A Visionary World-renowned Stylist

by Richard Thompson

Richard Thompson, the founder of the Mahogany Group, started his career as a Saturday boy in the James & Peter salon in Manchester. He was about 13 then. He was drawn into profession soon and started to train as a hairdresser. His talent of a born artist led him to his present fame of a world-renowned stylist.
Now Richard is a regular participant on all of the world's hairdressing competition stages and has a strong reputation of an international hairdressing star. He owns several salons in Oxford and London, and his Mahogany Group has turned into one of the most respectable brands.

PERSONAL

Who most influenced you in your career?
My team — they look to me for the next thing and together we work on what will next influence Mahogany, and take the brand forward.

What is your typical day like?
I don't really have a typical day! For example, yesterday I was in Milan doing a show, today I'm at our Academy in London, presenting a demo in the morning and teaching in the afternoon! And tomorrow I'm in our Mayfair Salon with a full col. umn of clients…

How do you feel about being a role model in this field?
If that's what my co.stylists think then I am really honored!!!

What do you enjoy most about your job?
The variety, to see people blossom and to achieve my next goal.

BUSINESS

You have been in business for over twen. ty years and are internationally known. To what do you attribute your success?
Consistency and a need to grow, being good at what you do and hav. ing a brilliant team around you.

What advice would you give to an individual starting in the business today?
Have a method, a look, consistent technique through all your staff. Know your market and be prepared to work very hard!

How do you keep yourself and your staff motivated?
We are lucky to be involved in so many shows, seminars and projects. I love what I do, but seeing team members grow is the greatest moti. vation for me personally.

What influenced your choice of career?
I started working on Saturdays while still at school; I loved it so I stayed with it.

SALONS

Your salons have been described as “com. fortable”, “low.key” and “warm.” How do you achieve this atmosphere?
De.cor, ambience, music, refresh. ments, comfort and casual efficiency from all your staff.

Your salons have also been described as “fun.” What makes your salons fun?
The team enjoying what they do, if you have a happy team you have a happy clientele.

You and your staff are “dedicated to salon clientele while continuing international work.” How do you find time to be so effective?
As with all our Creative Team mem. bers who are on the international stage — I have a show / salon work balance. I work in our London salon on Wednesdays and Thursdays and then on Fridays I tend to my clients in Oxford. When in Europe, I am able to travel back on a Monday or Tuesday and not interrupt my salon schedule. It's vitally important that my clients get continuity. I sometimes have to travel further, like Australia where we have a salon in Sydney, but my clients are informed and we do our utmost to accommodate.

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