Up Close with Zoe
Step inside the world of our Newark salon owner and Saks Artist Zoe. From nurturing next-gen hairdressers to sweets on-set, mates for life with Luke and Clare and motor homing. Find out what makes Zoe tick here.
So Zo-Zo, as a Saks Artist, what’s the most rewarding part of educating? Giving back to the next generation, like it was given to me. Seeing people grow is the greatest reward.
Backstage is fast and high-pressure – what’s your trick when the energy is intense? Breathe. Bring sweets. Be organised and prepared for the unexpected. And have fun!
How do you balance representing Saks Artists with salon life? Tricky. I’m taking a backseat at the moment and love seeing the other Saks Artists smashing it. I’ll be back.
A colour trend that customers are asking for, and how are you teaching it? The natural grow out. Guests don’t have enough time to sit in the chair. So, teaching the team to use the techniques of either more frequent toners booked or placement of colour to give a softer regrowth. Whether this be brunettes wanting to be blonde or greys wanting to blend, it all works.
Can you remember your first backstage gig for Saks? So many. What a life I’ve had with the gang. The first time was the Clothes Show 2015.
What’s something social media doesn’t show about backstage or education work? The hard graft and organisation that goes into this, not to mention the dedication from everyone.
For someone wanting to go backstage, what should they focus on building, e.g. skill, speed, mindset, organisation? It’s all important. Be organised, believe in yourself and be confident in what you do. Speed. It can be fast-paced back there.
Anything about Saks that people might not realise, but really sets it apart? We are one big family, so amazing community values make us the strength and stay of the market.
Share that one thing that you love in salon. Everything! Nah, that’s a cop out. It’s honestly seeing our customers walk out happy, knowing you’ve contributed to making a difference in their lives. Cheese, but I love it.
Anything about working closely with Saks’ creative leadership team, Luke Pluckrose and Clare Murphy, that’s seen you right? EVERYTHING. They’re my mates now. Always loyal, always truthful, always there. No egos, just pure love and support and top-of-the-game creativity.
A fave thing to do outside the salon? I’m totally into CrossFit, have been for a couple of years, not to mention love of walks with the fam with our crazy boxers; three of them and our two girls. Normally, in the motorhome, finding new places.
Dream travel destination if you could go tomorrow? Bali or Hawaii.
A fun fact about you that people may not know? I can say the longest place name in Wales: Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch
How do you unwind after a busy day in salon? Shower, skincare routine, then read a book.
Who or what inspires you most in any aspect of life, and why? My Grandad got me where I am today. Luke and Clare inspired me in my career. My husband Matt gives me the belief I need for every day. And our two little girls give me the focus to keep going.
Go-to playlist to add the vibe at work? If I had my way, pop goes classical. Love a chilled-out mix, and I’m obsessed with Ed Sheeran. Still not forgiven Luke for not getting Ed to send me a video or an autograph when he met him with Mimi Webb.
One little thing that always makes your day just better? 100% my family.
What’s your go-to comfort food or ritual after a long day? Food. I may live in the Midlands, but all my family are northern, so it has to be tea and biscuits, and I love a bath and my Kindle. TBH, any peace is bliss with kids and dogs.
If you could swap lives with anyone for a day, who would it be and why? Princess of Wales. I’m a huge royalist, and let’s face it, who doesn’t want to know what goes on behind those royal doors?