What influenced you as a
young hairdresser?
I had the unique opportunity
to be an apprentice in a major salon in
Munich, Andreas Fox. The two partners
created a spirit that made you feel like
part of a winning team. They instilled us
with confidence and insisted on training to
be the best because “you were the best.” I
took classes in color, retailing and
drawing. Plus there was in-salon training,
competition preparation (why I won those
trophies) and on my day off, I practiced in
the salon with two models.
What took you
from hairdresser to
manufacturer/distributor?
Accident. I left the States
for Munich. One of my colleagues was doing
business with a hair care company. I met the
sales manager, went to Paris, was offered
the job. It was a great opportunity for
adventure.
Why did you start
Inestra?
The philosophy of large
companies was unappealing. I wanted to bring
a professional commitment to the industry,
to the salon owner and staff.
Have you accomplished that?
I’ve accomplished the
commitment and the ideology. Inestra now has
many wonderful clients —all my clients are
wonderful. There are many other salons which
would love us. My job is to find them. If I
do it more quickly, I will become a
mass-marketer, something I don’t want. The
personal involvement is important to me. I
take pride in answering my own phone—hate
voice mail.
What does the future hold?
Making a difference. The huge
mergers have not helped the individual salon
owner. The image of the hairdresser is not
strong enough. Business developments have
made the industry less attractive as a
career choice. I’d like to play a role in
changing that. |