Paul James Hairdressing was established in 1998 by Mr Paul Fox, which has only grown and has become one of the biggest brands in Gauteng, having many other branches open around the south of Gauteng. With a lot of hard work, sweat and tears creating this brand, he was able to create job opportunities, and an establishment whereby you could show your talent in hairdressing, teaching up-and-coming stylists, and giving opportunities to stylists to become partners, managers or even owners.
“Working beside Mr Fox showed me his passion, skills and dedication to the brand itself, which in turn inspired me to become an owner of a salon as well as learn the ins and outs of running a salon. So I kept the brand name as it has grown significantly and to carry on the legacy that Mr Fox had created. I’m extremely passionate about the brand and its history, and a proud owner of the Paul James Bracken city branch.”
They offer a wide range of services that includes hair, hair extensions and wigs, nails, waxing, make-up, and the fully trained operators offer back, neck and shoulder massages which also gives them the opportunity to earn commission. “I like to believe that we have created a salon where clients can be pampered and relaxed.”
She has the most incredible team working with her . There are 5 stylists, a receptionist, nail tech and 4 operators. She also has an up-and-coming apprentice that started as an operator with PJH and is now working through the ranks to get qualified. “They are all incredibly passionate, dedicated and energetic. If I did not have this team, I wouldn’t have the salon that I have. Everybody pitches in and does what needs to be done. Having stylists and operators that have a strong passion for hairdressing makes a huge difference and a great impact on the salon. We are not just a team but a family who is always there for each other.”
Natasha believes that they are successful because the brand itself has a good reputation in their community. And they strive to offer a service that is different, consistent and of high quality. “We give exceptional client service with a welcoming atmosphere and a clean sanitised environment. Once you treat everyone equally with the same level of service, they know they are getting value for money. Motivated and engaged team members makes clients happy – only then are you guaranteed that clients will come back. My team and I have the same vision and goals in the salon and the main target is to give high quality service.”
For her it is of utmost importance to have a well-trained team. “Every Thursday I have a salon meeting where I include product training. We pick a product range of the week and get trained on it. We research the brand, request information from our rep, get information from the internet and the Nebeau guide book and use this research to get our training. We also do a lot of touch-and-feel training in addition to the research. Every team member also gets the opportunity to train the other stylists, thus giving us all the opportunity to grow and learn together.”
For Natasha, hairdressing is a passion and not just a job. “Running a salon has many benefits: you get to see clients happy and more confident; you create job opportunities and help other families. We get to do various charity work and outreach projects which I would not be able to do as much if I did not have the salon and my team. Having this business helps me help other people. We can make people look and feel beautiful and also be part of so many lives and go through everyone’s journey together. Operating a salon is not an easy task but the joys, smiles and warmth you receive makes everything better and easier.”
For her, one of the biggest challenges is stock control. “If this is not under control then you tend to have leakages in the business creating a huge impact in loss of the business which can lead to salon closure. So to avoid this we do stock takes everyday and keep stock at bay. I am unable to be in the salon 24/7 to check stock therefore I created a culture of trust in the team for them to know what needs to be done and how it needs to be implemented.”
The salon mostly uses Inebrya colour. The Bionic colour is a smaller range and the Oxycream is very thick, so they find that they waste more. “I keep Bionic for clients that are allergic and who doesn’t want that heavy chemical. I also keep it for toners, like the 11/7. From the Megix range we keep the toners and the naturals for the clients that want a quick in and out colour. I get more usage out of the Inebrya colour tube. It gives 100% coverage, and we get that perfect colour. We very seldom have comebacks. Transition was very easy. The colour chart is very self-explanatory, so it was very easy to match colours to my previous brand.”
“We use a variety of bleaches, from the Ultra-fast 9-level lift, the Black Shine bleach, the Blondesse Miracle Gentle and the Reduct Colour. Previously it was one bleach for everybody. Now I can adjust the bleach to cater for the client’s hair texture and needs. I can choose what I want to use. For me as I stylist the condition of the hair is priority. So I know I can protect the integrity of the hair without any breakage.”
The salon also uses the Ammonia free Ondesse perm and the Ogenex. “I love the Ogenex! We’ve had great results in repairing severe damage.”
“I love the new packaging – it is very aesthetically pleasing – and I love the variety because I can help any client with any problem. It is like using something new every day and I can help everybody.” Her favourite retail range is the Blondesse No Yellow. “I’ve tried a lot of no-yellow products. The Blondesse No Yellow is by far the best.” Depending on the condition of the client’s hair they will recommend either the shampoo or the mask; the mask for more damaged hair.
For Tash it was difficult to decide on her favourite styling aid. “I love all of them!”
On the service that Nebeau offers, Tash had to following to say: “It should not be a mission to order, or to receive stock. With Nebeau it is smooth sailing. That makes my life easier. I think you guys are amazing with your service.”
Natasha has been in the industry for about 22 years. She studied in Durban where she also did her apprenticeship. In 2011 she relocated to Gauteng. When she’s not working, she spends time with her family. “I’m a mother of two amazing kids and have a supportive husband. My family is my motivation and my strength. My parents are my role models and my greatest blessings. My dad is my pillar of strength and my guiding hand who helps me every day, coaching and teaching me how to be the best version of myself. When running a salon, you need good support and the best advice to help you lead an incredibly strong team. That’s what I take from my dad.”
