Ellie Goulding and Mel C were Brighton salon owner's clients

What is your business called and where is it?

The Avery Salon is in Prince Albert Street in The Lanes. We offer all hairdressing services and in particular are experts in colour.

How did the idea come about?

After many years commuting to London, it was time for me to open my first salon and offer everything I am about – expensive looking hair in a relaxed friendly environment.

Mel C

Tell us a little about your background

My opportunities to work on The X factor and Britain’s Got talent came through the salon I worked at previously.

We were the hair team for the shows’ contestants for quite a few years. I also did This Morning a few times as the colourist alongside my previous boss.

We did a really fun show when This Morning did a live wedding for a couple.

We helped them get wedding ready in the lead-up to the day and then I was running around London from the studio to the boat on the Thames where they got married to make sure the bride and bridesmaids looked their best.

We also did some hair transformations for the Little Princess Trust [which provides real-hair wigs, free, to young people who have lost their own hair through illness] live on air.

• READ MORE: Student's fitness business wins pitch on BBC's Dragon's Den

I did Ellie Goulding’s hair colour for a couple of years before I moved to Brighton – I did private hair appointments at her home.

Mel C was a regular client at the salon I worked at previously, Percy and Reed in London.

I was the manager for the last six years until I decided it was time to have my own business.

I’ve been lucky enough to travel with my job, to educate other hairdressers on behalf of Redken,and to do hair campaigns and shows.

Katie Avery outside her salon

What is the plan at your new business?

I believe each hair appointment is as unique as the person sitting in the chair and I understand that sometimes all the technical jargon can get in the way.

We have done away with all the technical names of services and have based their prices around “sessions”.

Each session is tailored to your wants and needs for your hair and it all starts with a consultation.

Our relaxed and friendly approach means from the minute you walk in the door you can get rid of all of life’s stresses, have a cup of tea or bubbles if you fancy, and just enjoy being looked after by the expert team.

Have you ever been to a salon with a comfortable wash basin? Wait until you fall back into the sculpted loungers and have that wonderful head massage. You won’t want to leave.

How many on your team and who are they?

There’s currently three of – me and stylists Max and Selina.

In the near future we hope to be able to offer a beauty service with treatments such as manicures, massages and facials.

We hope to employ more stylists and also start an apprenticeship programme to help develop new hairdressing talent.

Inside the salon

Anything else?

We opened on the April 13, so just after lockdown eased. I have been keeping my eye out for the right location for a salon for probably around two years.

A salon has been my dream for as long as I can remember.

Fortunately for me, during the pandemic I was furloughed from the previous salon I worked for.

The lockdowns gave me time for planning and researching for my business.

I would like to tell people that we are a friendly, approachable salon with exceptional service and skills and if you are looking for a special experience then we would love to meet you.

Would you like to be our next Trader of the Week? Email kate.parkin@theargus.co.uk