Everyone is welcome
We recently had the immense pleasure of welcoming Sarah Barley-McMullen, an advocate from Pride in Belper, to our salons. Her visit was a truly affirming experience for our team, and we were so proud to share our values and commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community with her. Sarah’s wonderful article, published on the Pride in Belper website, perfectly captured the essence of what we stand for. This is our own reflection on that special visit.
More Than a Haircut: A Safe Space for Everyone
For the Katie Weeds Hair & Beauty Group, inclusivity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the very foundation of our business. As our Group Marketing Director, Amy, explained to Sarah, we believe everyone is welcome. Our journey from a single salon to a family of five across the area has always been guided by this core value. Being a part of the Pride in Belper Welcome List is a visible demonstration of our deep commitment to allyship and creating a safe, welcoming environment for all. As we told Sarah, visibility matters, whether it’s a flag, a badge, or a conversation, we want every person who walks through our doors to know they belong.
For many, hair is a crucial part of their identity. Our team understands that a haircut or colour isn’t just a service—it’s a form of self-expression. During our chat with Sarah, our Salon Executive, Laura, shared the story of a client who found the confidence to try a bold new look after years of “safe trims.” This transformation, affectionately nicknamed “The Judi Dench Mullet,” symbolises the trust and creativity we strive to foster. Our goal is to ensure no one ever feels fearful of walking into a salon; instead, they should feel celebrated.
Inclusivity in Action
So, what does genuine inclusivity look like in a busy salon? As we explained to Sarah, it’s woven into every aspect of our business.
Recruitment for Warmth: We recruit not only for skill but for warmth and empathy. As Amy noted, you can teach someone to cut hair, but you can’t teach them to be a good person. This focus ensures our teams are naturally kind and create a friendly, respectful atmosphere.
Respectful Communication: Simple but powerful steps, like asking for pronouns, are part of our standard practice. We make no assumptions and simply treat everyone with the respect they deserve.
Accommodating Every Need: We are committed to removing barriers. This might mean finding a quieter space for neurodiverse clients, adjusting lighting and sound, or adapting our setup to accommodate wheelchairs. The goal is always to make every person feel completely at ease.
Compassion and Community
Our conversations with Sarah also highlighted how our inclusivity extends to those experiencing hair loss due to illness. We discussed how many clients visit us during or after chemotherapy. Rather than treating this as a clinical challenge, we approach it with compassion and creativity, providing styles that help people regain a sense of identity and confidence. It’s about more than the cut; it’s about helping people feel good about themselves again and finding a sense of community.
We also discussed our commitment to using vegan and cruelty-free products from Beauty Works. For us, this is another way to ensure no one feels excluded because of their personal beliefs or lifestyle choices. This commitment to meeting clients where they are truly reflects our wider ethos.
Our newest salon in Ripley is a testament to this spirit. Under the new leadership of Laura, who moved from our Belper salon, Ripley is quickly becoming a hub of energy and community. As Laura said, her goal is to make it “the place to be” and to ensure that sense of welcome she built in Belper thrives there too.
A Heartfelt Thank You
We recently had the immense pleasure of welcoming Sarah Barley-McMullen, an advocate from Pride in Belper, to our salons. Her visit was a truly affirming experience for our team, and we were so proud to share our values and commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community with her. Sarah’s wonderful article, published on the Pride in Belper website, perfectly captured the essence of what we stand for. This is our own reflection on that special visit.