March Talk with Helen Rouse

The first month of Spring is almost over and April is knocking. The clocks have gone forward, the nights are brighter and lighter so what's business looking like this week? and the month when the clocks go forward. What’s going on in the world of business? Today we're talking to Helen Rouse who is a director Papa Salon Ltd T/A O.Constantinou & Sons Hair & Beauty which is based in Cardiff.

How is March looking for your business? 
March has been like a breath of fresh air. I’ll be honest, we took a big hit during the pandemic and since re-opening, some clients have gone longer between appointments because they simply got used to doing so during the COVID lockdowns. 

However, the business so far in March is reflecting the feeling of coming out the other side of the pandemic. People are gaining confidence and celebrating the return to normality. 

March plans include a re-design of our website by Penguin Internet, recruitment of a new beautician and an additional hair apprentice trainee.  

Are you taking part in any wider events or business collaborations this month? 
This month brings the Cardiff Life Awards, we are delighted to make Finalist for Hair & Beauty and will know if we've one later today!. Especially having won the award in 2019. 

It was all very quickly put together, but we were able to donate four boxes of travel size shampoos & conditioners to the Ukraine appeal, along with a collection of toiletries and first aid kits from employees, as well as personally donating to UNICEF supporting the cause this month.

We became a Dementia Friendly salon during the first lockdown and regularly collaborate with Marie Curie. This month, I was interviewed about our journey to becoming Dementia Friends and the positive impact it has had on the community. Videos of my interview produced by Cardiff & Vale University Health Board have been used as part of Marie Curie’s Dementia Friendly Communities Initiative promotional material. 

We welcome business collaboration opportunities. 

This month it’s International Women’s Day, Pancake Day, St David’s Day, National No Smoking Day – is there an awareness day or week this month which is important to you or your business? 
Ah, it’s a good month, isn’t it?! I would say that International Women’s Day is important to me, I’m working on it, but it’s definitely hard as a female boss to be heard. 

I’m 3rd generation Constantinou (despite my surname). My grandmother was the force behind the move to the UK from Cyprus during the 1950s. She was determined to make a better life for her family, travelling by boat to the UK and leaving her children in Cyprus with family for months whilst they set up a new life here. Mrs.C wasn’t a hairdresser herself, but definitely ran the show! 

I guess I identify with her, as I’m not a hairdresser either, I actually trained and worked in fashion design until 2015, when I returned to help with the family business, leading to me taking the reins. I’m the one behind the scenes pushing the business forward, but my employees are the true faces of the business. 

After all, they are the ones providing services that make our clients feel amazing. We have a real community feel in our salon, and clients are a big part of our salon family. 

Did you know that March 18 was Awkward Moments Day? Can you share any awkward moments with us in business or life?
That’s a brilliant question. Yes, rather awkwardly, we weren’t prepared to win the Cardiff Life Award in 2019. It was a long night and there was an awful lot of alcohol on the tables whilst they ran through all the categories. I gave the most squeaky, emotional and giggly speech, thanking my dad, Simon for creating such an amazing business and giving me the opportunity to continue the legacy. 

The photos of our  acceptance have continued to be used by Cardiff Life Magazine to promote the awards, so I’m constantly reminded of my amusing rather squiffy speech! 

Sunday was Mother’s Day (March 27) is this important for the business?
Our salon is so established, we have generations of mothers visit us. I love the client stories about how they first found us and how their children have grown up and become mothers themselves. 

We offer an array of pampering services, perfect for treating your mum, or yourself. We have been mindful that Mother’s Day can also be a sensitive issue, knowing that many of our clients have lost their mothers through the pandemic. 

Would you like to share your thoughts about your mother, a mother figure in your life or your life with a mother or as a mother? 
I’ve already mentioned how my grandmother was an inspiration. I guess, growing up I couldn’t see how amazing this was. I hope that, as a mother of two young girls, I can inspire my daughters to realise that they can be whatever they want when they grow up. That they can be the boss, if they want.  

And finally:
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to air my voice as the woman behind the scenes of O.Constantinou & Sons.

For more information visit https://worldchampionhairdressing.co.uk