Each week, we ask small businesses some key questions. This time we speak to Debbie Cassidy, who runs Dare Inspirational Hairdressing in Langstane Place, Aberdeen, with Neil Anderson
How and why did you start in business?
We are both experienced hairdressers. I trained with Tekra and joined Dare when I was 21. Neil completed his apprenticeship here and took time out at another city centre salon to complete courses at their academy before returning to Dare.
It is now 14 years since we both joined Dare and when the opportunity to take over the business came up last year, we jumped at the chance.
How did you get to where you are today?
We both worked our way through the hairdressing ranks after completing our apprenticeships.
We’ve continued to develop our skills, which is vital if you want to be successful in this trade.
It’s taken a lot of hard work, dedication and sleepless nights, but we’ve now got a fantastic client base who are loyal to us. The hard work has been worth it.
Who helped you?
Many people, including Neil’s parents, who helped with initial set up costs and the staff who stood by us through the transition.
Our families have been a huge support, putting up with the stresses that we’ve both encountered in running a business.
My dad, David Cassidy has been a huge help – he does the books for the business and helps us make sure that we are managing our finances effectively.
We are also members of the Federation of Small Businesses, which means we have all the support that larger business have at the end of a phone line. That’s a big comfort to any small business owner.
What has been your biggest mistake?
Neither of us had any experience in business when we took over the salon, so get to where we are now has been a great achievement for both of us. We probably didn’t ask for help as early as we should have.
What is your greatest achievement?
Increasing our business acumen and learning from our mistakes. And achieving more than 1,500 likes on our Facebook page.
If you were in power in government, what would you change?
The apprenticeship process is a brilliant way of combining on the job and college-based learning, but it would be great to see it opened up to people over 18.
What do you still hope to achieve?
We have a lot of plans for the salon to ensure that we are at the cutting edge of style and fashion.
The key priority for us is to grow the salon in a well-managed, steady manner and ensure that we keep our customers happy.
What do you do to relax?
I’m an adventurous cook – my recent culinary achievement was to successfully pull off my mum’s special soup recipe.
Neil relaxes by going to the gym and snowboarding, when the conditions are right.
What are you currently reading, listening to or glued to on the TV?
I love Strictly Come Dancing, whereas Neil can be found watching Grand Designs and Location, Location, Location.
What do you waste your money on?
I admit to being a bit of a shopaholic, whereas Neil prefers to spend money on nights out.
How would your friends describe you?
We are both a bit eccentric.
What would your enemies say about you?
Being creative, outgoing souls, we’d both like to believe that we don’t have any.
What do you drive and dream of driving?
Our ambition over the next two years is to have matching Audi A5 coupes.