Denise had wanted to be a hairdresser since she was a little girl. With The Men’s Emporium celebrating a milestone birthday, she tells discusses why she ‘can’t believe’ how quickly the time has gone.
Denise Fyvie is celebrating the 10th birthday of her award-winning business which gives men the “ultimate barber experience”. Based in the heart of Aberdeen, The Men’s Emporium stems from more than just a love for good grooming.
DID YOU EVER WANT A DIFFERENT CAREER?
As a little girl I always wanted to be a hairdresser. I did my apprenticeship with Jean’s Kut ‘n’ Kurl in 1980. She was a fab boss.
WHAT DID YOU DO BEFORE OPENING THE SALON?
I brought up my children, Danielle and Fraser, and went back to college to do my Level 2 in beauty and loved that. Previously, in 1993, I went to train as a diet and fitness instructor with the fitness guru Rosemary Conley.
From 1994 until 2006 I worked for her company and ran the franchise for seven of those years. I realised I love making people feel and look good.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE MEN’S HAIRSTYLING?
When my marriage broke down, I wasn’t myself for a while. Finding a
way to recover, I went for therapy and in that time met a lot of people that
suffered disturbing mental illnesses. Some of them were men of all ages. I realised that women could load-off to their hairdressers and, from working with them, I came to realise that men needed somewhere to be able to do the same.
Having qualifications in barbering and beauty, I decided to look into
shaving, well before barbering became a big fashion industry. I saw it coming 10 years ago and believed it would become big once again.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THISTLE STREET IN ABERDEEN FOR THE MEN’S EMPORIUM?
Choosing my location was very lucky. The solicitor’s mother-in-law owned the shop and he suggested 67 Thistle Street. I sat in the window watching the traffic, doing research for three days, asking the public if they would come to a barber shop in the area.
HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE NAME, THE MEN’S EMPORIUM?
In Roman times, men loved to relax, chat and be pampered in their Empire, and I love ancient history.
WHY DO YOU OFFER WAXING AND MASSAGE AS WELL AS HAIR STYLING?
I am qualified in hair and beauty so I could offer those services and body waxing is very popular. I can work with certain products because my training
allows me to.
HOW DO YOU PICK THE STAFF
MEMBERS FOR THE EMPORIUM?
I don’t. They have picked me.
HAVE YOU NOTICED A CHANGE OVER THE YEARS IN WHAT SERVICES AND
PRODUCTS CUSTOMERS ARE EXPECTING?
Yes, we have noticed in the last three years that the barbering industry has become huge. I wish all the new businesses my best wishes – remember you have to work long and hard, keep training and learning new skills as we never know it all – refresh, retrain and love what you do.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE OF THE BUSINESS?
I would like more staff and I have a few things floating around at the moment. I won’t look for bigger premises because I bought the shop three years ago. Time will tell as I am 52, so I just want enjoy what
I do and let the future take me on
the journey.