on the new salon in Dorking and build up the client base there; making it just as successful as the salon in Reigate. Once I have achieved this I would certainly consider opening up yet another Rush salon in a few years.

For more information on the Rush Hair franchise and to request a free and non-obligatory prospectus, click here.

 

Interested and want to know more about Rush Hair?

The Rush Hair basic profile outlines aspects of their franchise opportunity

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