From Saturday girl to employing more than 100 people, life has come full circle for Sheona Will. The proud founder of Bloom Hair Salons has never forgotten her roots, having started her career at the tender age of 16. From working her way up in a notoriously competitive industry, to going behind the scenes in the day to day running of multiple businesses – it has been quite the journey thus far. And now Sheona is embarking on her next big adventure, with the launch of a rather special service. She sat down with Trend and explained why wig sourcing and styling has made her heart sing again.
“I got my business degree in my Twenties and gave up cutting hair in order to run my businesses,” recalled Sheona. “Having worked my way through the industry, I knew I had to stay profitable. I had salons in Aberdeen, Glasglow and London, so there was a lot of travelling. The closure of my London branch was the trigger to change, it was a pivotal moment, I absolutely love the hair and beauty industry, and the salons and teams. I actually had begun to dislike my job though.
“I sat down at the start of this year and realised I was so far away from what I wanted to be doing in life. I grew up in the hairdressing industry and knew this was my moment to make an impact on my own destiny.” Sheona runs the salons with nephew, Neil Smith, who does most of the day to day running alongside some amazing team members. She now finally has the time to embrace something a little different, whilst still remaining at the heart of the business.
Hair loss can impact clients at any stage of life, be it linked to medical treatment, certain conditions or hormones. Both Sheona and Neil wanted clients to feel they could return to Bloom and be offered a solution for hair loss – as well as a seat within a supportive community. “For our clients who are experiencing hair loss, we didn’t want them to feel like they couldn’t keep coming, because you don’t just lose your appointment,” said Sheona. “You lose the entire experience, the person who always remembers how you take your coffee and what may be going on in your life. I took the plunge and underwent training in synthetic, high heat fibre and human hair wigs and enhancer solutions. I still look back to 25 years ago when my mum had cancer. She could barely get the wig out of the box; it was not until we cut it that she could even begin to wear it.”
Sheona hopes to make a real difference for those struggling with hair loss, not least by enabling clients to wear a wig which feels part of them. “The experience so far has already opened my mind so much,” she said. “A wig should be like adding a piece of clothing instead of a strange entity. It should feel natural and comfortable.” Sheona is now getting ready to offer full consultations in both the Glasgow and Aberdeen salon. She will also be able to provide support to those who already have a wig, if they feel cutting or styling might help. “We will be with clients every step of the way, from sourcing a wig to fitting, cutting, styling and maintaining,” said Sheona. “I went into hairdressing all those years ago to help people feel good, so I can’t wait for this next chapter.”
Book now at www.bloomlifestyle.co.uk | call 01224 446750 24 | Rose Street Aberdeen AB10 1UA
