Guide to Creating a Plan to Drive Results!

Before I whisked myself off into a world of victory rolls and afternoon tea, I worked for nearly six years in the public sector with positions ranging from Business Consultancy to Project and Programme Management and the equally wafflesome Business Process Reengineering (making things work better). I really did love parts of my career before going self employed, and although I'm much happier now, I'm so glad I went through that world first. It gave me the most amazing grounding in disciplines I believe have been essential to the set up and successful growth of the business; planning, designing processes and management systems, setting up websites, procurement, recruitment and financial management.

I hope to do a series of posts sharing my experience of these disciplines and how I've chosen to apply them to a creative business setting. I hope this is helpful to anyone starting out, looking to improve their current operations and re-organise their affairs. I'd welcome your thoughts and comments!

Today I'll start with planning. The greatest piece of advice I can give was actually given to me by my last ever Manager. An inspiring results orientated guy who taught me a lot. I was working as Project Manager for a national disability employment company. I'd been set the task of designing a complex, multi-department project plan, involving a lot of people, tasks and targets. The risks were high and the benefactors of the project were real live people who needed the support of our services.  Ready to get into Microsoft Project and colour code my Gantt chart, put in my gateways and rival the Olympic Park Planning Team, I met with my Manager. He told me directly and in no uncertain terms that a great Project Manager wasn't the one with the fanciest plan, he didn't care what I used to create my plan and had no designs on how I laid it out. What he wanted was a quick, easy to use and regularly updated task list. My time was not to be spent hiding behind documents and methodology but out there negotiating, motivating and monitoring that those tasks were actually being done. That approach has stuck with me ever since. So I'm not going to wax lyrical about how to create complex and impressive 'strategic plans', I'm going to tell you how to put together a simple, effective and workable plan (let's be honest we're self employed, or heading that way because we're do-ers). The only exception to my advice here is business planning for the purpose of loans, seeking investment or such like, I'm referring to personal planning for our own useful purposes.

I define planning as setting out the intentions you have for a project or business stream, detailing what needs to be done to get there, and setting measurements, so you know if you did it. A plan is not something you can tick off the to do list. It's an ongoing, working, continuously updated reference for you and your team to work from. My plans are opened at the start of the day and sit on my desk top, waiting to be updated, re-jigged and used to motivate me to get things done!

Here's how I approach creating the document itself...

1. Define my end goal(s), or to use project jargon 'products'. Sit down and write a list of tangible results you want to achieve. Let's use one my most recent new businesses, our Stags and Barbers, as an example. Our list looked something like this:

Barbershop and games room open
Staff recruited and trained
Activities and services designed and ready to offer
Brand launched and word out there.
etc etc.

These aren't tasks, these are finished results. Tasks will be listed individually under each of the headings above.

2. Decide how you'll know when it's done, or 'performance measures'. The list would start looking something like this:

Barbershop and games room open (Measure: We are able to offer all services from the space)
Staff recruited and trained (Measure: Team present and able to deliver all services on day of opening)
Activities and services designed and on marketing (Measure: Written on website, with prices and description)
Brand launched and word out there (Measure: People at launch event)
etc etc.

3. Detail tasks under each heading, with a deadline and name of who will do it. Be explicit in the task. Realistically assign a time period each task will take to do.

4. Draw out the essential order tasks are to be done in. This is termed critical path analysis in Project Management. The planning geek in me loves this task (you should have seen my Christmas dinner 2010 plan!). So, for example if I'm going to apply critical path analysis to doing my make up, I need to clearly identify which tasks have to be done, before others can be started. It would go like this:

For the purpose of this example, the path shows that nothing in row 2 can be started until the task in row 1 is completed. Then all in row 2 must be completed before row 3 tasks can be started and so forth. This is genuinely really useful, going back my barbers plan, if we look at the section dealing with branding and word getting out there. We knew that getting the word out relied on, amongst others things, press releases being sent out. We had a set opening date, so these had to be sent before press deadlines for issues going out before the opening. Press releases would be written once services are designed etc etc. There's a critical path that clearly says 'this must be done by that date to ensure the rest of the tasks can happen'. As you can imagine, when designed the Olympic Stadium, for example a critical path would be essential when such a vast and complex set of tasks had to be done (and the major delays occurred because so many tasks could not be started until others had been finished!)

4. Make sure those named in the plan know about their tasks and deadlines. We have a shared drive that everyone can access and update their section of the plan. Most start ups, like I was will be just you, which makes that part nice and easy!

