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Shortcuts UK (+44 (0) 161 972 4900)
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EVOLVE #10 ARTICLES
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Reapers HairdressingWith a population of nearly 3000 the small town of Numurkah near Shepparton in regional Victoria has been faced with the shortcomings of recent droughts. One small salon has shared this with the community in which it exists becoming an escape for those hit hard and providing almost psychological relief at times. Reapers Hair has been one of our regional clients for nearly a decade. Owner Di Sprunt tells Evolve of her journey to success and shares some valuable lessons she learned along the way.Dear Shortcuts, Growing up on my parents’ dairy farm was a far cry from the life I lead today. Never did I expect to run my own hair salon in the very same little town. The past ten years have certainly been an adventure. I went to both primary and secondary school in Numurkah after which I commenced an apprenticeship in Shepparton with Iorianni Hairdressing. When I returned from a brief sojourn to sunny Perth, my Dad came up with the idea of purchasing a business… So with the backing of the bank and my very kind aunt, we jumped in, boots and all, and 22 years later I’m STILL here! There have been loads of peaks and troughs along the way- I don’t think I graduated with my ‘degree’ from ‘the university of life’ until I had been here for about eight years. In 1991 when very pregnant with my middle child, I was conned by a good friend, Errol Davis, to attend an accounting seminar and looking back it was some of the best advice I’ve ever been given. Changing accounting firms really changed the business. I could ascertain staff productivity, cost of goods as a percentage of sales, retail sales as a percentage of salon turnover and stock benchmarks… now we REALLY had a finger on the pulse! With the help of our wonderful hands on accountant we’ve also implemented systems, policies and procedures realising the important role they play in ensuring the salon runs efficiently. During that time, I also employed two colleagues, Robyn and Carolyn who are still with me today. They have seen me through three pregnancies, a burst appendix and numerous other highlights, and of course lowlights. My staff are my friends - we have the same values and work ethic and all enjoy a good time. Working in a small country town has a lot of advantages, one of them being the friendliness of the clients. All salons get to know their clientele, but out here because of the effects of the drought and other curve balls regional life throws at you, we really become a part of their lives offering support, a joke, and at times a shoulder to cry on. During 1996 we took the plunge and invested in a computer system. We then upgraded to Shortcuts, using the marketing component to generate new client letters, referrals and birthday letters. We have a current returning client rate of 90% and we plan to make this year even more fantastic with Shortcuts. Like most salons, we thrive on word of mouth recommendations. New clients have to feel comfortable about visiting and put faith in current clients that recommended us. We continually upgrade our salon both for the benefit of our clients and ourselves, to make it a great place to visit and to work. We offer extra services like manicures, pedicures and facial treatments to ensure that little bit of extra customer satisfaction. This 22-year journey has truly brought out the best in me and I have loved every minute of running this business. My husband, three children and close friends have been a wonderful inspiration and a constant source of support and I look forward to many more years building and strengthening Reapers Hair. Now, with my youngest child finally at school, I plan to get the anti- rust onto the old golf clubs that haven’t seen daylight for 20 years and get back into some of the things I love to do. Here’s to a wonderful 2004! Regards, Di Sprunt
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