40 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE: SOPHIE’S JOURNEY IN HAIRDRESSING

BY ASPIRE MAGAZINE

A Childhood Dream Turned Reality

For Sophie Spence, hairdressing was not just a career—it was a lifelong passion. From the tender age of five, she dreamed of working in beauty. Though she initially aspired to be a beautician, her journey naturally led her to hairdressing, a profession where her creativity could truly flourish.

As a teenager, Sophie began styling her friends’ hair at school, plaiting and experimenting with different techniques. This hobby soon became a source of extra income, and when she left school, she pursued an apprenticeship under the Youth Training Scheme (YTS) at Martin James. This was the beginning of a remarkable journey in the hair industry.

FROM HOME BUSINESS TO SALON

Owner

Sophie’s career evolved as she gained experience working in various salons, including Scissor Trix in Birmingham’s Bullring. However, she quickly realised that working for others was not for her—she wanted the freedom to create her own space.

Before opening her first salon, Sophie ran a successful home-based business for seven years. As her client base grew, it became overwhelming to manage within her family home. She knew it was time to separate her work from her personal life. With the support of her father, she found a small unit, transformed it into a fully operational salon, and thus, Tegur Hair Salon was born.

THE MEANING BEHIND TEGUR

Rather than naming the salon after herself, Sophie wanted a name that reflected culture and identity. She found inspiration in an Ethiopian book, where she discovered the word “Tegur,” meaning “hair.” Though the original pronunciation was different, she kept the European-friendly version, giving her salon a unique and meaningful identity..

Balancing Business And Family

Running a business while raising five children, including twins, was no easy feat. Sophie often had to juggle salon appointments with school runs, sometimes leaving mid-session to pick up her children. The financial uncertainty of self-employment was another challenge—balancing bills, rent, and family expenses required careful planning.

Despite the struggles, Sophie persevered, driven by her love for hairdressing and her commitment to her clients. She became widely known for her precision cuts and signature styles, with clients frequently recommending her work.

A STRONG BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP

In a move to expand her business and ease some of the pressures of sole proprietorship, Sophie partnered with Sara Hart, a close friend with whom she shared deep family ties. They established a new salon on Coopers Road, marking the start of an 18-year successful business partnership. This collaboration allowed Sophie to reduce her working days to three per week, giving her more balance in life.

A THERAPIST BEHIND THE CHAIR

Beyond styling hair, Sophie recognised the deep emotional connections formed in a salon. Clients confided in her, shared their struggles, and found comfort in her chair. To better support them, she pursued counselling qualifications, further enhancing the nurturing atmosphere of her salon.

THE NEXT GENERATION STEPS UP

With 40 years in the industry, Sophie is now looking towards the future. Her daughter, Pariece, has followed in her footsteps, mastering braiding, natural hair styling, and intricate designs. With her own brand, BTS, she has built a strong clientele, including male customers seeking specialised styles. Sophie hopes that one day, her daughter will take over the family business, allowing her to step back, enjoy her grandchildren, and embrace retirement.

A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE

As Sophie celebrates four decades in hairdressing, her journey stands as a testament to resilience, passion, and the power of community. From humble beginnings to a thriving salon, she has not only built a business but also nurtured a space where clients feel at home. Her story is an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, proof that with hard work, determination, and a love for what you do, success is inevitable.