5. Do and update. Once you've written your plan, don't sit back feeling smug at what you've achieved. I'm going to be a little unfair and say, creating a plan is not really achieving anything. It's a means to and end, the achievement comes in the ticking off of tasks, the active reworking and editing of the plan in response to changes, lessons learnt, new developments, ideas and those inevitable catastrophes.

My key points on this subject would be:
Don't use a plan a means to procrastinate doing what you set out to do. If you keep creating plans and never doing anything with them, the problem probably isn't plan.
Don't be afraid to change the plan, as with life, things doing always go to... err, plan! Adapt and move with the project but...
Do set deadlines and keep to them as best you can, the plan should drive results.

I hope that's helpful and I'd really appreciate any comments!

Thank you,

Lynsey

Branching out...

It's been a long term goal of mine to branch out into business consultancy. It's where I started my career and something I love doing. I would love to work with others passionate about their business to hopefully help them flourish. So I'm seeking a case study business to get me started! I'm looking for a small business who is either new, or for whatever reason not performing as you'd hoped. I'll work with you to establish your business plan, consult on creative aspects of your business such as branding, as well as core issues like your business model, financial management etc. I'll set you achievable goals to reorganise and move your business forward and measurements to ensure you can assess your success. Ideally it would be someone able to meet me face to face, but we can work via Skype and the phone too.

Here's my professional bio/sales pitch to give you some idea if who I am and what I can offer...

I have a degree in business and management

I worked for 6 years in public sector management consultancy, project management and process re engineering (efficiency).

I started my own business 7 years ago, growing it from a part time hobby to a national multi branch beauty and events company employing 5 Managers and 45 freelance staff, plus my own cosmetics range.

I won Entreprenear of the Year at the Women in Business Awards 2013.

Lastly, I'm passionate, logical, friendly and obsessed with business.

Me on the left, with Rachel, Vintage Life Editor and Diablo Rose, my sister and Creative Director.

If anyone is interested in being my case study please get in touch. You don't have to be a vintage business of course, just serious about wanting to make it a success. All I ask in return is an honest review afterwards! Email me with your business information at info@lekeuxevents.co.uk. Can't wait to hear from you...

Lynsey 

New Work Experience Opportunities

Some of you may have read my post last week about 'how not to get employed'. I've had some rather amusing applications and replies to interview invitations even since writing it only a few days ago. Still, I maintain the ideal that there are still people out there willing to work hard and who are hungry for learning experiences, and I'm going to put my own time and effort where my mouth is!

Therefore I've decided to offer a work experience Saturday placement for a 16-18 year old looking to gain experience, learn about the world of work and vintage styling. This person will have direct access to myself and my Management team with the opportunity for training in vintage hair and makeup, styling for photo shoots, salon operations, team work, customer service, sales and general working practises. And most importantly there will be a paid job at the end of it, providing the student shows all the competences required for the job. This is an opportunity for anyone with or without relevant skills who can demonstrate a willingness to learn, work hard and contribute as part of a team.

The last time we offered a placement like this was a huge success for both us and our work experience student. Lily started with us at a young age shadowing our stylists and training in all the skills required to become a part of our paid team. After showing great promise and quickly learning, she is now a fully paid member of our team working most Saturdays in our salon in Birmingham. She has developed exceptional skills in vintage hair styling and customer service, all as a direct result of her own efforts... we couldn't be prouder.

The successful person for this placement opportunity will be expected to conduct their work experience placement most Saturdays from around 10am to 6pm with a break for lunch.

So do you think you have what it takes be become one of our Birmingham salon team? Take a look at our website at www.lekeuxvintagesalon.co.uk and apply for our work experience placement by emailing info@lekeuxevents.co.uk with a cover letter detailing why you'd like this opportunity.

I am passionate about rewarding young people with opportunities and skills, I owe a lot to work experience and part time jobs from the age of 14 right through university. I really hope we can cultivate another Lily for our team!

Thanks for reading,

Lynsey

How Not To Get Employed

Here's some stats for you... I would estimate for every 50 applications we receive for positions in our national vintage styling team, Melanie and I offer interviews to about 30. From those 30, about 10 to 15 show up. From those, half may on average be offered a position on our freelance team. For every 10 we recruit, train and offer work to, 1 or 2 remain as long term employees in one form or another. If I were to quantify the time and effort involved in this process, each valuable employee proves pretty darn expensive to find. So whilst I hope this post is helpful to those out there truly baffled by the basics of applying and securing a job, it's also a PLEA. I plead to those out there currently seeking work in my industry to slow down, take care and make an effort when applying for any job, for your own sake and that of the world economy.

