“It’s pretty simple really – I live, sleep, breathe and dream hairdressing. The secret to my success has to be my dedication.” – Errol Douglas
Errol Douglas MBE
What country are you from, and where do you reside?
I was born in Hackney, East London but my heritage is from Guyana. I am currently living
in West London.
Title of what you do and if you are aligned with a brand or company.
My title is co-founder of Errol Douglas London. We have 2 businesses; the main business is on Motcomb Street which has been going since 1998. The second is in The Peninsula Hotel, and we are currently in the process of negotiations for a third internationally. I’m brand ambassador for Glowwa and K18. Glowwa’s Hair Food is a results driven, multi-award winning supplement which supports the maintenance of hair health. K18 has products which strengthen, soften, smooth and restore bounce on all hair types.
Education background (school, salons, self-taught)?
My mentor and where I did my apprenticeship was with Paul Edmonds who is based in London.
What is the first creative project that you remember?
London Fashion Week – being able to cut my teeth with the fashion world. My other break was editorial and TV. My PR at the time was Lynn Franks, who is the iconic Absolutely Fabulous (Ab Fab!).
What is your signature style/artistic expression of your work?
Our brand is known for technical excellence. I educate and teach my team to do every hair type. We speak 15 languages in the salon and have a very global reach.
What is the most fulfilling job you’ve worked on or someone you have worked with?
My fulfilment comes from seeing my team grow and finish their apprenticeships. I am
proud of everyone but extremely proud of my daughter Yolanda Douglas who has grown
to become one of our top stylists/colourists.
Do you have a career turning point, big break, or person who has helped your career?
In this business, you make your own luck. I was fortunate enough to know quite a few hairdressers and assisted on a few projects which led me to be booked for my own projects after. I always had a vision and knew where I was going, so my big break was Perseverance.
What was the scariest and proudest moment in your career?
Opening a salon in Knightsbridge when everybody told me I couldn’t do it.
What is next for your career goals?
Next is to stay in business, because this climate is the worst I’ve ever seen for interest rates, rent, cost of living, fuel bills, water bills, and clients not coming in as regularly due to home hairdressing. Everybody claims they’re a self-taught hairdresser online which has now become my battlefield.
What advice would you give to someone starting in your business?
Open small. If you can start up with a shampoo, hairbrush or whatever you can sell alongside your brand. Look for areas with low rent and maybe buy the freehold. This is an incredible industry. I would do more research on marketing, especially what your KPIs are and where you want to be in 5 years time.
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Website: www.erroldouglas.com
