Saks Artist Chat: Shannon
Come with us for a quickfire Q&A with Shannon, our Hexham salon co-owner and Saks Artist. From fashion week shows and the importance of lunch backstage to a mooch round the shops and Raye. What Shannon thinks is sweet here.
So Shan, what’s rewarding about being a hair educator? Passing on knowledge from all the courses and creative experiences I’ve been part of and making new friends in the Saks network.
Backstage. Your trick when the energy is intense? It’s much like in the salon, just focus, listen and get it done.
How do you balance representing Saks Artists with salon life? Managing and being in the salon is my day-to-day, which I love and representing Saks in different ways gives lots of creative outputs. Always meeting new people and learning from them.
One colour trend clients are asking for, and how are you teaching it? It’s all about enhancing natural hair, rather than covering it up! Rich, glossy brunettes lived in blondes and blended greys. Clients are also being braver with panels of colour, peekaboo pieces to add a touch of drama.
Can you remember your first backstage gig for Saks? Harris Reed at V&A Fashion in Motion with Luke as the lead. I was nervous, putting my heart and soul into a slick back, only to find out the model was wearing a hat. That’s fashion for you!
What’s something social media doesn’t show about backstage or education work? The emphasis on grabbing lunch. Sometimes the best bit of being on a course or going to London or Paris shows is lunchtime! Skill swapping, industry knowledge passed on over a cup of coffee, and connecting with everyone around you.
For someone wanting to go backstage, what should they focus on building, e.g. skill, speed mindset, organisation? All that and showing up with a fully stocked hair kit, as you never know what you might need.
Anything about Saks that people might not realise, but really sets it apart? Opportunities and support! Since I joined Saks, I’ve been part of loads of backstage work, courses, and teaching. I’ve been supported in becoming a salon manager and in my creativity. So many options if you’re willing to work hard to get it.
A thing that you love in the salon. The busy moments! When the chairs are full, the team’s all busy and working together… and we have some Saturday tunes on.
Anything about working closely with our creative leadership team, Luke Pluckrose and Clare Murphy, that’s seen you right? We are SO lucky to have Luke and Clare in our network. They are both full of knowledge and creativity, and have taught me a totally different style of working.
A fave thing to do outside the salon? Is a coffee and a look round the shops.
Dream travel destination if you could go tomorrow? Skiing! Anywhere, always.
Go-to playlist, song, or artist to add the vibe at work? RAYE
One little thing that always makes your day just better? An 8.30 am root touch. I always try to get a root touch booked in for 8.30, it kickstarts my day, so I’m on a roll!
Comfort food after a long day? Hello Fresh is all I’m saying here.