THE GENERATION

80 Years And Counting

Who’s involved?

Things have changed since Nellie Foster opened her first salon in Upholland, Lancashire, in 1942. After serving as a Wren during the Second World War, she bought some land from a local farmer and set up Fosters Hair Company, which is still there today.

Nellie cut hair alongside her two daughters for years before handing it over to one of them, Kath. Now, 80 years after opening, the business is thriving under the management

WE HAVE CLIENTS WHOSE GRANDPARENTS HAD THEIR HAIR CUT HERE.

of Kath’s daughter-in-law Terrie-Ann Scott.

Why it works

‘Kath is semi-retired now, but she’ll sometimes come in,’ says Terrie-Ann. ‘We really get on. She is very supportive, so if I need business advice, she’ll help.’

Terrie-Ann started working at Fosters 18 years ago when she married Kath’s son, and explains that the different generations in the salon learn from each other. ‘Some of our staff have been here longer than me, so I learn from them, as well as the younger ones who know newer techniques.’

Overcoming challenges

‘Kath’s former clients might say, “She never did it like that”, but they learn to trust you. Techniques, products and equipment change – her time was shampoo and sets, now it’s balayage. We have clients coming in whose grandparents had their hair cut by Nellie. It’s wonderful to have that history.’

Lessons To Pass On

● ‘There’s a pressure to ensure the salon lives up to its reputation, but when you have a good team and you work together, that pressure isn’t just on your shoulders.’

● ‘Respect everyone’s different skills and knowledge. I’m learning all the time from my colleagues. We’re another family, really.’