After six years managing two salons in Alvor, hairdresser Julie Menzies was ready for a change, an exciting challenge and a new project to get her teeth into – and the fifth Victor Picardo salon fitted that bill.
Many will know Julie from her work in various hair salons across the Algarve. She started working with Victor Picardo 12 years ago in Lagos, then left on amicable terms after six years to go to Alvor. Now, the two have found themselves working together once more. “Coming back to work with Victor was a natural progression,” Julie said. “The chance presented itself six years ago to expand my career, and now another door has opened and I can move forward once more.” It was Victor who was the catalyst behind the two reuniting – “we’ve always kept in contact and Victor thought I’d be perfect for the position at the new salon.”
The new salon, opening in January 2005, is in the Boca do Rio resort in Mexilhoeira da Carregação and Julie will be the salon director. However, Julie believes that, whatever your title, you are always learning in the hairdressing world and she is keen to carry on cutting and colouring hair for her clients, old and new.
Her philosophy for the new salon will be simple: she wants her clients to walk out of the door feeling a million dollars, to feel good about themselves – it’s this feeling that keeps Julie motivated and enthusiastic about her work. “I love the creative aspect of the job. A good cut and colour can transform a person; they not only look good, but they become more confident within themselves too.”
Talking to Julie about the new salon, you can hear the excitement in her voice: “I can’t wait to get back to work with a large team behind me. There’s going to be a lot going on, not only in the salon with customers, but also with the educational aspect of the job as well.”
Julie can’t wait to take on the challenge of getting the salon up and running. Her young, progressive team will endeavour to make their clients feel relaxed and at ease. “We always have a full consultation with the client, to find out exactly what they want before taking them to the wash basin.” Julie explained. “You have to learn to listen to what people want – that’s a vital part of the service we provide.”
At present, Victor is concentrating on getting salon number four in Faro ready to open before the end of the year, and Julie is refreshing her knowledge of the ‘Victor Picardo style of hairdressing’ by working on Mondays and Thursdays at the Lagoa branch.
So what can clients expect from the new salon? “The same products – Tigi, Redken and Schwarzkopf – professionalism and friendliness as at the existing branches,” Julie confidently replied. “I can’t wait, I’m so excited, and with 100 per cent confidence from Victor, it should be great.”
To get in contact with Julie or Victor, you can call them at Salão Lagoa on 282 343 358.
