Emma Robertson, CEO of Silke Hair and Beauty, tells us how she got started in the hair and beauty industry, why she loves her work and what's next for her business.
How did you get your start in the hair and beauty industry?
I did a degree in Culinary Arts in DIT Cathal Brugha Street and I stuck it out but I kind of knew it wasn’t what I wanted to be doing – I wanted to get into hair and beauty. So I went back to college for a year to do that and then I did a hair extension course on the side to have an added extra. I started out just me, 14 years ago. When I took on the salon in the Beacon South Quarter, it was literally four walls. I’ve kitted it out and designed it myself. Since opening two years ago, I’ve put in an upstairs as well, and added three beauty rooms. We’ve got four lash and brow girls working up there now.
You’re also the brains behind Silke Hair Extensions, can you tell us more?
I was always interested in hair extensions because I myself have quite fine hair. Your hair is your crowning glory so if you’re not happy with it, you don’t feel right about yourself. Even now during the pandemic, women are still getting hair extensions even if they are working from home – it’s like self-care, it makes you feel more confident if you’re feeling a bit anxious or down. I sourced my own brand of hair about six years ago now. It’s Russian hair, it’s double drawn which means it’s nice and thick from the top of the strand to the bottom. A lot of hair brands can be single drawn and it looks really ratty. I originally only did the microbeads myself but since reopening the salon I also have girls that do the keratin bonds and the tape hair extensions, and we recently introduced nanobeads as well. Tapes are great for volume, and nanobeads are fantastic because they are so tiny and don’t involve glue – a lot of people don’t like the idea of a keratin bond going into the hair. We’ve brought in clip-in hair extensions and ponytail hair extensions too. We also do colour and styling in the salon.
What do you enjoy most about your working day?
I really enjoy the running of the business, looking after my staff and my clients. When my clients leave the salon with a big hair transformation, seeing the smile on their faces – I love that. I have a lot of long-term clients who have been with me since I started in my bedroom, you get to know them over the years. The clients are what keeps me going.
What’s next for your business?
I’m always looking for something to add to my business to make it unique. We have brought out infra-red straighteners and curlers – they are great, they lock in moisture and are not as damaging to your hair as a regular straightener or curler. They leave your hair smooth and silky. We’ve won loads of awards, we won Hair Extensionist of the Year last year. I suppose I’ve a lot to be proud of but I’m always striving for more and trying to think what’s next.
It has been a very stressful year for business owners, how have you stayed motivated?
The worst part was the not knowing. When we closed in March we genuinely thought we would be closed for two weeks, it ended up being three-and-a-half months. I try not to think too much about what might happen with Covid in the future. Since we reopened, I just make sure I never turn a client down, even if I’m staying late every evening.
Your best piece of advice to anyone starting their own business?
I would say stick it out, even if you feel like packing it in.
