9 minute read
10 Minutes with Grant Norton By Louise May
Grant Norton is a name many will know in the hair industry, both here and overseas having managed and owned multiple salons in Australia, spending the past 10 years working with product companies, helping to make and launch products all over the world.
Today we find him back doing what he loves best in his next and final chapter having joined forces with Oscar Cullinan, partnering together to launch Oscar Oscar Sydney in Bondi.
“I have watched Oscar build his brand since arriving in Australia with admiration for his photographic work and business acumen,” says Grant, “and I am so excited to be part of the culture having been welcomed by the salon partners and head office team as part of the family.”
Editor Louise May spoke to Grant about his career so far and what his new exciting chapter will bring.
Can you share a little about your upbringing?
I grew up in the south of England, we lived in a small village, and I always knew I wanted to travel and see the world and didn’t realise at the time hairdressing was going to be my vehicle. I enjoyed school for the social aspects but didn’t take to academics. My father was an engineer and I remember the day I told him I wanted to be a hairdresser and then a week later coming home with two hooped earrings.
How did you first get involved in the industry?
I started working as a Saturday boy in a salon called A-CUT-ABOVE; this was a salon above a bookies (in Australia, we call them TAB’s); a busy highstreet salon with a mixed clientele of family cuts and colours and perms. Back then the hairdressers would smoke cigarettes whilst doing perms and flattops, there was a bank of hood dryers for all the shampoo and sets, I just loved it. There would be 1-2 assistants to 10 seniors and to be honest it was learn fast, never sit down and only eat once you had run to the shops for everyone else’s lunch. I just loved the music and looking after people and couldn’t wait to cut my first client. it has taken me all over the world, working with amazing and talented people. It has given me the opportunity to shoot collections, session work, educate and lead some of the globe’s best hairdressers. I have been lucky enough to pick up some wins and trophies along the way, but my biggest achievement is my 22-yearstrong marriage and my 3 beautiful children.
Was business ownership always a priority for you?
I went into my first partnership when I was 18 years old, I found a shop a few miles down the road from the salon I was working in and approached my boss, Ron, with a proposal to open the salon in a partnership and call it A-CUT-ABOVE 2. I am laughing now as I write this, A-CUTABOVE 2, I really pictured back then that this was going to be the start of something huge. Unfortunately, this didn’t work out between us, but we remain friends and often catch up when I return to the UK for Fashion week, shoots, shows or education seminars. Once, when I had just been nominated as finalist for Australian Hairdresser of the Year, I spent a day in A-CUT-ABOVE, helping as an assistant. This was so grounding as I washed clients and swept the floor, while Ron was introducing me to his clients, proud that he had given me my first job. At this time, I was purchasing my own hairdressing and fashion magazines I looked up to all the big names in the UK like Guy Kremer, Cobella, Mahogany and Toni&Guy. I was so impressed by Anthony and the Creative Team; I later joined Toni&Guy in the UK and continued my journey in Australia as manager, creative director, and then multiple franchisee.
What has been your greatest lesson or piece of advice along your industry journey?
I have been lucky to have gained amazing industry friends and have been given great advice along the way. Awards - “You lose more than you Win - always shoot for you and not the judges - Phil Smith UK” As an employee – “Do more than is asked or expected of you and always put your hand up for an opportunity even if you don’t get paid for
Describe your ideal Sunday.
I am an early riser at 6.00am 7 days a week, I wish I could sleep in till 8.00am on a Sunday! Starting with a coffee and a walk along the beach, dinner with the family and walking the dogs helps to check out of a busy week in the salon. I love to wash the car each Sunday, I feel that having a clean car is a great way to kick start your week. I also feel the same about ironing my shirts and children’s school uniforms ready to kick start Monday morning. I always have my clothes laid out 2-3 days in advance, after reading this it sounds so sad that I use some of my Sunday to prepare for the week!
What’s on your bucket list?
I would love to re-visit parts of Europe that I have visited with my family, Sweden, Belgium, and Norway
Craziest, funniest, or most unusual thing/s you’ve ever done?
Those people that know me closest know this story well. I once tried to go through a drive through Macdonald’s while towing a caravan. Halfway through the bend I realized I have made a huge mistake; I stopped the car to see 15 – 20 shocked customers stood at the Macdonald’s window watching this crazy driver. It gets worse as the manager of the Macdonald’s had to reverse the caravan out for me! Thank god there weren’t mobile phones with camera’s and social media back then!
What’s playing on your Spotify right now?
I have a very eclectic taste in music, it ranges from Nina Simone, Oasis, Bob Marley, Hip hop, and Ibiza anthems
Do you have a motto or signature life philosophy?
Be kind, be honest and lead with integrity. I believe in sharing your vison and belief for team members and then watching them grow, achieve their goals is something that you can be proud off and no one can take that away from you. I have worked, taught, and mentored some amazing people and they gone on to be amazing and talented artist, salon owners, educators, and session stylist
If you could leave this industry having achieved just one thing, what would that legacy be?
I love watching people succeed, I would like to think that I have helped some hairdressers achieve their goals. From time to time, I still receive messages from Hairdressers and past employees thanking me for the mentoring them or teaching and inspiring them along their journey. That’s enough of an achievement for me. - Helping people succeed - Disciplined routines - Family
What’s your greatest fear?
Heights – couldn’t get me to jump out of a plane for all the money in the world
What’s something interesting we might not know about you?
I love to read and last read over one book a week *somewhere in the 80 +* and apparently some of my team think I am OCD. When I tell my wife this, she agrees laughing, while I am in the middle of franticly cleaning the house.
Greatest indulgence?
Good wine, I’ve tried to cellar wine before without success.
What has been your greatest lesson or piece of advice along your business journey?
I think the greatest lesson I have learnt, is to stay calm and not be emotional or reactive to situations, I have taught myself to separate from difficult or stressful situations and revisit them 24 - 48 hours later. This is something I share with my team, as things always look different once you have slept on it.
Who were your industry heroes in your early years and who inspires you today?
Anthony Mascolo, Mahogany, Toni&Guy, Shane Henning for his photographic work, Richard Kavanagh for his session work, he is always helping to train and inspire others. Lauren Mc Cowan’s journey has been amazing, a true wizard of hair. The list could go on and on!
What makes hairdressers so special?
I love the way, we as hairdressers can have a positive impact on lives, we can make a guest feel confident and beautiful in the simplest way. This could be educating them how to style their hair, changing their parting, or framing their face. That feeling when they leave feeling a million dollars is very special.
What makes a great salon visit?
I feel that a great consultation is the key to a successful salon service. The way we present ourselves, greet our Guest is so important, then asking the correct open questions, listening, and watching body language. I then love relaying the service recommendation, I call this romancing the guest. Often mirroring the same language that the guest has used.
What’s on the agenda for the future?
My focus is to build the Oscar Oscar Bondi salon in Sydney and then expand into new locations in Sydney. Oscar and I have the same philosophy to grow our team and create carrier opportunities for them to be our future educators, managers, and salon partners.
