How and why did you start in business?
I enjoy working with people, and hairdressing and barbering lends itself perfectly to being self-employed, fitting round your family life.
How did you get to where you are today?
After I did my training in Aberdeen, I started working in the Ellon area more than 30 years ago, working in various shops and latterly mobile, catering for all the family.
I then started working in Al’s Barbershop in Ellon for a fortnight’s cover in 2002: that has lasted over 15 years. I have enjoyed working with both men and women.
Being a hairdresser and a barber has been great fun and I enjoy the variety that comes with it.
I can on an average day speak to a solicitor, policeman, cleaner, plumber and everyone in between and of all ages, so boredom never is a problem.
Who helped you?
My family – my parents and husband, David, and children, Laura and Nicky, have been a great support over the years. My children grew up watching me with a pair of scissors in my hand.
When you are self-employed, you sometimes feel on your own, so the Federation of Small Businesses has been very useful as a resource to refer to and ask questions.
I have also recently discovered the Business Gateway and enjoyed their media training. It’s a great way to speak to other businesses and reassure yourself that what you are doing is right.
What has been your biggest mistake?
Not having enough confidence in myself – I probably didn’t realise what I was capable of doing.
It’s only now when I look back, that I can see everything I’ve achieved.
What is your greatest achievement?
Apart from bringing my kids up, my greatest achievement has been building my client base. I really enjoy the interaction with them and the banter.
I have known some of my clients for more than 30 years, so we have been through a lot together. I consider them my friends.
I see a lot of people who are unwell and unable to come to me anymore, so I think it is only right that I now return the favour and visit them as loneliness is one of our biggest problems in our society. It is always so much more than just a haircut.
If you were in power in government, what would you change?
The tax laws need to be totally changed to be fairer to the small business sector, and I would close the loopholes that allow big multinationals to put the profits earned here offshore, instead of keeping it in our local area.
I’m a member of Ellon Traders’ Association, and we work hard to make sure the local business community works together and the wider community is aware of the great businesses on their doorstep.
What do you still hope to achieve?
To keep on doing what I am good at for as long as I can, and to encourage more people to get involved in our industry and see hairdressing as a long term career.
What do you do to relax?
We have two dogs, Millie and Skye, so a long walk in our lovely countryside or up on the beach at Lossiemouth does the trick, even in the rain.
What are you currently reading, listening to or glued to on the TV?
I’ve been reading Long Walk To Freedom by Nelson Mandela which is so inspirational.
I’m an avid listener of BBC Radio 2 or any political programme to keep up date with current affairs – it’s all part of a barber’s job.
What do you waste your money on?
The dogs.
How would your friends describe you?
Loyal, hard-worker, good listener, straightforward and likes a laugh.
What would your enemies say about you?
I, hopefully, don’t have any so it’s not relevant.
What do you drive and dream of driving?
I drive a Mini Clubman which I enjoy very much. I saved up a long time to buy it and it’s my dream car. It’s also an up-to-date version of my very first car