Tell us about your business, what inspired you to start it?
Hairdressing is my vocation and it has long been my ambition to have my own business. Realising my concept of the perfect salon experience has been a privilege.
Why did you name it The Drawing Room?
I always wanted to offer an experience that’s unlike a typical hair salon. We occupy two floors of a remarkably well preserved Georgian townhouse and The Drawing Room name reflects both the era of the building and the welcoming domesticity of our interiors. That sense of warmth and character is very much our ethos.
What is unique about The Drawing Room compared to the other local hair dressing salons?
What marks us out is the attention we pay to a client’s personality and lifestyle. Our aim is to achieve a look that feels instinctively right and is straightforward to maintain. A recent review made to our Facebook page described this perfectly: “Great balance between listening to what I wanted and knowing what works and what doesn’t.”
Why did you choose Shoreditch/East London to start your business?
This is my favourite area of London. I’m originally from Spain and was planning a move to London when I had a fortuitous meeting with Shoreditch salon owner while he was on holiday. A few weeks later I’d started working for him. I didn’t know the area then, but quickly realised how fortunate I’d been to find my way to somewhere so vibrant and rich in culture. When the time came to open my own salon, I couldn’t have looked anywhere else.
What would you say has been your most memorable experience while developing your business?
Our building needed some serious renovation and I got more involved in that than I ever imagined. Mastering how to use a pneumatic drill to smash out old concrete was pretty unforgettable! At the opposite end of the scale, ordering bespoke salon furniture to my own design was a particular pleasure.
What are your favorite stylists/ hairdressers?
Sam McKnight, due to his seemingly limitless imagination and ability to accentuate the character of his subject. Think of the impact made by the short, slicked back style he gave to Princess Diana and you’ll realise what I mean. Laurent Philippon and Anthony Turner are two other great talents and I’ve been fortunate enough to work with both of them.
Where do you find inspiration for new haircuts and styles?
It comes from so many places, ranging from high art to street style, making it often hard to place. However, there are certain experiences that really make a lasting impact. Working with Anthony at international fashion week events always stimulates originality, and I’ll never forget assisting Laurent for the book that accompanied the Isabella Blow: Fashion Galore! exhibition.
Social links:
Twitter: @TDRsalon
Facebook: www.facebook.com/drawingroomsalon
Website: www.drawingroomsalon.com
