24/7

A OF WORK/LIFE BALANCE FOR OLIVER BLACKABY, OWNER OF THE HAIR SALON, BRIGHTON @THE.HAIRSALON DAY

I GET UP AT... 6am, I practice mindfulness with a stretch and mobility routine, followed by a three-mile run or workout and swim in the sea with my personal trainer.

MY WORK WARDROBE CONSISTS OF… How I feel that day. Sometimes I want colour and comfort, and others it’s semi-formal and all about the pose! I’m very much driven by mood, but I always wear New Balance trainers for comfort.

MY JOB ENTAILS... Keeping the salon running smoothly, answering emails and planning the week. I do two days of hair, which are always fully booked. I try to split my day up so I am not glued to the computer and unproductive.

I GOT HERE BY… Hard work and planning. I have always trusted my gut and made big decisions, such as opening a salon and stepping back from the shop floor full time. If you’re not happy, you must act on that and make sure your environment is right for you. Take control of your destiny.

MY FAVOURITE WORK TOOL IS… Well, for hair, my Joewell scissors. I love the super-fine blade for precision cutting. I love my MacBook too, as it helps keep my business running smoothly!

MY DAILY FUEL IS… Green tea. I love coffee, but it sends me sideways, whereas green tea gives me clarity.

MY SPOTIFY PLAYLIST IS… Joesef, Alison Goldfrapp, Jessie Ware, Kylie, Hurts and Jake Shears.

I AM ALWAYS... Moving forward with ideas. My manager has to rein me in a lot. She keeps me grounded!

WHEN I GET STUCK… I call my business coach Jo Irving. She is the best thing that ever happened to my business.

THE HABIT I NEED TO BREAK IS… Catastrophising situations!

THE MISTAKE I LEARNT MOST FROM… Reacting to something that challenges you. Take a breath and talk it through with someone you trust and then respond. Also, the romantic idea of something will have a harsh reality, so take off the rose-tinted glasses. Be careful of flattery, it might have a hook behind it.

THE ADVICE I’M GLAD I IGNORED... To go into business with people and open a franchise. Although tempting, I am so glad I stuck to my guns and stayed solo. The best thing I’ve done is surround myself with the right people.

MY INBOX LOOKS LIKE... Terrible suggestions from women offering intimate pictures – barking up the wrong tree!

MY BIGGEST INDULGENCE IS… Skincare!

AFTER WORK… I spend time with my husband, do some gardening, take the dog for a walk, and enjoy some wine and RuPaul’s Drag Race.

HOT HITS

Sleep Better This is my alarm and my go-to sleep app… it’s perfect for a mindful wake-up and relaxation!

Map My Run I try and run at least three-times a week and I always log this.

Instagram Obviously!