3 minute read
Interview with Sam Burnett
The Interview Risk Taker
Owner of the supercool Hare & Bone salon in London’s Fitzrovia district, Sam Burnett has learnt to take risks and follow his instincts, as we discovered.
Concept Hair: Tell us about your early training.
Sam Burnett: My mum was a hairdresser, so I would hang out and assist her when she was doing home appointments in the evenings. When I was old enough, I had a Saturday job in a salon, and at 16 I secured an apprenticeship at a Mayfair salon, working with celebrity hairdresser, Denise McAdam.
CH: What were the biggest lessons you learnt at the start of your career?
SB: The importance of communication and connection. I was a young boy from South London and quickly had to learn how to read a room of people who were not my usual company. I had to articulate and express myself in a manner clients could understand, not just my friends from school.
@hareandbone
CH: You were working for a major high street salon brand when you decided to set up your own business — was it a big decision to go it alone?
SB: Yes, it was easily one of the biggest decisions I’ve ever had to make. I had been with the brand for 14 years and I think it took me two years to finally make the decision. It was a tough one, but my intuition was guiding me, I knew I had to take a leap of faith.
CH: How did you create a buzz around Hare & Bone?
SB: I entered, and finalised, for London Hairdresser of the Year in the British Hairdressing Awards before the salon had opened, so that created noise around the launch. But I believe it was the editorial campaign that we shot that captured people’s attention. We shot the campaign like a fashion brand and created a billboard effect on the salon windows while the building was being renovated. We also filmed the shoot and heavily focussed on digital PR and marketing in the lead-up to the opening.
CH: How would you describe Hare & Bone and what makes it different?
SB: We are an independent brand but with a collaborative approach. Our team of creatives works across fashion, music and the hairdressing industry. We’re trend-conscious but not trend-led, which means that we see each client as an individual. We work together to create a bespoke style that works for each client’s hair, bone structure and lifestyle. CH: You have created some stunning photographic collections over the years – what do you love about the process and what do you feel makes a great collection?
SB: I really enjoy the process of shooting. It differs every time and I love to watch an idea evolve.
CH: How do you encourage the less experienced members of your team to succeed?
SB: I begin by building their confidence and self-belief. I remember being that person on the team when I started my apprenticeship and I wouldn’t be where I am if others hadn’t given me the opportunity to believe in myself. At Hare & Bone we heavily invest our time and money into training all our team members. We encourage assistants to enter as many competitions as possible, and once they have secured their NVQ qualifications they move on to the Hare & Bone Diploma, and then spend two days with our Artistic Director, Jamie Benny, on client experience training. We involve them in photoshoots and session work, and we use our membership of The Fellowship to nurture their technical skills, self-awareness and creativity.
CH: What advice would you offer someone entering hairdressing on how to carve out a successful career?
SB: Firstly, find a really good salon that prioritises education. Don’t rush your career, take it all in and enjoy each phase.