So rather than list the 'top 10 tips for getting the job', I'm going to tell you the most common mistakes candidates make which result in them not getting a reply to their application, an invite for interview, a job offer, or end up not being offered further work (and how I would have rather they did it). My frustration will be evident I'm sure, whether the education system is failing the new generation, or its a wider reflection of society in general...I'm undecided. Regardless of the cause, I pray for the day it gets better.

Step one - your application content

The cliché 'first impressions count' may have been coined for this very situation. Spelling mistakes in this modern age are unacceptable. Not even using a capital letter for your own name is unacceptable. I understand my stylists won't be writing reports for me, but it's not about whether their English language is up to scratch... it's about showing me they've taken time and effort to apply for this job. Everything about every stage of a job application is about showing the employer you want the job, you'll work hard for the job and you're appropriate for the job. I believe inherent in this statement is the fact that text speak is not a great choice, but since its relatively common, I'll go ahead and say it... "I wud luv a job with u' is a sure fire way to ensure 'u neva get a job wiv me'.

Secondly, read what the application requirements are. We ask for your CV and images of vintage inspired styling you have done. Sending an application without either of these will result in immediate deletion; why would an employer chase you for information they've already asked for? If you cannot follow instructions on a job advert, it tells me you won't be able to interpret and execute a job brief. This may sound unfair, but the application process is specifically designed, for any job, to test the applicants for the skills required to deliver that job well. Always remember that.

Another way to bore the pants off your prospective employer is waffling. Writing long lists of your amazing competences is rather pointless. Anyone on the planet can write this list, what will distinguish you is specifics and evidence. So rather than writing:
'Lynsey is a great manager who is a hard working, confident and driven individual', write...
'Lynsey has managed a team of 5 staff at XYZ beauty counter and her team met all sales targets resulting in the prize for best regional team'. 
And be ready to explain yourself in detail at interview.

There's a simple formula for your CV and covering letter too... carefully read the job advert. The keywords in ours would be 'national travel', 'working at hen parties', 'weekend work' etc, so the covering letter would be well received by someone stating something like:
"I enjoy variety in my work, and embrace the opportunity to travel to different areas of the country. I am a confident driver and happy to be available at last minute. I enjoy working with large groups and have a good track record of time keeping and pressured work environments from my time doing make up at fashion shows. I am available Saturdays and Sundays." This application is telling me you are exactly what I'm looking for!

Step two - how you apply

I'm going to keep this simple. Don't apply through facebook, twitter or a recent favourite... whatsapp. Apply through an email, or as requested through the link on a jobs website. Make it 100% formal, laid out like a letter and include everything asked of you.

Step three - attending interview

It's ok to say you're unable to attend interview but give a valid and truthful reason. If the reason you don't want to go to the interview is because you won't travel to it, when the job requires travel, then the job is not for you and the interviewer will also think this. If you have paid work you must attend on the day of the interview, say that and be specific so it is believable. Don't ask for another interview on a specific date, the employer will assume you are not flexible in attending work outside your own schedule. Ask politely if it would be possible to be invited to any future interview opportunities.

If you confirm your attendance, go. If you don't come to the interview after confirming attendance for whatever reason it will be assumed by the employer that you're incapable of turning up for work. That's the bottom line. It doesn't matter how legitimate you think your excuse is, they don't know you, or your circumstance and don't have the inclination to get to know either. If a candidate doesn't show up, and later asks for another interview with us, I'll laugh it off. Honestly, what competences has that person displayed to me to make me spend the time again? Not turning up to interview leaves a slot someone else could have had, it wastes management time and it frustrates your potential employer. If you're serious about it, turn up. If something catastrophic occurs after you've confirmed attendance, then communicate that and voluntarily supply evidence. The amount of times I've had people ring up with a plethora of tropical diseases or car malfunctions on the day of interview is laughable, but should the candidate ring before the interview to excuse themselves, then I receive a copy of a doctors letter or an RAC breakdown slip and a polite request to be interview at any other time convenient I'd certainly offer a second chance.

You have to remember even if you're an honest person, genuinely caught in a flu epidemic, you're just another faceless applicant to an interviewer, who's usually pushed for time and overrun with applications. Stand out.

Step four - performance at interview

Turn up smart, I don't care if the job is for a Dish Washer or an Account Executive, dress smartly. It's impressive, and you're there to impress. I'd rather someone where overly formal than not at all.

