Salon thrives on cutting edge

By ELLEN READ

Guy Roberts is not your typical businessman. He grew up downstairs from Mick Jagger and owns a funky hair salon off Karangahape Rd.

When he arrived from London via Australia nine years ago, Roberts had no job, $20 and an Australian money card that did not work here.

That was a Saturday. By the Monday, he had a job in a top hair salon and for five years he managed the place, taught and was the top earner each week.

He also met partner - in life and in business - Cath Frost.

Two and a half years ago, the pair felt they had gone as far as they could working for other people - it was time to set up on their own.

Frost phoned many friends who were salon owners for advice and began a self-taught crash course in business.

The search for premises was one of the first hurdles - Ponsonby did not appeal, nor did the CBD as it has "no parking and no heart", Roberts says.

Having worked in some of the edgier parts of London, he knew the sort of area he wanted to set up in.

The result: a corner building just off Karangahape Rd - an area that on first thought might not scream funky hairdressing.

Two salons have closed in recent times, but their salon, Vada, is succeeding.

"We wanted to get in somewhere at the start of things," Roberts says.

"K'Rd is not cheap and cheery like it used to be.

"It's up-and-coming, quirky and interesting and there's a thriving community."

Vada's premises reflect this. Natural colours and glass walls make it light, airy and modern.

When they opened, it was just Roberts and Frost. Now they have seven staff and have expanded into the next-door shop, which gives them a separate reception and retail area.

This allows Frost - who manages the business - to spend time with customers discussing and choosing products, away from the clients getting their cuts.

Good coffee and music - Roberts also DJs on George FM - complete the atmosphere.

Vada tries to avoid intimidating potential customers. Roberts says the mix ranges from celebrities to housewives.

"We also have a great sense of team with the staff because we've got no hierarchy."

Weekly training for staff, a weekly "it girl" role (where the staff member is responsible for reporting back on the latest fashion, movies, music etc) and encouraging staff to enter competitions adds to the work buzz.

The business was set up with personal savings and bank loans - which were paid off in the first two years.

Roberts has been named one of the country's top 10 hairdressers. And the partners are getting married next year.

Looking back, they say the first year was terrifying but they have no regrets.

Still, Vada's success is not without its frustrations.

For Frost, these include wanting to do everything right now and taking on too much.

Roberts' gripe is not being able to get to football training.