Recently, we had the honour of welcoming Tina Hare, a certified IEMT (Integral Eye Movement Therapy) and Cognitive Hypnotherapy Practitioner, into the salon. Tina guided us through an empowering session on stress and anxiety management, offering practical techniques we can use daily—both in and out of the salon.

As salon professionals, we give so much of our energy to others—it’s vital that we also invest in ourselves. This session was a space for open reflection, shared learning, and emotional support. It was refreshing, empowering, and deeply appreciated by everyone involved. We left with a stronger sense of calm, clarity, and connection—not just to our own wellbeing, but to each other.

At We Are Salon, we want to do more than create beautiful hair—we want to cultivate a safe, informed, and nurturing environment for everyone who walks through our doors. Whether that’s a client seeking a moment of transformation, or a team member seeking support and understanding, we’re here to make space for it all.

A heartfelt thank you to Tina for helping us grow not just as professionals, but as people.

When she’s not in the salon, Chloe lives life to the fullest. A keen netball player, coach and umpire, she also loves paddleboarding, hiking, mountaineering and mushroom and plant foraging. Whether travelling the world or exploring Europe with husband Col, dog Basil, and their beloved camper van Big Brenda, Chloe brings the same energy and curiosity to life as she does to her work. At her cosy home by the sea, she enjoys nurturing her rescue hens and her flourishing permaculture garden.

As Salon Manager, Lewis plays a vital leadership role—overseeing daily operations, mentoring the team, and fostering a supportive, forward-thinking environment. His commitment to continuous learning sees him regularly attending advanced training courses, where he refines his technical skills and remains at the cutting edge of hairdressing. His passion for the craft has earned him a strong reputation for originality and personalised client experiences.

Beyond the salon, Lewis draws inspiration from his spiritual path as a practicing Nichiren Buddhist, living with intention and using his platform to promote kindness, connection, and positive change. His love of art and body ink is reflected in his growing collection of tattoos—each one a unique piece by local artists that tells a story. At home, Lewis shares life with his fiancée Bobby and their two beloved dogs, Nellie and Freddie. Whether it’s a walk along the beach or exploring nature together, their peaceful, grounded lifestyle beautifully balances Lewis’s high-energy creative work in the salon.

Outside of the salon, Hayley and her family embrace the outdoor lifestyle. They join Chloe and Col for getaways in their campervan Sirius, where evenings are spent around the campfire, and days are filled with hiking, exploring, and creating memories. One standout adventure was climbing Snowdon—a proud achievement made even more special by Hayley overcoming her fear of heights. With her wealth of experience and kind, steady nature, Hayley continues to be a much-loved and valued member of the We Are Salon team.

Outside of the salon, James is just as thoughtful and community-minded. He volunteers at his local community hall, helps out with odd jobs for his grandparents’ elderly neighbours, and enjoys spending time studying, reflecting, and philosophising about the world around him. A firm believer in naturopathy and holistic wellbeing, James is fascinated by the healing properties of plants and herbs. He enjoys quiet, introspective walks in nature, finding inspiration in the simple act of observing. And of course—he’s never short of a dad joke (whether you asked for it or not!). James brings a wonderfully grounded energy to the salon, balancing curiosity, kindness and humour. As a future stylist, his journey is full of promise, and we’re proud to be a part of it.

When she’s not in the salon, you’ll likely find 20 year old Bea crocheting and reading—often at the same time! A multitasker through and through, she brings this same energy and creativity to her work behind the chair. Now a proud holder of her driver’s licence, Bea has big dreams to explore the UK and plans to embark on a 6-month adventure across Asia—a journey fully supported by her salon family. One of three sisters, Bea embraces her feminine energy and proudly owns the title of “girly girl’s girl.” She’s the team’s ultimate hype woman, always ready with words of encouragement, a bright smile, and infectious positivity. Bea’s journey is only just beginning, and her warmth, resilience, and creativity make her a cherished part of the We Are team.

Outside of work, Rhiannon and her partner Jake enjoy camping trips, family time, and are currently saving to buy their first home together. She’s also a lover of fantasy literature and is a proud cat mum, to Marvin and Gavin. With her drive, creativity and compassion, Rhiannon is an integral part of the We Are Salon family and a bright talent to watch.

We’re beyond proud to announce that We Are Salon has been featured in the latest issue of The Ramsgate Recorder, our town’s beloved local magazine. It’s an incredible honour to be spotlighted not only for our recent award wins but also for the meaningful charity work and community initiatives we hold so close to our hearts.

This feature comes on the heels of a remarkable season of recognition, where we brought home SEVEN prestigious awards across two major events:
 Best Salon, Best Texture Salon, Texture Stylist of the year and Apprentice of the Year at the National Salon Awards in London
 Gold for Contribution to the Community, and Silver Awards for Best Hair Salon and Health and Beauty Champion at the Kent Health and Beauty Awards in Ashford

You can read all about our antics at these award ceremonies here.

To see our journey and values celebrated in The Ramsgate Recorder—a publication that means so much to our local community—truly feels like a full-circle moment.

Why This Means So Much to Us

Our work goes beyond styling hair; it’s about empowerment, inclusivity, and care. From supporting the LGBTQ+ community and providing services to people in transition, to partnering with organisations like Thanet Rise and The Medaille Trust to support those affected by homelessness and modern slavery, we strive to use our skills and platform to uplift others.