Be on time, arrive collected and prepared. If you don't I will assume you won't do so for work.

Research. Most likely the first question you'll be asked is 'what do you know about this company'. If you don't have an answer, you are very unlikely to be successful from your first breath. Have an example of how you meet every competence in the job advert of description. This is what the interview questions are written from, it's that simple.

Answer each question with evidence. If asked 'what would your previous manager say about your punctuality', rather than answering 'I'm always on time', say 'I had a 100% on time attendance record, in fact I started taking the bus that arrived 20 minutes earlier so I could grab a coffee on the route and arrive fresh and ready to start work'. I cannot stress enough at this point however, one word for you... deliver. If you say it at interview, do it when you start work, probation periods are built into new jobs to get rid of the fibbers.

Always ask questions at the end. But make them about your enthusiasm for the company and the job. Don't ask 'how quickly do I get paid?', rather 'I love your products and I'd be so excited to sell them, do you offer a commission scheme?'.

Step five - you've got the job, now keep it

On your first day, turn up early, I'd recommend 15 minutes or so is ideal, it shows willing, organisation and appropriate time keeping. Bring everything you need and more, ask before hand what you'll need. Ask how to wear the uniform if supplied.

Ask what the employer would like you to do, ask how you can help during down periods. Ask where you can do the washing up, where is the broom etc. Show you're able to do the most complex parts of the job and willing to do the grottiest. Show you're not above getting tea for a customer, how you're able to meet their emotional needs too. At the end of the day, thank the team you worked for and say you're looking forward to doing it again.

Then go home and be extremely proud that you've contributed, earned a days wage and you've achieved something. There's no greater feeling than being chuffed with yourself.

In summary remember - the employer has what you want... the job. They also have a queue of people wanting what you also want. You have to spend time and effort demonstrating what you have to offer. We don't know you, we have to be SHOWN how good you are. It's exhausting applying for jobs, I understand that, but the better you do it each time, the sooner the search will be over!
Lastly, if you feel you're doing all of the above but you're still not getting the job then please get in touch. I'd be happy to help in any way I can. I am passionate about people working for a living, and finding what they are good at.

Thanks for reading,

Lynsey Le Keux


Pictured below, some of our fabulous team who did make the cut and continue to impress, Kath, Meg, Amy and Lily! We'd also like to mention our other stars... Corinne, Helen, Nicola, Nicky, Gaby, Emily, Katie, Sidonie, Natalie, Laura, Tiffany, Louise, Jourdan, Lucia, Sharron, Emmalene, Leanne, Virginie, Kaeleigh, and of course my Managers Melanie, Julia and Kate. We also have some very promising new starters coming on soon too!

Burlesque Class Hen Party: Behind the scenes!

Le Keux Vintage Hen Parties: Your beauty is our duty!

Planning a hen party is one of the best parts of being a hen, but it can be daunting; especially when you’re organising an activity you wouldn’t normally take part in for so many ladies, some of whom you’ve never met before!

At Le Keux Parties, we cater every party to the ladies taking part, offering a variety of activity options from hair & make up to fascinator workshops to full pin up photo shoots. We have activities for every budget and can offer week days, Saturday and even Sunday bookings! You even have the option of using our dedicated premises, Le Keux Vintage Salon at the Custard Factory in Birmingham (styled like a 50s diner!) or holding your party at any venue across the country.

Aside vintage style hair and make-up (using our personal brand Le Keux Cosmetics), one of our most popular activities is the burlesque class. It’s something lots of ladies secretly would love to do, but it’s also a daring activity that more reserved hens might not go for, so to ease the nerves, we thought we’d show you what happens at a typical burlesque class at a Le Keux Party!

It really is all about fun; our professional choreographer takes you through a short warm up, then teaches you some basic moves, which are all put together to make a short routine. There’s no pressure to get it right first time and by the end of it you’ll be feeling great, giggly and maybe even a little bit sexier... Feather boas are optional (but do add to the fun!).

The ladies arrive and discuss their hair and make up options over tea in china cups

We provide Look Books for lots of styling inspiration

Hens are more than welcome to use our full salon set up to capture some moments to remember!

Our stylists can create vintage looks from all hair lengths and styles

Taster Make Up includes eyes, lips and brows

Adding false eyelashes to the look with help from our Head Stylist Amy

We're more than happy to work with your Bride's party props!

Now hair and make up is taken care of, it's time to learn some burlesque moves!

Warming up for the class, stretching out before shaking their thang!

