Hannah’s full circle with Saks
The joy of this! Meet our new Tees Barrage owner, Hannah Chatt. A rather special Saks story here.
Having trained and worked with Saks, then rocked life with L’Oreal Professionnel for 11 years, Hannah’s entered her next new era at Tees Barrage salon in the David Lloyd club as co-owner with her husband Mick. And is now officially in salon.
In a whirlwind before the official takeover of the salon, we caught up for a quick chat (geddit)…
HANNAH! What drew you to open a salon at this point?
I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. The opportunity to take over the Tees Barrage salon came at the right time.
Why Saks?
No question. We’ve known and loved you for years. I’m good buds with the previous owner, Pauline. She wanted to 100% focus on Saks Bishop Auckland. So everything aligned perfectly!
What does joining Saks mean to you, in your own words?
It’s full circle. Growing up, Saks was always the best hair salon in Darlington, where it all began. And I’d wanted to be a hairdresser since I was a little girl. My path took me in a different direction, and I was planning to go to uni to be a paediatric nurse!
But… the Saks Training Academy was near my sixth Form college where I was doing my A-levels. My friends and I used to book in to be hair models for the Saks Art Team. I loved being amongst the buzz. The creativity! I just knew what I really wanted to do.
So… The academy ran a full-time fast-track Level 2 hairdressing course, and I decided there and then to enrol instead of going to uni. I started the course and also had my psychology A-level exam the next day. I’ve never done anything by halves – if you know, you know, right?
You worked in one of our salons. Spill.
After qualifying, I started in the Darlington salon. Working with amazing and inspirational people, I learnt so much. And so much I carry with me into my career today.
What’s stayed with you most from that experience?
The people, the skill set and the focus on constantly educating ourselves.
What made you want to come back, this time as a salon owner?
I wanted to put my skills to good use. After nearly 11 amazing years at L’Oréal Professionnel – working with Saks salon owners and managers on team and salon development – I wanted to apply my experience in my own salon and empower a team of my own!
L’Oréal people are our people. Sum up The Two Families.
I’ve had the best of both worlds. L’Oréal has been a huge part of my career and has shaped me professionally. They’re two different worlds but link together perfectly. Being able to bring everything I’ve learnt to my salon is so exciting. And I love bringing this to life in the salon with the team. Education and development are the key things that Saks focuses on.
What defines a brilliant salon experience, no matter the brand?
Coming to a salon is about so much more than just the hair. It’s the consultation, the little details, the connection we build with our customers and making them feel genuinely looked after when they come in. Whatever the brand, it should always come back to the people.
We’re all here for the gorgeous hair. That Thing you love about being in salon?
The atmosphere. It’s the thing I’ve missed most. I love the stories from our clients – some have been coming to our salon for over 20 years! The appreciation for these clients is unbelievable. I get goosebumps hearing their stories from back in the day. It’s what it’s all about.
How important is the Saks reputation in giving you confidence as you build your salon business with us?
Ah, Saks has a strong reputation in our industry and in the area – I know I’m not doing this alone. The relationship Saks has with their brands also means that we always have up-to-date insights, the best products and education for our team. I can also bring my own experience, ideas and personality to the salon. AND I’ve also got the knowledge and support from Saks HQ and the other salon owners.
Zoom forward… what would you love to achieve by this time next year?
I want to have built the salon into a stronger, recognisable local business. With a brilliant team and introducing some exciting new services. I want the salon to feel like a place where our clients and our team genuinely love being.
Are you a plan-it-all or go-with-the-flow kinda person?
When it comes to anything I’m passionate about – I do love a plan. But I can also have a laid-back approach and can let things take their course…
Something that instantly makes your day better?
Anything with pistachio in it. Croissants. Pistachio crème from M&S…
What does a perfect day off look like?
I’m an early riser, so a big cup of coffee before my family wakes up and the madness begins. A gym session if time allows. Then spending the day with my husband, daughter and the dogs. If I’m lucky to have a day to myself, I love a last-minute spa day or watching documentaries about archaeology (British history and ancient Egypt are my favourites).
If you could boss one skill out of the hair industry overnight, what would it be?
Being able to do a perfect curly blowdry on myself with both arms still attached at the end of it.
Hannah, we are SO glad you’re back to Saks!
IN TEES BARRAGE AND NOT BEEN IN YET?
If not, why not? Find our fab hair team and salon in the David Lloyd Club at Tees Barrage. Open to non-members too, of course. Call 01642 602863 or book online. Thank us later. Love Saks HQ xx