From studying acting and waitressing, to becoming the owner of her renowned eponymous London salon and the UK brand ambassador for Philip Martin’s – Gina Conway has made her mark on the UK hair scene. For Gina, it’s all about doing it the Conway way… Which is why in this issue, she’s stylist of the edition.
“I was always that creative, kooky kid in school,” the American-born Gina told us. “I was always trying out different hair and fashion styles and friends were always asking me to do their hair… I think perming at 13-years-old was pretty naive to try, but try we did!”
Yet, whilst Gina had always had an interest in the craft – she simply ‘didn’t realise it was a viable option for a career.’ And, so, life took her in another direction, as it often does. “I went into studying acting, and once I had graduated, I was waitressing. It wasn’t feeding me creatively – so, I went back to my roots and enrolled in cosmetology school. In my mind, it was only to tie me over ‘til I got my big break, but I can look back now and realise that moment was, in fact, my big break.”
Gina’s young career blossomed – with the stylist finding her footing in the world of session styling and editorial work. While on a fashion show in Hawaii, she was scouted by Eileen Ford of Ford Model Agency in New York.
“This really kickstarted my career in the fashion world. In California, my work in fashion was non-stop. But then I met this really cute British boy, and it kind of changed things for me!”The really cute British boy (Gina’s now-husband) definitely did change things for Gina –with the stylist joining him across the pond to set up a new life in the UK in 2001. But things didn’t slow down, with Gina getting a coveted role at the John Frieda Salons in London.
“It was incredibly exciting, and something that really shaped my perspective of the salon world. But I knew there was something missing. Having been brought up in the US, I really missed that style of American customer service – and I felt like I could bring that to the UK. So, that’s when I decided to take the leap and open my own salon.
“My first salon was in Fulham, and I just really worked on ensuring every guest got 110%, every time. People loved it, so it just organically grew really quickly. What made me stand out was that positive, can-do mindset, which I think if anyone is going to open their own business needs to adopt.
“Three years later, I opened my second salon in Notting Hill and then I won the Global salon Business Award for the Best salon in the UK. That all happened within the first four years of owning a business – so it was a truly exciting whirlwind.”
Whilst the day-to-day grind has changed for Gina since the beginnings of her career, it still centres around creating a beautiful environment –but not solely for her clients. “That’s one of the most important things, I’ve realised. So, it’s a super high priority for me to make sure my team are happy, because if my team have everything they need then to succeed, then we’re going to be delivering an amazing service. Business-wise, it’s looking at what tools do I have, or do we need to make their lives easier and better? What education do we need? So, a lot of my time is spent doing things like ordering dryers and making call outs for electricians.”
Despite constant tasks always arising, Gina still finds time to work three-days behind the chair. Whilst often spent doing press appointments and VIP clients, and absolutely loves all aspects of business from marketing to training and even down to sourcing pillows and tumble dryers. But, now she feels a deep personal journey ahead.
“I feel like I’m ready to make the transition into a more creative version of myself. I recently did a three-day Session Styling Masterclass with Anna Cofone, and it was so cool. She’s just amazing, and it was great to explore that creative facet of myself with her. It really made me want to get back into session work, and more artistic image creation.
“For me, it’s about constantly growing and learning – which is something I really encourage in the salon. I like to lead by example, and so I also took a foundation course on cancer hair care. I’m going to start doing the cancer patients and helping them on their hair loss and hair regrowth journeys, which is so important because this industry is all about service and giving love and giving back.”
When asked what advice would Gina give someone who wanted to have a successful career in the industry… “Sprinkle some fairy dust every day, and bring some positive energy to the world, take that little bag of goodness wherever you go, and just shake it around.”