Scenic roots
Julian Holland has travelled the world with his scissors and brushed shoulders – literally – with the stars, but he’s now putting down roots in East Yorkshire as he embarks on a new challenge.
“Roots” is an apt word, too, for Julian and his wife Sophie have chosen an amazing base for this exciting new hairdressing company – the unique Treetops development at the Hesslewood Office Park, which is almost in the shadow of the Humber Bridge’s north tower. It certainly is no ordinary salon – while you’re having your shampoo and set, you might spot peacocks parading around the expansive landscaped grounds or even a helicopter landing on the perfectly manicured lawn.
Launched in January 2023, it’s a venture that Julian feels he is more than ready for after three decades in hairdressing, having reached the pinnacle of his achievements with the Northern Hairdresser of the Year accolade at the British Hairdressing Awards.
But he only entered the profession all those years ago on the suggestion of a then-girlfriend, who thought he’d be “brilliant” at it. Once he embarked on his career, though, “I couldn’t get enough of it,” he says. “I was always the first one in and the last one to leave – I loved every single bit about it.”
Julian, who is originally from Cumbria, then moved to Liverpool – funnily enough, on the recommendation of another partner – where he began working for the edgy fashion chain Exit Hairdressing (now known as Voodoo), in its flagship city centre salon. It was here that Julian really began to learn the artistry of hairdressing, and he was soon hand-picked by leading German firm Wella to join one of its artistic teams.
It was also while in Liverpool that Julian met Mark Hill – who would rise from humble beginnings in Hessle to A-list celebrity status – and he would go on to become his “right-hand man”. Julian was there from the start on Mark’s journey to superstardom, and he was “hugely integral” in building the Mark Hill brand of products.
“It’s literally taken me around the world and back again – twice,” says Julian. I’ve done everything from the Brit Awards to the biggest, most prestigious ceremonies in London – and you get to know a lot of people on a journey like that. I was working with Mark on everything from product design right through to the text on the bottles – absolutely every single part of it. I’ve done lots of photographic work, including photoshoots for magazines such as Hello and OK, and various fashion titles.”
Julian met his wife, Sophie, while working for Mark, and they have now reached the stage where they want to strike out on their own. “It seemed like a natural step,” says Julian. “We’d been there and done it – but it seemed like the only thing I hadn’t done was run my own salon.”
Settling on the Hesslewood Treetops location was a combination of “a bit of detective work and good luck”, he adds. “I’ve actually watched these buildings go up plank by plank – literally being built from the ground up into the trees. I suppose it was a little bit of good timing and a bit of fate – we were there at the right place at the right time.”
Indeed, the company’s strapline is “a unique place for unique people” – but Julian is quick to stress that being different does not mean exclusive or unapproachable. “We’d like to think that everybody would feel comfortable walking through the door,” he says. “We’ve got a very warm and welcoming attitude here – it’s something we pride ourselves on. We’ve got a lot of collective hairdressing experience between us, and we’ve been thrilled by the response so far.”
Despite having never run his own salon before, Julian says his decades at the top of his game and working for Mark Hill have more than prepared him for the business aspects, from admin to staffing and all the rest of the nuts and bolts of running a company. Making the leap certainly didn’t daunt the pair of them. “It’s been a learning curve – but I think change is a brilliant thing, really. A lot of people are frightened to change, but I think it’s far better than standing still.”
Julian and Sophie have a strong support network of family and friends alongside them, and this venture has a real team effort feeling about it. Friends of the couple, already running businesses in Hull, have been on hand to offer help and advice. “As bizarre as it sounds,” says Julian, “most businesses actually cross paths. It’s like any other service industry, it’s still a trade-based thing, and you’d be amazed at how they mirror each other. Our friends and colleagues have been very integral in lots of different ways.”
As to the service offered at Hair @ Hesslewood, Julian stresses that it’s “an experience from start to finish” where the client receives a completely bespoke consultation and time to enjoy the sumptuous surroundings. This comes with a price tag, but then Julian points out the value that comes with it. “Is it going to be the cheapest haircut you’ve ever had? No, it’s not – and obviously the reason for that is that not everyone’s a British Hairdressing Awards winner. But I like to think it’s affordable, and fundamentally we have a very different approach. It’s more calculated approach – a lot more in-depth. As I often say to people, the only problem with your hair is it’s sitting on top of your head. It you could whip it off and stick it in your handbag, it’d be a whole different ball game, wouldn’t it!”
The testimonials bear this out. “What a stunning place!” said one client. “It’s literally breathtaking. He and his gorgeous wife Sophie can’t fail to do brilliantly there, it’s just like being in a spa!”
“The salon is modern and stylish and the service from them both impeccable and as always above and beyond what you expect,” wrote another. “Once you have edged past the peacocks and the deer, the views and surroundings are just serene. This has to be one of the finest locations for a hair salon anywhere.”
And this is why hairdressers are flown around the world to attend to the crowning glories of the biggest stars. “You could be dressed from head to toe in Versace, with a dress that’s worth £5,000 and a handbag that’s worth £3,000 – but if you feel that your hair’s a mess, I guarantee you won’t want anybody to take your picture!”
Julian’s business journey has only just begun, and alongside building the business steadily – he’s been careful to “soft launch” to make sure any initial teething troubles are ironed out – his main focus will be staffing, with the required skills being far beyond just being able to deliver good a hairdo. He’s already brought on board a “fantastic” young hairdresser called Ellie, and he aims to “reinvest” in young talent. “I truly do believe that the youth are the future of this industry,” he says. “If I had never been given an opportunity, I would never have had any of the experiences that I’d never believed I’d have.”
For now, Julian is getting his ducks – or should that be peacocks? – in a row. “We’re just getting all the correct pieces in place, so the picture is completely clear for everyone. So, things like marketing and media, without a shadow of a doubt are of going to be next steps, but I’d just like to ensure that we’ve got everything sorted to be able to deal with that and provide that level of service – because I can truly believe that you only get one chance to make a first impression.”
