Vicky Taylor is the Salon Director and franchisee of Francesco Hair Salon Cheltenham. She has recently heard that she has made it to the finals of the Franchisee of the Year at the British Hairdressing Business Awards. Here’s the story of her journey so far.
Vicky Taylor‘s journey with the Francesco Hair Salon Group began 13 years ago as a stylist Loving the company’s ethos toward both staff and client, she soon decided to stay, setting her sights on a bigger dream “During the upheavals of 2020 and the Covid lockdowns, I took over the Cheltenham salon with the previous franchisee’s help,” she explains. “After a smooth transition, I officially became the franchisee in 2022.” She not only took over; but quickly transformed the salon into a buzzing hive of creativity and success. “I’ve spent the last two years pouring my heart and soul into making this salon shine. Now, I have an incredible team, loyal clients, and a vibrant, welcoming space that everyone loves.”
From the very outset, Vicky soon tackled any challenges that came her way head-on, including staffing issues. She leveraged her industry network to quickly assemble a fantastic team. Her marketing genius shone through with a bold offer: ‘50% off for all new clients’. “In 2022, 528 new clients grabbed the deal,” Vicky beams. “For just £750, we generated £40k in revenue and £20k in profit. Plus, 183 of those clients are now regulars, adding an extra £30k.” Talk about a winning strategy!
Colour and styling excellence
At Francesco Hair Cheltenham, Vicky’s leadership has fostered a supportive, fun, and dynamic environment. “We’re all about colour and styling excellence,” Vicky says. Each team member enjoys at least three personalised training courses a year. “Emma, our part-time senior stylist, is a wizard with short hair and is expanding her expertise in thinning hair,” continues Vicky. “Oliwia, our senior stylist, creates breathtaking balayages and is about to become our Technical Manager. Graduate stylist Evie, is known for her meticulous consultations, while apprentice Grace, is thriving under the team’s guidance. And let’s not forget the salon’s front of house superstar, Sue. She ensures every client feels like royalty from start to finish. “Even though I’m the one who’s nominated for the award, I feel it’s important to point out that this achievement was definitely a team effort.”
Ahead of the trend
Staying inspired and ahead of trends is Vicky’s secret sauce. “Social media is our playground for showcasing our work and discovering new trends,” Vicky shares. The team taps into Wella’s online learning platform and attends top industry events like Wella Business Network Live. Vicky’s track record in competitions, including being a finalist for Manager of the Year and British Hairdresser of the Year for Wales and the South West, highlights her commitment to excellence and innovation.