The moves are all gentle and designed for all abilities

Our choreographer teaches the ladies the routine, feather boas add to the glamour!

The final routine performance, all in the (relative) privacy of Le Keux Vintage Salon

Sugabillys - Pin Up Academy with Anna Fur Laxis at Le Keux Vintage Salon

Hi Keuxettes!! Kate here - I'm the Business Development & PR Manager for Le Keux and I was delighted to be in the salon for our latest free Pin Up Academy for the Sugabillys Pin Up Models and Promotional Staff this week, with the world renowned model & burlesque artist Anna Fur Laxis.


Sugabillys manager Diablo Rose with Anna Fur Laxis at Le Keux Vintage Salon

Anna's workshop was a masterclass in pin up posing, including tips on posing & movement, what to do with your hands & face, and using props & clothing. I was so impressed with Anna's approachable, honest and friendly delivery and she charmed the Sugabillys as well as teaching them. The girls picked up some really helpful tips (like how not to accidently amputate your own arm in a shot!) and even from a 'non-model' point of view, the session was really interesting and gave me a real insight in to the world of the pin up!

All the models and promotional staff signed to Sugabillys receive free training from the UK's top pin up models, including Diablo Rose who also manages them. Diablo was at the session to take photos for the girl's free portfolios, help them pick what to wear from our pin up shoot wardrobe and take some shots for the repro clothing company Heyday! She also gave some hair and make-up tutorials to the girls who hadn't made themselves up before they arrived, alongside our Senior Stylist, Amy.

If you think you've got what it takes to be a Sugabilly and want to enjoy the perks of the (dream) job, contact diablo.rose@lekeuxevents.co.uk, or want to get a taste of pin up life you can book in for one of our £99 Pin Up Model Photoshoots, which include hair & makeup, costume changes and one digital image, and lots of fun in the salon!!

My business week...

It was a particularly busy week last week, in particular it stands out because it was crammed full of all the different types of responsibilities and challenges I face running a business. I thought I'd sum up my week for you as it seemed a good way of contextualising these points...

Monday 
I met with my accountant on Monday, we had a lot to go through because I'm currently investing a lot in a new project which is due to launch in November. We've been fortunate enough to be able re-invest accumulated capital, with only 20% of the total investment borrowed from private lenders. This has certainly meant that the risk element of investing in a new venture is less stressful, because I don't have the pressure of paying back bank loans and growing interest. My account, Paul is a wealth of knowledge and incredibly good at what he does. He gave me some great advice on the financial planning side of the new venture, and we spent some time looking over my figures from 2011/12 and how they compare to the first and second quarter of 2012/13. It's really reassuring to see the business has grown since last year. I have learnt a great deal over the past few years regarding the fluctuations in income over the year, and how to manage cash flow during our busiest into quietest times. I'll do a more detailed post about this another time as I think I would have really appreciated the perspective of someone with a few years experience in this after making some mistakes in my first year of real income coming into the business.

We also discussed VAT registration for the business this financial year, which may impact our prices. This is certainly a concern for me, because I believe our price points are a great competitive element for us, however with 20% of income soon going to the government in VAT, we unfortunately have to balance this off in our pricing strategy. It's something that will require careful thought.

Tuesday
This was an at home office day. I really enjoy the fact that being self employed allows me to have days were I can get work done on my own schedule. I usually start early, get my emails done, watch some TV and relax, walk our dogs and go back and do some more paperwork. The main bulk of our processes and logistics is managed by Julia, my Event Manager, so my office work tends to be more around the promotion, marketing and strategy of the business, with a good proportion of my time spent on our new venture at the moment. I also still manage all the direct contact with customers for our pop up salon and any ticketed events, which tends to generate quite a bit of email and phone activity. I make a conscious effort to stay connected with the customer facing part of our business, it's important to me that I never lose sight of how things are running in our salon, at our hen parties and with our staff. I'm certainly a great deal better at letting go of control over everything than I was 18 months ago, largely down to having so much trust in Julia and her abilities (I'm sure she will vouch for the fact that it was a 'journey' in letting things go since she started with us in June 2011!) I find I rarely have a true 'day off' in the sense that I'll always do something, even it's a few emails or social media stuff, you never actually turn off from the business, which has in the past been quite draining and means I have to make a conscious effort to plan in time for my husband and social life so I get some balance. This is again a post in itself, which I'm sure I will expand on soon!

