Who are you?
My name is Paula Jephson and I run Harley’s Wee Barber Shop in East Kilbride.
What does your business do?
We’re a traditional gent’s barber shop, offering cuts and styling to men and boys.
Where are you based?
We got the chance to create a shop almost from nothing in East Kilbride shopping centre – it’s a disused space under a stairwell! Hence the name…
How did you get started?
I was on my way to another barber’s one afternoon, to ask about renting a chair when I spotted this tiny unit was available and I thought – that would make a brilliant wee barber’s shop.
I asked to have a look, and that was that.
What’s your background?
I worked in retail management for 17 years then left to bring up my family.
When I decided to go back to work, I trained as a barber, went to college and then worked in salons around East Kilbride for about a decade or so.
What is your top tip?
I think it’s important to listen to all the advice you are given, but to believe in yourself and trust your instincts.
How long has your business been running?
Five months.
What was your biggest mistake or what would you do differently?
I think I’d listen more to other people.
I wasn’t very good at taking on board feedback when I first started out but I’m much better at it now.
And I would always now do more research to get the best prices on everything.
Has anyone helped you get started and how?
My partner Jess MacAulay has been fantastic.
She has many years of experience as a barber too but it was a big step for her leaving her job to come on board with me.
Her positive attitude is amazing.
Where do you plan your business to be in five years?
I hope I will have built up a solid reputation here at Harley’s and I’m aiming to open a further two salons.
Useful contacts : Social media, in particular, Facebook has been invaluable in helping me spread the word.
Harley’s The Wee Barber,
12 Righead Gate, East Kilbride
G74 1LS
Tel: 07828 159045
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