Sarah Ross, brand new boss
Sarah Ross has it all going on. Saks through and through, with a lifelong passion for hairdressing. Been with Saks since she was 16 and has now taken the reigns as salon owner of our gorgeous Saks Guisborough. Sarah’s our resident marathon runner whose guilty pleasure is a bit of Dolly Parton.
So, what makes Sarah tick?
HOW DID YOU GET INTO HAIRDRESSING?
I started on a Saturday in a little salon and I loved it. I was 16 doing my A levels and I decided to give it up and go into hairdressing.
#SAKSFAM: Sarah Ross and the team at Saks Guisborough
WHERE DID YOUR SAKS JOURNEY START?
At 16 when I was given an apprenticeship at Saks Stockton by Lucas. I loved every minute of it. We had a great team, I met lifelong friends and I found my passion.
WHAT ARE YOU WATCHING OR LISTENING TO?
I like all sorts of music but one of my faves (that people cringe at) is Dolly Parton. I’ve been to see her in Newcastle and I’d always wanted to go and my wonderful friend took me for my 40th. I like Rod Stewart too, all the oldies.
SALON SISTERS: Sarah and Debbie outside Saks Guisborough
WHAT BROUGHT YOU BACK TO SAKS?
I was at Saks in Stockton for about 4-5 years and then I went to America for a year. I did everything there from hairdressing to childcare to working in a bar. I was in Fort Lauderdale near Miami. When I came back I got my job back at Saks in Stockton.
Then I had my children and I went back to work at Saks at the David Lloyd Club in Teesside working for Lucas again. I was there for about 10 years and then I left and I did some work for Jane at Saks in Yarm. I did work for another hair salon for a short time but it just wasn’t the same and I HAD to come back to Saks. So I got in contact with Jane and asked for a job and she said ‘even better I’ll get you a salon!’ She inspired me and told me she thought I was ready for something more… to own a salon myself.
SOMETHING UNIQUE ABOUT YOU?
I’ve run four marathons in Edinburgh, London, Amsterdam and Loch Ness which was definitely my favourite.
WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO OWN A SALON?
I’d never actually thought about it. For 17 years I was bringing my kids up, so it wasn’t on my mind but it has happened organically with encouragement from Jane at Saks Yarm and the team at Saks HQ.
DESERT ISLAND ITEMS?
Music and body oil…I love a luxurious Decléor body oil (from Debbie of course!)
TOP HAIR ADVICE
Use the best products! We can create a fantastic cut and colour and customers need to use the right products to get the best out of it. There’s a lot of people that use the wrong products and we love to put that right for them and see the amazing results we can achieve.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT WORKING WITH YOUR SAKS SISTER DEBBIE? (Debbie owns the beauty salon at Saks Guisborough) Debbie’s a massive support because she’s been here so long. She really knows the area and the people and everything about how the salon works. I feel like I’m not on my own as we always work together.
WHO IS YOUR HAIR ICON AND WHY?
Emma Willis has got to be one of them at the moment. It used to be Madonna as she changed her hair constantly. I love people that are daring with their hair or like to change it up all the time.
TELL US ABOUT THE SALONS 20 YEAR CELEBRATIONS
We turn 20 this year which is amazing. Debbie and the beauty team are doing indulgent Decleor facials for £20 and then we’re having a party hair evening, so we can share advice about which are the best products to use. There’ll be free treatments/blow-dries. A lot of customers have never had their hair-up so this evening will be a fab opportunity to try something new. Of course all proceeds go to The Eve Appeal.
FAVE PLACE IN THE WORLD?
Italy and France because they hold a lot of memories of holidays with the kids. I love being outdoors, camping. There’s nothing better than going on holiday and not having to put make-up on and just enjoying the simple things in life.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT HAIRDRESSING?
I think the sense of achievement when you’ve created something that looks good on someone and you’ve made them happy. Especially when you get someone who hasn’t done anything with their hair for so long and then one hour can completely transform them.
HALF AN HOUR OF ME TIME, WHAT DO YOU DO?
Walk my dog, Sam – he’s a chocolate lab and he’s gorgeous.
Spooky salon: Saks Guisborough having Halloween fun
BEST SAKS MOMENT SO FAR?
Of course having my own salon is a brilliant moment. There have been so many special times with Saks it’s hard to choose. I’ve made so many friends. Hairdressing has been my whole life. We did a naked calendar once at Saks Yarm to raise money for charity, which was a definite highlight. Do you know what I love? When you get to the point that you and the team are all mates and you choose to go out with them over and above anyone else.
NIGHT IN OR NIGHT OUT?
Night in. For sure!
HOW DOES IT FEEL TO OWN YOUR OWN SALON?
I don’t think it has sunk in yet as I’m just busy doing what I do but I’m sure I’ll look back one day on it and think WOW!
2019 PLANS FOR SAKS HAIR GUISBOROUGH?
Get more team on-board, develop the interior of the salon and be the best salon in Guisborough.
#ILOVESAKS BECAUSE…
Most of my adult life Saks has been a part of me. When I started with Saks we didn’t have social media, we all worked in the salon together and those friends you make last a lifetime. It’s family.
Inspired? If you think you could be the next Saks salon owner, check out our opportunities here.
Email us at franchising@saks.co.uk or give us a buzz on 0845 678 0290.