Scotland's first social enterprise salon opens new hairdressers in Edinburgh

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Today, salon owner Kerry Anderson officially opened the doors of the city’s second Brave, Strong, Beautiful boutique on Lothian Road.

Since 2019 the salon has helped disadvantaged young adults from Edinburgh establish a career in the beauty industry by offering them an alternative and accessible route to training and employment.

Brave, Strong, Beautiful salon supports vulnerable young adults from Edinburgh interested in the hair and beauty industry.

The salon emphasises the importance of supporting its young employees with their mental health and life challenges, while working towards a SVQ in hairdressing.

The project's first salon in Restalrig has drawn a loyal community of clients and has built a reputation for supporting young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to thrive.

The new salon on Lothian Road, will offer a range of treatments from cut, colour and blow drys, for women, men and children, to beauty treatments including tanning, waxing and eye treatments, with prices ranging from £10 to £75.

The fresh, stylish and spacious interior of the new salon combines calming tones, with natural light and pops of aqua, creating an inviting and tranquil space for clients.

Salon owner Ms Anderson, who has experience working in social care, said: “I know from first-hand experience that young people who have faced disadvantages growing up need more than just educational and vocational training to keep them on track when studying. They need to feel supported, encouraged and safe, to take steps towards creating a positive future.

“We’re committed to encouraging young people with training and career progression, but we also remain very focussed on offering best in class service. We work with leading hair and beauty brands, offer exceptional training standards and the highest level of customer service.

“We’re opening the Lothian Road Salon with seven staff, some of whom have been training with us since 2019, and I personally feel so proud of what they have all achieved. I’m lucky to have a group of very talented people working with me, who are achieving great things because of the extra support and care they have been given.”

The nurturing and safe learning environment of the salon has given several young people a chance to build their confidence, learn new skills and set out new ambitions for themselves.

Sarah Page is a senior apprentice at Brave, Strong, Beautiful having started her training at the salon two years ago.

“My confidence has grown so much, and I can see changes every day.” She said. “I feel that I get listened to and that Kerry understands what I’m going through.

“We’ve been working so hard to get the salon ready for our clients and can’t wait to welcome them in – the space looks amazing.

“I’ve enjoyed all of my training with Kerry and the team, but it’s been really, really exciting to be part of a new salon opening.”

New apprentice, Chloe Bain is also looking forward to the next chapter for the salon and herself.

She said; “Since starting with Brave, Strong, Beautiful in November I feel so welcome and included.

“I am excited to start my apprenticeship next month and it’s amazing to be doing it in a brand-new salon.”

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