Visionary of the Industry !
Success in the World of Hairdressing and Business
COLIN MCANDREW is an extraordinary figure in the world of hairdressing and business, where talent meets passion, and professionalism meets achievements. He is a finalist for Scottish Hairdresser of the Year, as well as the owner of a network of award-winning hair salons in charming Edinburgh. A recipient of the Business Director of the Year title, he also sits on the jury of hairdressing shows. Colin McAndrew is a key figure in the industry, inspiring with his talent and successes. Let’s meet the true leader in the field who shapes the trends and future of hairdressing.
1. What was the pivotal moment in your career that shaped your status as a finalist for Scottish Hairdresser of the Year and Business Director of the Year ?
Winning business director of the year has been instrumental in giving myself and Medusa a greater platform and respect within the industry, really elevating the brand and complimenting the brilliant team work in all the salon’s.
2. Do you have your own recipe for building and maintaining a strong personal brand in the field of hairdressing and business ?
Yes, be authentic, be consistent and be fair, I want every situation to be a win for both parties for myself/medusa to do well doesn’t mean someone has to do badly.
3. Could you reveal as an expert the most sophisticated techniques you use in your work to achieve the highest hairdressing standards?
Practice and passion as a renowned educator and cutter is all about discipline. There are some amazing hair stylists in the industry but that doesn’t mean that all of them are great educators, the 2 don’t always go hand in hand.
4. What principles guide you in making business decisions that contribute to the success of your salons and personal brand?
Fairness and respect, I want everyone from team to the client to feel valued and to give the best value to every person.
5. What key principles of business ethics do you adhere to in running your hairdressing salons?
Respect for the team and the clients, with the team I want to progress them, give them career stability and financial comfort.with the clients of Medusa the very best in hairdressing and best service that we can supply.
6. Which skills do you consider crucial for success in managing a hairdressing business?
Communication is key, be it with the team, constantly pushing to deliver the very best quality we can, and to really shout to all the clients everything we do…the first rule of PR is so simple: tell the people.
7. What are your insights on the role of business aspects in evaluating and rewarding creative achievements in the field of hairdressing?
Hair salons generally do well in local business competitions as the judges don’t really think of hair as a real business but are then blown away. We are service providers, educators, content creators, innovators, motivators, PR machines ,accountants. The many hats salon owners have to wear is a lot.
8. What are your reflections on the legacy you want to leave in the hairdressing industry as an expert and entrepreneur?
I want everyone who I ever worked with to say he kept his promises and made me better.That would be a great legacy.
9. Could you share your methods for building relationships with the most influential figures in the world of hairdressing and business to promote your brand and achievements?
Be nice but be truthful, don’t just nod your head. I’ve met all my heroes and been able to have respectful different opinions on subjects….Disagree agreeably is a great idea.
10. With many successes to your name, which prestigious awards and recognitions do you consider as your contribution to the hairdressing industry?
Winning director of the year was a huge confidence boost as it validated a lot of the huge efforts that the team have worked on. The title was director but really it is not a personal award without the great team there is nothing to direct.
11. What are your insights on the role of business aspects in enhancing the prestige and professionalism in the hairdressing industry?
We are a serious business that doesn’t take itself too seriously, still make sure you have fun, And really do everything you can to aim for better.
12. Will you reveal your leadership strategies that allow you to shape the future of the hairdressing and business industry?
Communication and transparency. I am now delivering mentoring days to salon owners/managers and freelance stylists to learn about the core KPI’s unfortunately so many in the industry don’t know what these should look like. And far too many “coaches” promising the world with no substance. I know what works for Medusa and what didn’t work so I try my best to share it as clearly as possible.
13. What are your experiences participating in exclusive industry events, and what benefits do they bring to your personal brand and business?
It’s all about elevating the brand, motivating the team and networking. Surround yourself with the best people and some of the magic will rub off.
14. What key qualities, in your opinion, distinguish you as an expert and businessman in the hairdressing industry, and how do you use them to develop your brand?
I think it’s my common sense approach and politeness, I want everyone that myself and the medusa team have contact with to feel that we were kind and interested. Also be willing to share and ask for help.
15. Do you believe that methods of pushing boundaries and creating new trends in the world of hairdressing enhance your position as an expert ?
Of course as a Wella guest artist we have to be at the forefront of hair fashion and trends. That not only motivates the team but also motivates myself. And that makes us able to always inspire the medusa client.
16. Could you share your ethical principles and values that guide your activities as an expert and businessman in the hairdressing industry?
Fairness I respect all and judge no one, and again I have always worked with the principle of win win situation. I want what’s best for medusa but also what is best for the team, Clients and suppliers. This approach has served me well so far.
17. What are your most important goals and projects that you plan to accomplish in the coming years as an expert and businessman in the hairdressing industry?
To keep a level head and not panic, business is tough. It’s harder for any business right now but stay calm, clearly focused on our goals but also willing to adapt the goals.
18. What are your plans for developing your business beyond the hairdressing industry, and what are your goals in this area?
I have a property portfolio that is slowly growing and my slain business mentoring program is really taking off Glasgow, Manchester and Dublin dates coming up so that’s an exciting progression. I have really loved putting this together and knowing I’m helping my industry that has been so good to me is very special.
19. Which prestigious industry events, where you served as a judge or guest of honor, have benefited your personal brand and business?
I have since judged the BHBA which has been great to see the entrants’ applications so much talent in the creative world. Also always love judging the Wella TrendVision award. I love this competition. It’s such a great way to elevate your career in hairdressing.
20. What are your observations on the role of mentorship and coaching in career development in the hairdressing and business industry?
Be careful who you trust/believe. My mentoring is honest wisdom trying to make sure you don’t make the same mistakes as myself ( I’ve made a few lol ). But also not promising the world some of the claims from certain coaches don’t stand up to scrutiny under pressure. I also feel it should be a relatively short term relationship that shouldn’t last forever…Unless of course a major project that’s different.
I think it should be a push 3-6 months then possibly quarterly reviews half year type of reviews, I always like having a business mentor as it makes me answerable to someone.
21. What are your most exclusive and prestigious services offered in your salons to satisfy the most discerning clients ?
We are one of the best cutting and coloring salons in the world. We educate constantly so the team is always at the forefront of hair. That’s what makes us different. We never settle, we push all the time.