Established in 2014, Gavin Taylor Hair is a multi-award nominated salon in Rothley that is a cut above the rest. The man himself Gavin Taylor talks exclusively to Dluxe Leicestershire & Rutland about what sets him apart from other salons in the county.
Tell us a little bit about the history of the salon?
We’ve just celebrated our fourth year in business and we couldn’t be happier. The salon was a disused electrical contractors which myself, family and friends ripped out back to four walls and started from scratch including a full rewire and plumbing. The building itself started its life as a dairy/store for the local farm over 100 years ago so we uncovered some beautiful features which you can now see as part of our décor. Most of the structure and fixtures and fittings were assembled from antique furniture to Indonesian driftwood, making the salon incredibly sustainable. We are very proud of what we single handedly achieved.
What can clients expect from the Gavin Taylor experience?
You can expect to feel totally welcome as if you had walked into an old friend’s house. The team are super friendly and you feel part of the family
instantly. Our aim is to give you realistic goals with your hair and we always make sure our appointment times are longer so that we can provide the same high level of service to every client, every time ensuring that you leave us feeling fabulous!
What sets you apart from any other hair salons in Leicester?
We tend not to follow the celebrity culture and instead focus on the real. You, me, representing real people and providing hairstyles that create confidence and belief as well as inspiring everyone that steps foot into our salon that anything is possible.
What is your background – where did you train?
Starting out in the catering industry I’ve had a varied career which has given me the experience and knowledge I have today. I trained at Toni
& Guy in the City which gave me the confidence to grow as a
hairdresser and my personality grew tenfold.
Where do you see yourself – and the business – in five years?
I would like to be teaching life skills and business to schools across the county whilst still cutting hair. And I’d like our business to be making
headlines for the cause of so much change, including the reduction in single use plastic use and waste.
Your own hair product brand, No Ordinary encompasses this change, can you tell us a bit more about the idea behind it.
I have suffered from skin allergies my whole life and trying to find a product, firstly that suits my skin but secondly that doesn’t contain potentially harmful ingredients was truly frustrating. I started experimenting with naturally derived ingredients at home over 10 years ago. Fast forward to 2018 I decided that I wanted to grow that side of the business and develop a brand and a product that had a message of change.
This is a huge passion of mine, our products, ‘No Ordinary’ are made from 99% naturally derived ingredients. They are biodegradable with refillable
bottles which we encourage consumers to use and fully recyclable material when it comes to the end of its life.
Our products are also cruelty free, vegan, sustainable and can change the way you use your cosmetics.
What is your favourite thing about Leicestershire and why?
The amazing countryside and outdoor space. Seriously, everything is on our doorstep and we need to be proud and patriotic towards our County.
What would be your advice to people who are trying to start their own businesses and are struggling?
Firstly, find your passion. If you think there isn’t money in it, there is, trust me. If people can now make money showing videos of cats then you can do just about anything if you are passionate enough about the reason you are doing it in the first place. I’d recommend the book Start with the Why? by Simon Sinek, this changed the direction of my life.
