Shaping Talent and Building Teams for a Thriving Salon
Marlene Lamont shares her advice.
As the owner of Urban Hair & Beauty in Auchinleck, Ayrshire, Marlene Lamont has spent more than two decades building a salon that excels not only in creativity and technical skill but also in fostering a team culture that inspires, motivates, and retains talent.
Marlene’s Approach To Leadership Is Simple Yet Effective:
~ Understand Your Team.
~ Invest In Their Growth.
~ Lead By Example.
Every member of the Urban Hair & Beauty team has their own ambitions, and Marlene tailors her approach accordingly. Creating a supportive environment is central to her philosophy, which extends to introducing a four-day work week with condensed hours, helping staff balance professional and personal life.
“I passionately believe that customer service should always be at the centre of everything we do, that education should be shared openly, and that it’s vital to support each team member in reaching their personal goals,” – Marlene.
Education
At the heart of Urban Hair & Beauty is the Urban Academy, which provides accredited apprenticeships and advanced training in partnership with Medusa Training Academy and Skills Development Scotland. Education is tailored and bespoke, and she also gives her team the chance to gain wider industry experience, offering opportunities to assist on photoshoots, participate in competitions, and contribute to creative projects with the MOOD Artistic Team.
“Giving staff the chance to work on shoots or industry events exposes them to a broader perspective, feeds their creativity, and allows them to bring that inspiration back to the salon floor,”
– Marlene.
Marlene’s own career serves as a blueprint for aspiring stylists. From national competitions to television appearances, she brings her experience directly into the salon.
A Client-Centric, Results-Driven Approach
Despite her experience and accolades, Marlene keeps the salon grounded in everyday client care. They use Phorest to monitor feedback and continually improve.
Every cut, colour, and style is tailored to the client’s face shape, lifestyle, and personal expression. This bespoke approach ensures that creative flair is paired with practicality, which is a key factor in client loyalty and satisfaction.
“The future of hairdressing in Scotland depends on inspiring the next generation and continually raising standards. Urban Hair & Beauty will keep leading by example, ensuring we deliver exceptional client experiences while fostering a team culture that values growth, flexibility, and creativity,” – Marlene.
With a loyal client base and a dedicated, inspired team, Marlene Lamont remains committed to raising industry standards and leading by example, demonstrating how investing in people is the key to building a thriving salon.
For more info please follow @marlenelamont on INSTA.