To be recognised in our local press for these efforts, and to have our team and values celebrated in print, is a beautiful reminder of why we do what we do. This feature is not just about us—it’s about the power of local businesses to make a difference.

Thank You, Ramsgate

Thank you to The Ramsgate Recorder for sharing our story so thoughtfully, and thank you to our clients, community, and team for being the heart of everything we do.

If you spot the article (you can even read the digital copy here), be sure to grab a copy and give it a read—we’re proud to represent Ramsgate and honoured to be part of this incredible community.

Don’t forget to share the feature with us on social media if you see it—we’d love to celebrate with you!

#WeAreSalon #RamsgateRecorder #CommunityChampions #AwardWinningSalon #RamsgateBusiness #ThanetProud

Although I didn’t receive the award on the night due to an admin error, I was later informed that I had, in fact, won—and I cannot express how much this means to me. This recognition is not just an award. It’s a milestone. It’s a reflection of everything I’ve worked so hard to build in this industry.

Why This Award Matters So Much

Textured hair has long been underrepresented in mainstream salons, and it’s been a mission of mine to change that. From the moment I was told early in my career that I wouldn’t be trained in afro hair because it “wasn’t for salons like ours,” I knew I had to forge my own path, one that put inclusivity, education, and representation at the centre of everything.

Winning this award validates that journey. It represents every hour of training, every curl-by-curl cut, every moment of understanding the unique needs of my clients with textured, coily, afro or curly hair—and most importantly, it celebrates the people who put their trust in me to care for and honour their hair.

The Clients Who Inspire Me

This win is also for my clients—especially those who’ve shared their personal stories of not feeling seen, not being catered for, or being turned away elsewhere. You inspire me every day. Being able to provide a safe, skilled, and empowering salon space is the greatest reward of all.

It’s for the young people starting their curl journey. It’s for the people who’ve spent years straightening their hair because they didn’t know how to embrace it. It’s for those rediscovering their natural texture for the first time. You are the reason I do what I do.

Looking Ahead

Having already taken home the Best Texture Salon, this award only strengthens my drive to do more—to educate, mentor, and raise the standard for textured hair services across the industry. I’ll continue to train my team, share knowledge, and make sure that We Are Salon remains a salon where every texture is not only welcomed, but celebrated.

Thank you to the Salon Awards for the recognition, and thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey. I am beyond honoured—and still just a little bit emotional about it all!

With love and pride,
Chloe
Textured Hair Stylist of the Year

Kent Health and Beauty Awards – Honouring Excellence in Our Community

We were delighted to attend the Kent Health and Beauty Awards  held at the Ashford International Hotel, where we added three awards to our collection:

• Gold Award for Contribution to the Community – This award holds a special place in our hearts, as it recognises our work beyond the salon. From supporting local charities to providing haircuts for those in need through partnerships with Thanet Rise and Medaille Trust, giving back to our community is at the core of who we are.
• Silver Award for Best Hair Salon – Receiving this award further highlights the quality and commitment we bring to our craft. Our client-centred approach, focus on innovative techniques, and dedication to inclusivity are what make We Are Salon a trusted choice for clients across Kent.
• Silver Award for Health and Beauty Champion – This award celebrates our holistic approach to beauty and wellness, recognising our efforts to not only enhance our clients’ outer appearance but also to uplift and support their overall wellbeing.

National Salon Awards – A Night to Remember

Following the success in Ashford, we attended the stunning Royal Leonardo Hotel in St. Paul’s, London, for a national industry event Salon Awards, we gathered along with the best in the industry, and we were honoured to receive three major awards:

• Best Salon – The award everyone dreams of! Winning this top honour for the third time reflects our team’s dedication to consistently creating a welcoming, innovative, and high-quality experience for all our clients.
• Best Texture Salon – This award recognises our specialised expertise in textured hair, a vital aspect of our inclusive services. We’ve worked tirelessly to ensure our salon is a space where every hair type is catered to with expert knowledge, skill, and respect.
• Apprentice of the Year – This accolade goes to our talented team member Kitty, a testament to the quality training, mentorship, and professional development we foster at We Are Salon. Our commitment to nurturing young talent in the hair industry is central to our ethos. This was demonstrated further when Kitty was given an incredible opportunity to diversify her talents into wig making! I’m sure you will join us in wishing her luck on her new career path.

Winning these awards at such a prestigious national event is a fantastic milestone for us, underscoring the hard work, passion, and dedication of our entire team. It also reaffirms our commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and client satisfaction at the highest level.

Celebrating Our Achievements and Looking Ahead

These awards are not just trophies on a shelf (that we are running out of space on!); they represent the hard work and dedication of every member of our team, the trust and support of our clients, and the values that drive us every day. Winning six awards across two esteemed events inspires us to keep striving for excellence and motivates us to expand our positive impact on our clients and community.

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our amazing clients, who have been on this journey with us, and to our dedicated team, whose passion and commitment make We Are Salon the special place it is.

Here’s to the exciting journey ahead and to many more achievements in the future! Thank you for being a part of our story and supporting us in this incredible adventure.

Check out last years award season blog here to see how far we’ve come and stay tuned as we continue to elevate our services and make a difference in our community. Follow us on our social media channels and subscribe to our newsletter for updates, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes looks at We Are Salon.