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Attempting to cut it with best
A Sheffield salon to be featured in Channel 4's Risking It All programme yesterday held a fashion-show in Fargate. It was the latest promotional trick for the rising business. Richard Heath reports.
THE Big Issue vendors looked on perplexed, the market researchers shuffled up towards Somerfield and even the religious chap with the giant placard about God decided to keep his distance.
For two hours Fargate - the bustling, efficient channel for city centre shoppers and lunch-breaking office workers - went a little camp.
It was the latest promotional stunt for a Sheffield hairdressers, whose business plan was scribbled on the back of a cigarette packet during a session in the local boozer.
No-wonder, then, that the salon - called Loaf - is to feature on Channel 4's Risking It All programme, to be broadcast in the New Year.
The show features people who have quit their jobs, or taken a gamble to start a business they know little about.
Friends Richard Darlow, a hairdresser, and carpet fitter Craig Wilson decided to apply to take part in the show early this year as they gathered plans to open the salon, in Meadowhead, Sheffield.
Filming started in February, shortly before the lads - who have been friends since school - employed former sales worker Jo Partridge as salon manager.
"Being on camera has been a bit of an experience, but presenter Martin Webb has really helped us and given the lads some good tips.
"The idea for the salon was born out of a trip to the pub. Richard and Craig are drinking buddies, they have known each other from school. The business plan was written on the back of a cigarette packet.
"The stunt yesterday was Martin's latest idea to promote the salon and we made a bit of an impact," said Jo, aged 37, of Woodseats.
The salon's five senior stylists spent the morning finely crafting hair-dos on five local models.
They then took to Fargate and passers-by were asked to nominate their favourite. Their details were entered into a draw and the winner received a full hair and nail makeover.
The children even received big bright balloons.
"It was all about raising the profile of the salon. We have been doing really well anyway but this has given us an extra push," added Jo.
The salon, which opened in June, has recently passed 100,000 in takings.
The one-hour show will be shown in January.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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