Bristol Business of the Week is Central Studio Hairdressers
Posted on: 07 Apr 2015Our Bristol Business of the Week goes to Central Studios who are a leading hair salon located in the Centre of Bristol. We caught up with the founders Gabbie Langley and Jayne Wright to find out more about them!
When did you set up Central Studios?
We set up Central Studios in 1986 after working together at another hairdressers and moved to our current premises in 2004. We have been around for a long time and have built a superb team delivering a fantastic service for our clients.
Come and see us in what we think is the best hairdressing salon in Bristol!
Are you from Bristol?
Yes, both of us are and we love Bristol.
How's business?
We are very busy and the only L’Oreal flagship salon in Bristol.
Our clients are extremely loyal and we tend to know everyone that is coming in whether they are our own clients or being looked after by our other stylists. We treat everyone like a VIP and make it an experience rather than a haircut appointment.
All new clients get a complimentary consultation and we are able to use our Colour Lounge for advice and to tailor the service required for them,
Shaun Roberts, our Gents specialist, has been with us for over 5 years now and he has his own L’Oreal Pour Homme studio within the salon giving amazing cuts and styles to our male customers.
We are open Monday to Saturday with late opening on Wednesdays and Fridays until 8pm. There is also a car park directly opposite us so no need to rush because of the dreaded parking wardens.
What is a L’Oreal Flagship Salon?
We are the salon that gets all of the latest products first! All of our staff are trained and educated fully in the new products to market so we are always not only on trend but also able to offer products that might not hit other salons for a long time.
You are through to the regional finals of the L’Oreal Colour Trophy – can you tell us more about this yet?
Watch this space! We are taking part in the regional finals in Birmingham later in April and have Zoe and Andy representing us in the L’Oreal Colour Trophy and Shaun and Abigail in the L’Oreal Men’s Image Awards.
I see you offer wedding packages, how is this service working?
Our Wedding service is of course all about the bride and her party. We create a bespoke service tailored to the clients' requirements from initial consultation through to finishing touches on the day. We are able to travel wherever required to ensure everything is perfect for the bride's perfect day! Just give us a call on 0117 9290120 and speak to one of our wedding hair specialists.
On your website you are looking for some more full time senior stylists. What are you looking for from potential new staff?
With a growing client base we are looking to expand and add some more senior stylists. Ideally they would have at least 5 years experience and of course be willing to continue to learn and improve. Passion for the role is of huge importance, after all hairdressing is one of the happiest jobs out there!
How do you find running an independent business in Bristol?
It’s great and we’d both recommend it. Of course it is hard work and in hairdressing VAT is of course a bone of contention. Perhaps the next government should look at removing or reducing this for independent businesses as some form of tax break.
What advice would you give to any aspiring Bristol small business owners?
You must devote 100% of your time to your business and always be willing to learn. Building a fantastic team of people is of course very important but you really must lead from the front in all aspects of your business.
Where do you see Central Studios in 5 years time?
Continuing to provide a fantastic service for an ever-growing client base and developing both our own skills and that of our talented staff.
Where do you like to eat out in Bristol?
There are so many great bars and restaurants it’s hard for us to pick just one. Riverstation and Hotel du Vin are amongst our favourites but we must put a big shout out to The Rummer Hotel who are terrific whether for a meal or just a relaxing drink.
You’ll also find us treating the team over at The Mercure Brigstow Hotel - we’re the ones always smiling and laughing!
What's your favourite place in Bristol?
Leigh Woods is terrific, just outside the City and a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of town.
If you were Mayor of Bristol for a day which one thing would you change?
Gabbie has a couple of dogs which can be quite a handful when popping over to Cabot Circus. Carrying one is ok but two can be a handful. Perhaps all of Bristol should be made dog friendly. Surely it’s about time that Crufts moved to Bristol for a while?
Contact Central Studios at:
Queen Charlotte Street
Bristol, BS1 4EX
Tel. 0117 929 0120
Email. centralcharlotte@aol.com
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Article by:
Born and raised in the suburbs of Swansea, Jimmy moved to Bristol back in 2004 to attend university. Passionate about live music, sport, science and nature, he can usually be found walking his cocker spaniel Baxter at any number of green spots around the city. Call James on 078 9999 3534 or email Editor@365Bristol.com.
