THE FACES

What Would Peter McDermott do?

Janet Maitland Hair Excellence’s Peter McDermott had to face life – and work – without Janet when she passed in 2021. He shares how the team and the business managed such a traumatic experience.

"It's terminal. Most people die within two years.” That was Janet's diagnosis; it proved to be scarily accurate.

Three businesses with 24 team members and the person who leads the whole operation will no longer be around. We hadn't prepared. Who does for that kind of news?

After letting the news sink in, we immediately told the three senior managers. We were honest; after all, they would be running the show really.

Having staff that you can trust is vital, as is the training they're given in how the company operates. The business must carry on – wages to pay, stock to order, staff cover to be arranged...

Having a management structure in place was crucial, so that everyone knew who was doing what and when. We set up manager meetings to share information and overcome problems as a team. These gatherings were incredibly useful on not just a practical level, but an emotional one too.

Janet was a huge character. As well as missing her physically, her passing took an emotional toll on staff. We had already enrolled in a confidential helpline, which became a significant support after she passed.

So many emotions went through my head. Should I just sell, walk away? It took a long time for me to decide. After speaking with the managers, we decided we would keep going. The trust I had in them meant I never felt alone. We made decisions as best we could. Doing nothing is not an option.

Any company facing a cataclysmic situation like ours will have their own unique challenges and what worked for us might not be appropriate for others. However, make sure you do implement a plan and have a firm management structure. Have a file for important information that is easily accessible and focus on training so that standards are maintained.

Surround yourself with the best people you can. Write a will. Get life and critical injury insurance. Be mindful of your own mental health. Finally, ask for help. It would have been easy to drown in the misery, but losing the business too would be doubly heartbreaking.

Janet died on 2 January 2021. I miss her every day. The salon will never be the same, but it continues to support us and for that I am grateful.

@janet_maitland_hair_excellence

WHAT MADE ME

EMMA JARVIS The Hair Base and Academy @thethbacademy

As a girl, I had a passion for hair. The first gift I remember receiving was a Girl's World head. I found inspiration watching my mum get her hair done. It was amazing to see her transformation; not just in her style and new colour, but also in her posture and confidence.

I used to skip to the bank with half of my pocket money and when they asked, “What are you saving for?”, I would always reply, “My first salon”. To be celebrating its 25th anniversary this year is a huge achievement.

I struggled at school and was bullied. The school system wasn't for me. I got my first Saturday job at a salon at 14, soaking up all the knowledge I could. It was my safe space. I loved the atmosphere; everyone laughing, happy and positive. My mum would come home from work to find a queue of my friends at the dining room table waiting to have their hair done!

I started out with £1,800, a pair of scissors, and a dream. I’d never written a business plan, so I learned all I could, listened to others in the industry, and worked hard. Today, I love being behind the chair and seeing that spark in clients’ eyes. The Hair Base and Academy are flourishing. This year, I launched THE Salon Planner and courses to help others, too.