Why our business centre made the cut for one ambitious hairdresser

The Art House is a unique hair salon that specialises in creative colouring; their bold and beautiful clients can find them at our Colchester Seedbed Centre. After hearing about their fabulous flair, we felt an interview was needed to discover all the tricks and tips of managing a niche business.

 A chance worth taking

 After 10 years at another salon, Verity Clarke saw an opportunity in the rise in social media and took her chance to create her very own space at our Colchester site. Despite all the chaos of the pandemic she rose to the challenge of realising her dreams as a small business owner, opening The Art House in December 2020.

“Honestly, I was scared. The beauty industry was hit hard, and the future was uncertain. In order to make things work after the pandemic, I needed to do something big. So, I found a business space at Seedbed and transformed it into an artsy salon, a wonderland of colour.”

The Art House

Today, Verity offers a range of services from haircuts, colouring, styling, and extensions. She has also branched out into branded merchandise for her dedicated customers.

“I wanted unique hairstyles with vivid colours that expressed who I was, but no one provided that kind of magic in my youth, so I decided to become that.”

Verity uses hair as a canvas to create exceptionally original hairstyles for her loyal clients. They offer a no judgment policy, creating an inclusive space in our thriving Seedbed Centre. The inclusivity even stretches to the price list; Verity is proud to offer gender neutral prices for her clients.

“We are a hair salon for people who don’t get on with normal hair salons!”

Why the Seedbed Centre made the cut

For Verity, having an office space that she could make her own and express herself was a key factor in choosing the convenient Colchester Seedbed Centre. The one-month rolling license allowed her the freedom to build her business without being tied down into a long contract.

“I chose this location as it is easily accessible for both clients and staff as well as being much more cost-efficient for a small business than the vacancies on the high street! We also have complete creative control over our space meaning it really is our own.”

Hairdresser at work in rented studio

Business Tips

Verity offers her tips and tricks to anyone wanting to take the plunge and set up a new business.

“I’d say do the necessary research, know your target market, find your niche, find your right prices, and do something you’re passionate about. If you’re not passionate it will be hard to push through all the challenges and setbacks as it won’t seem worth it.”

Persevering through all the setbacks and challenges is key to a successful business and is something you should see as a positive!”

Growth and future plans

Verity has major plans for her business. She is hoping to expand her space into a photography studio alongside her salon.

“My best friend is a photographer, so we are going to work with her to create her own successful space as well.”

With their second-year anniversary coming up, Verity continues to make sure her space is fun and creative for all, with an emphasis on innovation, inclusivity and zero judgement.

We are really proud of what Verity has achieved and the specialist service she provides to her Colchester clients. Verity demonstrates how being bold, working hard and staying original pays off! We can’t wait to see what the rest of 2022 holds for her and supporting her business’ growth in the years to come.

 

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Colchester
Located on Severalls Park, Colchester Business and Seedbed Centre features an extensive range of affordable offices, workshops and studios for diverse businesses. Whatever your field, you will fit right in. We offer a flexible, monthly licence, meaning you have freedom to leave with just one month's notice.

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