Our New Owners at Saks Yarm
Beyond excited that Amy, Charlotte and Sean – three Saks stylists – are now proud co-owners of our hair salon in Yarm. After years *loving* being part of the team, they’ve teamed up to carry the torch from the One and Only Jane Myers-Lewis.
Jane’s vision, vibe and love of customers and Saks hairdressing made the salon what it is today. And Our Three are here for more of that. Timing’s perfect. Signed, sealed, and salon-owning as we also celebrate 30 years of Saks Yarm and they were named Hair Salon of the Year and also bagged the Customer Service Award at the Saks Awards 2025.
Winner Winner
Getting to know You and You and You here…
THE MAGIC NUMBER
Right Gang, first things first. What do you love most about hairdressing?
Charlotte: Making people feel good. Big change or little refresh – I’m game for it. The feeling of watching them leave happy after having a pamper.
Sean: The people! I love chatting with my clients while making their hair great.
Amy: Same. Making people look and feel special. I’m passionate about customer care and have a big interest in people.
Tell us about That Moment you realised you could actually own this salon together?
Sean: Jane has always spoken about the next generation of Saks Yarm and how she wants to keep the legacy going. It’s always been a dream of ours to take the reins. That ‘moment’ was when Jane asked the three of us to do it for her last year. What a privilege.
‘Brought up’ by Jane. How do you feel about carrying on her legacy?
Sean: Honestly, overwhelmed. Having worked for Jane for 12 years, I understand how she has made such a success of Saks Yarm, and I am 100% committed to carrying on that legacy. Jane has been amazing and we have big boots to fill but we’ve learned from the best. I guess part of that excitement is that it’s passed on to a new generation.
Charlotte: We’re super lucky to take over a successful salon that Jane has worked so hard at creating over the past 30 years. As auntie and niece, we have discussed how great it would be for me to become a director one day. You know, KEEP IT IN THE FAMILY, and we did!
Amy: It’s an honour. I’ve been on the journey with her for 21 years. She really has been the ‘best boss’. Reaching the 30-year mark alongside her is truly special.
What does it mean to the Saks Yarm team or clients that ownership stayed “in the fam”?
Sean: I genuinely feel it was the ONLY way to carry on Saks Yarm. Jane has established the salon to the highest standards. Warm and friendly with an excellent team, providing great hair and great customer care.
Amy: And being part of Saks is a major thing for us. The community of salon owners, and the support Jane’s always had from HQ was reassuring when we knew we wanted to become salon owners.
What’s the most heart-warming customer reaction you’ve received?
Charlotte: Our team and customers are happy that it’s familiar faces who’ve been around for years. All feedback has been amazing.
Amy: Everyone has been so supportive of the new set-up for the staff: we’ve worked together a long time and have good friendships. For clients, it’s reassuring for them that the takeover has been from a longstanding team who are practically part of the furniture. It does feel like we’re fully supported.
Sean: One of my clients stood up from the chair when she found out and gave me the biggest cuddle. It was a gorgeous moment.
A celeb you’d love to get in the chair…
Sean: Has to be ADELE. I am obsessed with her and her hair.
Charlotte: Sabrina Carpenter.
Amy: Raye. I love her retro look, and her voice and songs are amazing.
TEAM DYNAMICS
How do you three make decisions together?
Sean: Over food if possible. The three of us are very like-minded and I think that stems from having grown up in the salon together with Jane’s leadership. We know what we need to do and how things should be done and so making decisions is easy.
Charlotte: We have a group WhatsApp where we can also chat as we’re always so busy in the salon.
Amy: I’ve noticed we’re like-minded when it comes to running the salon. It’s interesting how we discuss things and all come to the same conclusions. Great to have the two of them to sound things off. And we have such a laugh.
OUT OF OFFICE
Half an hour of me-time… what do you do…
Charlotte: Spend time with my baby, Willow or get out in the fresh air and ride my horse.
Sean: Watch TV. Something I don’t have a lot of time to do and even less so now.
Amy: Not entirely sure what that is with a 5-year-old. But a few years back, I would have said reading a book.
Night in or night out…
Amy: Night in! I love a good crime drama, or friends/family coming round – ordering food and attempting to have an adult conversation.
Charlotte: Used to be night out but can’t hack the hangovers now so I’d also say a family night in.
Sean: Night IN. Nothing beats it. Feet up, a good drama and a takeaway.
Dream holiday destination and why…
Sean: Ooh! Working in a hair salon, I’m well-versed in holidays and have had lots of recommendations from clients. A dream holiday would be Canada. Purely for the scenery.
Charlotte: On safari in South Africa is on my bucket list and looks like an amazing experience.
Amy: Florida – hands down. I have amazing childhood memories of going and would love to take my daughter Ava to relive the magic.
Fun fact customers might not know about you?
Amy: Years ago, I was a singer in a band, we used to do gigs in Guisborough pubs.
Sean: This is a tough one as I wear my heart on my sleeve. But the most random fact is that I train a marching jazz band and play the kazoo every weekend haha.
TRUSTING THE PROCESS
How did Saks HQ support you through the stylists-to-co-owners process?
Charlotte: LOADS! We had multiple meetings to discuss every part of the business. And we can ask for advice anytime.
Amy: We were SO supported and still are. Special mention to Jezz, Head of Operations at Saks HQ and Joanne and Tracey from Saks Finance for being so patient and guiding us along the way. We genuinely couldn’t have done it without you.
Sean: We wouldn’t have a clue without them. From Teams meets to popping to HQ. Mentors throughout. Thank you, Saks HQ!
Best bit of advice along the way?
Amy: If you want to succeed, don’t stop working hard.
Sean: Just be you!
Biggest learning curve in moving from employees to owners?
Sean: Realising all the work that goes on behind the scenes to run the salon! Jane made it look super easy. I feel fortunate that there are three of us to share that workload so we can also focus on creating great hair.
Charlotte: We’ve had loads to learn but we help each other out and can take control over certain roles.
ABOUT SUCCESSION AT SAKS
What would you tell other Saks stylists considering a similar move?
Charlotte: If you want it, grab the opportunity.
Amy: It’s a scary leap into the world of business, but there has been so much love and support! I met our other salon owners at the Saks Awards and everyone said, if you ever need advice, pick up the phone. Just go for it.
Best bit about making the leap?
Amy: Doing this as a trio! Here’s to many years ahead of Saks Yarm.
Sean: Although scary and certainly a big commitment, it is totally worth it.
AND THE QUEEN’S SPEECH
Jane: After 30 years of owning Saks Yarm, it could have been hard to let it go but being able to let the next generation take the reins has been so positive and has filled me with pride. Salon life has always been my passion. Working as a team and having a great atmosphere with people I love and respect who do amazing hair for our gorgeous clients. Without them we wouldn’t be where we are and I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone.
I’ve made amazing friends in Yarm. And also my very special Saks family and it’s been a massive part of making me the person I’ve become. Long live Saks Yarm. And ps I’m now working for the team and not retiring for a long time yet!
IN YARM AND NOT BEEN IN YET?
If not, why not? Find our fab team and super glam salon at 20 High Street in town. Call 01642 785040 or book online. Thank us later. Love Saks HQ xx