Starting a business was the best thing we’ve ever done

STARTING up a business is always extremely challenging, especially when there are already extremely well established businesses in the area.

However, with the trend of new-start business rising in Aberdeen, and the need for something unique and quirky in the city centre, we decided to launch Linton & Mac about six months ago.

Working in partnership with my business partner, Joanna MacDonald, our time as business owners may seem to be short, however, with our extensive knowledge and understanding of how our industry functions, we believe we can push our salon to be a leader in our sector.

One key to success for the business would be that both Joanna and myself drive forward with the same outlook and passion for success within the industry.

By bringing something new to the city, we were sure the business would be successful, and by using platforms such as social media, PR, and marketing, the business has gained a huge loyal following, attracting a number of key industry professionals to the salon.

Owning a business means that every day is a learning curve.

With challenges such as employing staff, managing company accounts, supervising the business’s everyday needs, as well as catering for clients and promoting the business it is important to stay focused and have key goals in place to achieve.

Learning to work as a cohesive team has been exciting, especially with regards to managing people and advancing individual employee development.

We proactively encourage our staff to attend internal and external training opportunities, as well as competitions, awards, exhibitions or seminars, ensuring the staff morale and development of our staff is at the heart of our business.

Working under pressure has been something both Joanna and I have had to adapt to, especially with our names on the door.

We are extremely lucky to have such high quality, loyal, staff and with their help the business has flourished in its first four months and we now employ a team of 15 staff.

Training and development is another key factor to business success.

By introducing a number of important industry professionals to the team, as well as hosting industry events and inviting industry leaders and influencers to the salon, this has ensured Linton & Mac’s staff morale and training is of the highest of standards.

Trends are huge in the hairdressing and barbering industry, and with key training the team can ensure their skills are up-to-date, keeping clientele happy.

Looking forward, we have a number of industry professionals scheduled to come to the salon for training and workshops, and after the success of our recent collaboration with the Great British Barbers Bash, we anticipate that these other events will also be very popular.

With the ambition to be seen as industry leaders in our craft, the business will continue to pursue innovative opportunities in bringing something fresh to the city.