I also spent the afternoon and evening with my dad who is helping me put together some new pop up salon and point of sale displays. I spent quite a lot of time researching suppliers to do this for me, but in the end it just made so much more sense to do it ourselves! I like the fact that we still do some things ourselves, just because you have the facility to spend on certain things, I don't think it means you should. I'm incredibly tight with business expenditure and I'll always choose the option to do as much as possible myself and with help from friends and family. I think my 'I'll do a better job myself' attitude to business is a blessing and a hindrance; it means I always take on too much and burn myself out but it also means I'm always teaching myself new skills, that's how The Vintage Salon started after all. I would think a lot of entrepreneurial people are like that, there's an element of over-confidence in your abilities and a willingness to give anything a go, combined with not believing anyone else will deliver your vision as well as you can!

Wednesday
Today we had a photographer's workshop in the salon. The concept behind this came from a photographer I've had the pleasure of working with a few times before, Theresa Furey. She ran a similar day a while back in Malvern, involving our Sugabilly models, my hair and make-up and a group of photographers who took it in turns shooting the models in Vivien of Holloway clothing in different indoor and outdoor sets. The aim is for them to increase their experience and portfolios, and for us to increase our exposure and networking.

Theresa very kindly let me nick the idea from her (of course she'll be coming along to one of the days on the house as a thank you). We had four absolutely lovely photographers join us, shooting our four classicly styled models in and around our salon at the  Custard Factory in Birmingham. We've already has some amazing photos come back from the day....

Photo by LKPhotography 

Model: Kia L'Amour

Photo by Mel Cowell Photography

Model: Renee Rouge

 Photo by Rocket Doll Photography

Model: Fionnoulla Rose 

Photo by LK Photography

Model: Betty Valentine

The challenge I faced today was not related to this event but was in the fact that I woke up to finding out from my daily business banking text from Lloyds that a large sum of money had been fraudulantly taken from my bank account. I managed to trace how this had happened in the morning whilst setting up the salon and styling the models before our photographers arrived, then finished off some calls at the end of the day to sort it out further. It was of course on my mind all day but my priority had to be with ensuring our paying customers, in this case our photographers experienced the service they had signed up for, I had to put the issues aside and focus on them for the day.  Luckily Paypal, who were the source of the fraudulant activity (my account had been hacked through my using the same user name and password for this and other sites I'd signed up to) were absolutely spot on with their customer service and resolution. The money was traced and is now back in my account, thankfully. I urge everyone reading to go right now and change any passwords that are the same!

Thursday
I usually always cover our Birmingham salon on Thursdays and today was no different. Kia, our Salon Manager looks after it the rest of the time. We had our new Nail Technician Rosie start at the salon, she has quite a busy first day and fit right in, it was lovely having someone else there to chat to and another service to offer our customers. The challenge we face in operating the salon during weekdays is that our core services are very 'special occassion' based... we don't cut or colour hair in the salon, so customers tend to only need to get their vintage hair do's etc on Fridays and Saturdays. We therefore have to start offering more walk in services such as nails and brows to fill the week day slots. This is diversification from our previous business offering. It's essential that these services are still related to our vintage branding though, and Rosie has created kitsch, rockabilly and traditional vintage designs in response to this and our brow shaping is modelled on the iconic brow shapes of stars such as Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn. 

I can't rely on a regular 'salon' business model, we don't have the same service offering, we're more an 'experience' company, so our challenge is enticing customers into those experiences outside of the weekends. We're getting there!

Friday
This was a really exciting day at the salon, we were hired out for a professional photo shoot for which I've signed a confidentially agreement about. I'll say no more and share the results when the time is right! I met some fascinating people and it's going to hopefully be a really positive outcome for us. 

Saturday and Sunday
I took our (newly-designed-and-made-by-my-brilliant-dad) pop up salon to the Designer Vintage Bridal Show at Hagley Hall for the whole weekend. Having not had time to set up on Friday due to the shoot finishing late I had to set off early and put it all up before the show started at 10am. I was really pleased with how the weekend went. 

I honestly get quite emotional when customers get excited when they see my business. I welled up a couple of times after brides loved their complimentary bridal trials, one said it had made her day and I just thought 'that's worth getting up early on a Sunday for'; it's the buzz that keeps you going even when you're knackered and your brain is like mush! I have to take it back to my business philosophy again, if you find what you love, it's not really work. My aim ever since I was young was to blur the lines between work and pleasure, I'm not great with routine, in fact it positively petrifies me. Although I sometimes can't plan my weekends ahead or give myself mouth sores from being so tired, I wouldn't give it up for anything.

Till next time...

Ms Le Keux x