KJM Salons Celebrate 30 years in Business

In what has been an incredibly challenging year for the hair industry, KJM Salons is celebrating 30 years in business – a remarkable achievement that is testament to the hard work and passion put in by owner Kerry Mather and her team.

Built on the foundation of four core values, honesty, excellence, passion and consistency, Kerry first opened her salon in Fleet, Hampshire in 1990.

To mark this special milestone, Kerry had planned to take her whole team to Marbella in September which has now been postponed until May 2021.

Kerry had booked a private villa with a pool and arranged Sunday lunch at the Beach House Bar, a yoga session and water sports for the four-day celebratory escape, as a well-earned holiday and thank you to her team. Undeterred by the change in plans, KJM Salons will also host a reunion party for old and current staff one Sunday afternoon later this year, which will include drinks at the salon and lots of opportunity to relax and catch up.

Reflecting on the last 30 years, Kerry notes 2007 as a real turning point for the business. Kerry said:

It was this year that we won the team award at the Schwarzkopf Professional Creative Competition Awards. Prior to that, we had never won anything and had no accolades to our name. It was our first taste of being a winning team, igniting a determination to be recognised creatively as a salon.

However, it is not the winning of the awards that really matter to Kerry. From entering and being nominated to finalising gives Kerry and her team a reality check of the fantastic service they provide. Kerry adds:

The process is so important and helps us reflect and celebrate great teamwork. Award entries boost morale and is something that our clients really value too, regardless of the outcome.

Becoming a Schwarzkopf Professional salon in 2005 led to introductions with successful industry players such as Goldsworthy and Rainbow Rooms International. For Kerry it felt like they were entering the big league.

Kerry’s many years of salon experience has also been put to excellent use with her involvement with the Fellowship for British Hairdressing. As former Vice-Chairperson she represented the best interests of the Fellowship with her extensive industry knowledge during her two-year tenure. Kerry now continues her work with the Fellowship as a Council Member and is committed to developing opportunities for young hairdressers.

In 2005, KJM Salons celebrated 15 years in business with a huge party, welcoming 250 clients to the salon, supported by Schwarzkopf Professional and to raise money for charity. Though there have been both highs and lows, this year being a particularly difficult bump in the road, Kerry does not let things get to her. Kerry adds,

It’s true that I don’t like to be beaten and work extremely hard to ensure the salon survives whatever may be thrown at us. I believe in a can-do, positive attitude and have the tenacity to overcome any hurdle. We are survivors and that is thanks to our amazing clients, dedicated team and key players that keep the business moving forward.