The power of creativity

by Terry Calvert

Extravagant and daring, art director of the Clipso Salons turns every routine into an artful creation. He combines ruling his successful net of salons with photoshoots, design of salon interiors and endless shows... We've asked him to share the secret of this energy and endless creativity...

What motivated you to become a hairdresser?

I started hairdressing at age 15 straight from school. I used to hate being taken to the barbers because I was just given a short back & sides every time. When I started to earn my own money from Saturday jobs (milk rounds, working in a supermarket and grocery deliveries!) I went to a really cool hair salon in Watford and had my hair cut the way I wanted. I then realized what a brilliant profession it was and became an assistant.

Tell us about the salon group Clipso. How did it appear?
Did you plan to create a group from the very beginning or the first salon was so successful, that you decided to open more salons?

I started Clipso in 1978 and then franchised my first salon in 2001 as I was looking to expand the Clipso name and franchising is the quickest way to grow a business. With franchising there are less day to day challenges as each salon owner is responsible for their own day to day operations. The stress level is much lower too — if there are staffing issues, I don't need to be involved as the franchisee will be directly responsible. It enables me to look at the bigger picture and develop the Clipso brand further.

Tell us about getting to the top — and how do you stay there?

When it comes to getting to the top in this industry there really is only one thing to do and that is quite simply to raise your game and push yourself to the limit. Get involved in everything you can, take every opportunity you get and make sure you're constantly learning and absorbing information. You need to be in touch with what's going on around you, what the current trends and styles are and then you need to expand on this, you need to go one step further, to set the trends rather than follow them. And in order to stay at the top,
never drop your game. Keep in touch with current trends and fashion, keep yourself involved, active and motivated. Never get complacent or lazy, just as you are the only one who can push yourself to the top you are also the only one who can keep yourself there!

You and your salons are multi.awarded! Does anything change with every new award that you get?

The only thing that changes is our team morale and motivation, which just keeps getting stronger and stronger, well that and our shelve space becomes a little more cluttered!

What functions do you have in the Clipso team as a creative director?

As the Clipso Creative Director my function is to guide and direct both the team and our creative vision however I also work to motivate, inspire and drive the team forward.

Why did you choose working in a group and not, for example, individual projects?

I do occasionally work on individual projects however I much prefer being part of a team as it's a great way to spur each other on and bouncing ideas off each other really gets those creative juices flowing! Although the final decision about the creative direction of our work is ultimately down to me, by sharing ideas and brainstorming with the rest of the team we come up with ideas that we may not have done alone. Working as a collective team is much more fun than working solo, our art team is very talented and inspirational, and by pooling our ideas and visions together we often touch on those rare moments of genius!

Do you manage the salons yourself or entrust it to the professionals?

Well, each franchisee runs their own salon on a day to day basis and I also have a salon manager, Russell, who oversees the day to day running of the Clipso Watford salon and another manager, Yvonne who manages the Addiction salon. All the franchisees and managers meet once a month to assess the work and I am in constant communication with my managers so I know everything that
is happening.

Do you have any professional tricks for a perfect hairdo you want to share with our readers?

A great secret session styling tip is to use talcum powder! It is perfect for blending in and concealing weft layers or for absorbing any excess oil.

What is, in your opinion, a good haircut?

A truly great haircut is not necessarily the most complicated or the most technically advanced but rather is about the quality and standard of the cut. Before attempting more complex styles, it is essential to master the fundamental basics of hairdressing, and it's surprising how many hairdressers out there don't!

What should a stylist learn besides cutting-styling-coloring techniques?

As I mentioned in the previous question good client relations and communication skills are imperative when it comes to being
a good stylist. This is important on many different levels such as consultations, listening and understanding your client's needs, communicating to your client what you're going to do and finally for building a good relationship with your clients. As fantastic a stylist or colorist you may be, if your client doesn't feel comfortable with you, they are not going to come back to you!

What do you like most about your job?

I love everything about my job, from working in the salon to show work — I love it all and wouldn't change a thing!

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