who we are

My name is Simon, and I am the founder of Wattstyle Studios.

 

I waited until I was in my mid-30’s to become a hairdresser & barber. My original career path had me heading off to medical school, (which wasn’t for me), then onto accountancy and a few other jobs in between. Although I was successful in each of these roles, I always felt a little lost and that I wasn’t being entirely true to myself. One thing I realised was that Each job had one consistent theme: working with people.

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Deep down I knew I always wanted to be a hairdresser; however, I didn’t want to admit it through fear; a fear of being my authentic self and potentially falling flat on my face. However, something changed inside me when I turned 36. I couldn’t specifically say why, but the stars all aligned for me, and I felt an inner confidence. Deciding not to let my doubts hold me back anymore, I enrolled at college to train as a hairdresser. That bold decision was the best I have ever made (besides getting my dog, Trevor).

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On my first day at college, I knew I had found what I was meant to do all along. A whole new creative world was opening up in front of me, and before I had even cut my first client’s hair, I had designed my future salon in my head. Yes, the bright pink chairs may not be here today, and the name may have undergone a few changes; but the one thing that remained constant was the way I wanted people to feel after they left my salon: happy.

 

I decided to focus on 4 simple principles to deliver this:

· Provide a quality service;

· Provide An inclusive, safe space where people are free to express themselves openly;

· only use good quality, cruelty free products;

· an eco-conscious focus wherever possible.

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In order to achieve this, I knew I needed to find the right space to work from; surround myself with a talented team of people who shared this ethos; and source brands that were cruelty free & vegan, where possible.

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One sunny afternoon in June 2024, I was at my friends house doing her hair when she came up with the idea of going into business together, and from there the dream started to become a reality. We found the right space within weeks and set to work immediately.

I didn’t want the inclusivity aspect of the studios to feel tokenistic and so I looked at every aspect of the typical salon experience and build it up around that.

 

I firstly looked at the services that the studios could offer and organically I found Joe, our tattooist; savannah our beautician; and zach, our barber. My best friend, Sarah; with whom I trained at college; was looking to set up a salon herself. As she has recently reverted to islam, We decided to collaborate and create a dedicated space to complete hair services for her hijab-wearing clients. We therefore have installed a smaller fully functioning salon in a separate area, behind a curtain for privacy. This space can also double up as a quiet space for anyone with neuro-diversities if the broader salon space is overwhelming.

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I then looked at pricing for the salon as I have never fully understood the traditional gender-based system. Whilst I understand The barbering skill is a very different one to hairdressing, hair itself is genderless. if you want a skin fade, or a set of highlights, we can offer both and more & your gender is irrelevant. Whatever service you want, you will be charged for the skill used and time it takes, only.

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Finding products was not as difficult as I thought it would be. We now offer a wide selection of quality products that are all cruelty free with sustainable packaging. From gel polish to hair tint - I have even found an eco-friendly supplier of washing up liquid and soap. Wherever possible our products are eco-conscious and vegan.

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It was always important for me to surround myself with talented artists with  shared beliefs: my tribe, if you will. Everyone that works within Wattstyle is now a part of my extended family, and I hope you will feel the same. 

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Our philosophy is simple: be you, boldly. no compromise, no judgement. we want you to celebrate what makes you unique and happy.

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So, with that in mind, I welcome you to our studios. Wattstyle: whatever your idea of beauty is, I hope you find it here.

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LOVE,

SIMON x