Business profile – Scott Sloan

Scott Sloan

SLOANS HAIR SALON

Growing up, Scott Sloan always knew he wanted to be a hairdresser. From braiding and colouring friends’ hair whilst at school in country Junee, to volunteering as a hair model in his Aunty and cousin’s salons as they experimented with new styles, his future career path was destined.

Fast forward 27 years, Scott is now an internationally recognised hairdresser and salon owner who has taken out numerous awards for his work. He has operated Sloans Hair Salon in Lane Cove for 19 years, employing 21 staff from his salon on Longueville Road, as well as a further 7 staff from his North Sydney salon. Apart from managing his extensive client base and running these busy salons, Scott is also the National and International Ambassador for L’Oreal Professionnel. Passionate about education, Scott now travels the world training young hairdressers on techniques and trends to raise their skill levels. Scott has taken out Australian Salon of the Year, Australian Business of the Year and NSW Hairdresser of the Year several times. He is also passionate about raising money for the Starlight Children’s Foundation, with his salon team visiting hospitals to provide mini-makeovers to terminally ill children.

What first attracted you to Lane Cove?

Back in 2000 when I was looking to start up my own salon, I came across ‘Cost Cutters Budget Hair Design Centre’ for sale, which was located at the end of Lane Cove Arcade. I could afford it, plus I really liked the small community vibe of the area. As a young 24-year old with a naïve “I can do anything approach” and little comprehension of the stress of running your own business, I bought it, closed it down, redecorated it and then launched it as Sloans Hair Salon. It was perhaps more good luck than anything, but I certainly found the sense of community that I was seeking in abundance.

What do you love about your work?

I love being behind the chair, cutting hair. I love my clients and how you’re allowed into their lives as you build a relationship with them over the years. I also love that my work is instant – in 45 minutes you can give someone a complete makeover. It’s a powerful thing to be able to change a person’s mood through the work that you do.

What makes Sloans different?

Any salon can cut, colour and highlight hair, but it’s the level of service and the relationships that we have with our clients that set us apart. A large portion of my clients have been with me for over 20 years. We’re a busy salon and I have very high expectations of my staff – we go over and above with training and they all attend classes constantly. I never ask them to do anything that I wouldn’t do - I still struggle to view myself as the ‘boss’ and for many years I was the second youngest member on staff! I have trained 9 apprentices from beginning to end over the years, and many more have started with me. It is so inspiring to pass on skills to an apprentice and to help set them up with a great career and future.

How would you describe the current business environment?

We’re lucky in that we’re a destination business with a strong re-booking culture, so people lock in their appointments 6-12 weeks out and make sure they get here regardless of any difficulties around finding a park. With so many new apartments, we’re also attracting plenty of new clients, so the growth in the area has been a real positive for our business. Despite what people say about the lack of parking in Lane Cove, there are still lots of people out and about and we’ve found that the Little Street carpark has really assisted.

What 4 words would you use to describe Lane Cove?

1. Community focussed 2. Loyal 3. Evolving 4. Progressive