It is unquestionable the impact that the past 11 months has had on our industry; we are an entrepreneurial, creative industry which houses so much talent. In this series, we speak with a number of regional hairdressers about their love of the industry, the impact of COVID, and what #ChopTheVAT would do for them.
We spoke with Melissa Timperley, Owner of Melissa Timperley Salons in Manchester. Melissa started at Sassoon Salon Manchester as an apprentice at the age of 16,  she also has a string of creative and colour accolades and awards to her name, including Wella Master Colour Expert, Best Male Photographic Look and F.A.M.E. Team Member 2016. Melissa is also a qualified teacher and assessor.
What are your favourite things about being in hair?
Gosh there are so many to choose from it is a career that can take you all over the world. What I personally love about being a hairdresser is the ability to change someone’s perception of themselves. I love being able to make someone feel good and give them more confidence. You can really turn someone’s day around with a great hair colour and cut.
Who is your hair icon?
My consumer hair icon is Taylor le Shea I love her effortless french chic style. My industry hair icon is Vidal Sassoon. I love his hairdressing techniques and that is why I chose to do my training at Sassoon.
How has lockdown impacted your business?Â
Lockdown has and continues to be a rollercoaster of emotions. All businesses are struggling at the moment and it is still all so new. I’m learning all the time how to adapt and deal with the ever changing situation. I believe in always looking at the positives and as a business owner I’ve now got time to do the things I’ve not done for 4 years since opening the salon.
What do you miss most when you’re not able to work?
I miss the interaction with my clients and my wonderful team. With my team we are so close and let’s face it we’ve seen eachother more than our family and friends. With our clients we have got them through the milestones in their lives whether that is weddings, babies or birthdays and covid will be another milestone that we can get them through, looking and feeling their best.
What changes have you put in place to adapt to working through COVID?Â
We all have to adapt to the ever changing situation and unfortunately sometimes it does feel like it’s sink or swim. All of the changes from the first lockdown back in March 2020 are still in place. We are actually a government case study for best practice in the industry.
How would a cut in VAT impact your business?
A cut in VAT would be like a comforting hug that we so need right now. It would help our whole industry recover and come back even stronger post lockdown.
Follow Melissa Timperley Salons on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.