GEMMA Dean has been working as a beautician since she was 18 and has trained with some of the biggest names in the industry.
She opened The Secret Halo in 2019, specializing in hair dressing, hair removal, wigs and extensions.
Suffering from alopecia and losing her hair at the age of 19, Gemma wanted to learn more about wigs and how to style them so she could incorporate them into her work as a hairdresser.
Here’s how the 32-year-old, who won her first Best of 2022 award earlier this year and officially won St Helens’ Best for Hair, trained with Trevor Sorby in London, and how she wore pink. Talk about how the Christmas present piqued her interest. at a hairdresser.
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Salon owner Gemma Dean
what is the name of the salon?
Secret Hello.
what is the address?
256 Boundary Road, St Helens, WA10 2PT
Are you the owner/manager?
I’m the CEO of The Secret Halo. I specialize in all forms of hairdressing, hair removal, wigs and extensions.
How many employees/staff do you have?
We are a diverse group of individuals who make The Secret Halo one big family. We all have our strengths and work together. There are 10 people with different specialties in hair, nails, and beauty.
When did the salon open?
Opened June 14, 2019
Inside the spacious salon
Were you always in the same place?
Yes this is the perfect place to set up my salon. Good transport links and just outside the town centre.
Are you local to the area? did you grow up here?
Yes, I grew up in Queens Park and attended Rainford High School. I have always worked and trained in St. Helens.
Please tell me about the salon.
Hair dressing is my passion and I wanted to bring my expertise to wigs. I love that my salon is so diverse and caters to everyone’s needs, from young to old, with different styles and tastes in fashion. Everyone is part of the wider Secret Halo family. We have helped and supported each other through some of life’s most difficult moments. Don’t underestimate the power of a good cut and blow dry.
Secret Halo has a wide variety of wigs on display.
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What made you want to open your own salon?
Ever since I started barbering at the age of 16, I’ve always wanted to own my own salon. I’m ambitious and focused, so I was able to open The Secret Halo when the opportunity arose.
What is your hair and beauty background?
She started her hairdressing apprenticeship at the age of 16 and completed Levels 2 and 3 in Hairdressing before completing Level 4 in Business Administration. Having suffered from alopecia in my youth, I wanted to specialize in hair removal and wigs, and trained under Trevor Sorby in London.
Before and after wig fitting
Why this kind of business?
At the tender age of 13, I remember opening my Christmas presents and finding new pink breast cancer awareness GHD braces. This was the beginning of my passion for beauty. I experimented with my own hair, family members’ hair, and friends’ hair to create GHD curls. After trying the hair, I love it even more! I love helping people and their creativity and enjoy being able to solve problems.
How has the covid-19 pandemic impacted your business?
The pandemic has been a roller coaster of anxiety and uncharted territory for even the most seasoned business owner. I had to think about staff, bills and rent I had to pay. Even if I did that, I couldn’t work and earn money, which was scary, so I seriously thought about what would be best for the future of the salon. The rules regarding what we can and cannot do were a minefield. Dealing with a pandemic isn’t just about not being able to run a business. We sadly lost a client and staff lost a family member to Covid-19.
Classic waves and stunning colors
What differentiates your business from your competitors?
The biggest highlight is the hair removal and wig departments. Nothing like this in St. Helens. Together with my team, I continue to strive for excellence.
Why are your loyal customers coming back to your business?
Clients love the quality hair experience with a personal touch and a great cup of tea.
what’s next? What will the coming months look like for you and your salon?
We have an announcement in the new year. Something new and bold is coming to St. Helens that will give stars in people’s eyes.
gorgeous shiny rock
