Despite being closed for four months in its first year the unisex salon has had great success as the community has shown its support.
House of Maverick opened on October 5 last year in Lee-on-the-Solent high street, in the unit formerly occupied by All Seasons Fruiterers.
Owner Abi Kearns, 32, from Fareham, said its success is thanks to her supportive clientele.
She said: ‘We’ve been so overwhelmed that our clients have followed and supported us, and we just want to say a massive thank you to everyone, and although we’ve been closed for four months in our first year, we have established a nice strong clientele base in Lee-on-the-Solent and we feel so lucky and grateful that we’ve had that.’
Also thanking the ‘great community and support in the high street’, Abi gave a special mention to fellow Lee traders N A Griffiths Butchers, The Wine Bank and her wholesalers, Wonderful Life.
Abi has been a hairdresser since 2009, and first worked in the English Cutting Company in Fareham under director Stuart Buchanan when she was 19.
Always wanting to open her own salon, Abi realised over lockdown it was finally ‘her time’. Shortly after leaving her previous salon, she opened House of Maverick after a four-week-long renovation of the former fruit and veg shop.
From left, Felicity Akhurst, business owner Abi Kearns, Ellen Kirk and Kaitlyn Williams. Picture: Chris Moorhouse
She said the salon was packed when it was open between lockdowns, and she even stayed open until midnight to keep up with the demand.
Abi said a benefit of opening during the pandemic is that the salon is built with social distancing measures, such as basins and sinks distanced apart, and screens in place to minimise contact.
The interior of the salon has ‘a garden feel’ with the decor changing with the seasons, and aims to constantly maintain a calming atmosphere.
House of Maverick hairdressing salon, High St, Lee-on-the-Solent. Picture: Chris Moorhouse
Abi said: ‘I strive to create a welcoming, relaxing experience but also be professional with our expertise, and just make it a calm experience.’
The salon also offers gents cuts and has a stylist who specialises in balayage. All its products are vegan, cruelty free and sustainable and includes the Insight Professional brand.
The salon’s name, House of Maverick, was inspired by a nickname that Abi was given during her training, and one which she decided to take ownership of.
She said: ‘Being a maverick is about being true to yourself and standing out in a crowd and that’s what we hope we have achieved in the last year.’
From left, Kaitlyn Williams, Nicola Watkins, business owner Abi Kearns, Ellen Kirk and Felicity Akhurst. Picture: Chris Moorhouse
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Creative director Nicola Watkins at work. Picture: Chris Moorhouse
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For further business support contact Emma Weatherstone, membership advisor Portsmouth & Solent Federation of Small Businesses on [email protected] or 07764432489
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