A staple of the Nailsworth community, Gyles Allen hairdressers have been trading in Market Street for nearly 35 years.
Stroud Times put owner Jeremy Allen under the spotlight
Q: At what point did you think hairdressing is for me?
A: I think I realised hairdressing was truly for me the first time someone requested me to do their hair. That feeling of pride and excitement was and still is addictive to me.
Q: How did you do your training?
A: I trained with Peter Hickman in his Stroud barber shop and next door at Vogue hairdressing. Both Peter and his wife Sue knew how important training was and offered so much opportunity to try many aspects of hairdressing.
Within the salon, senior staff would always be prepared to give up time to help us juniors try different things.
Q: Describe those early years in the industry?
A: The early years were incredibly hard work but also so exciting and so much going on, so many skills to learn and just so much fun. I was fortunate to be in that environment.
Q: How did you get to where you are now?
A: Hard work and some good fortune. The manager of the salon I trained in became my business partner. He inspired me by his work ethic, his drive to keep standards high. My dad, Peter Hickman and Bill Gyles shaped who I am today.
Q : Describe your life in hairdressing?
A: I have been hairdressing very nearly 40 years. I feel I have rarely done a days work during that time. It has been an amazing time, giving me immense pride and joy, surpassed only by my three children.
Q: What can you expect to find at Gyles Allen?
A: Gyles Allen post-Covid is a very different place. However, it is still grounded firmly upon consistent customer service, being part of the community and to care.
Q: How important is the relationship you have with clients?
A: I’m sure every salon believes their clients are the best however……..I know that the clients who have supported us at Gyles Allen are exceptional. The investment given to them is matched in what they give to us. It’s that simple, an equal relationship, but still with the emphasis on the person in the chair, not behind it.
Q: Where do you see hairdressing and style going?
A: Hairdressing should be a continuous journey of light and shape and texture. Nothing is completely new and everything has new aspects attached. That’s why it has kept being exciting and interesting all this time, it is reliable yet changing all of the time.
Q: What do you like to do to relax?
A: I don’t have masses of time out of the salon but if given the chance I love to get out on my bike to clear my head and be out in the world .However, for complete joy it has to be a meal with my children, preferably some sushi and a chance for us all to share. This life has been a near perfect ride.
