From the moment Sandra first got in touch about investing in a Le Keux Franchise, we knew it was a match made in heaven. With her love of vintage combined with the transferable skills she’d be bringing from her career as a solicitor, Sandra is a formidable force within our network. Now running Le Keux Cotswolds, Sandra doesn’t plan to stop there, and boy do we plan to help her make her global Le Keux branches goals comes true! Here’s a little bit more from our newest Franchisee about why she chose Le Keux and where she plans to take her company over the next five years…

What attracted you to a Le Keux Franchise?

Lots of things! I had a fantastic makeover at the Birmingham HQ and was browsing the Facebook page afterwards when I spotted the post about franchise opportunities. I was so excited! It’s was like seeing ‘me’/ ‘my job’ in print, there was that recognition that this was the opportunity to make a career change that I’d been looking for. As I’m from a corporate background, I felt immediately comfortable at my makeover because everything was handled so professionally, and I knew that this was a fabulous brand that I’d feel proud to be part of. Plus the products! Oh my, I love the lip paints – so I suppose it was everything – the look, the feel, the chance to do something positive, creative and uplifting with a great company.

What did it feel like to take the leap?

Whilst it’s exciting and inspiring and I’m loving it, there have also been moments of fear and self- doubt. Can I do this? Is this the right time to take on this sort of challenge? You know the sort of thing, the thoughts that go round your head when you’re trying something new that is going to take you totally out of your comfort zone. But the good thing is that I recognise what’s going on – it’s just thoughts, not reality. I’m really happy to be taking the plunge.

What did you do before starting this business?

I’m a qualified Solicitor! I qualified back in 1996, so I’ve had an enjoyable and fulfilling career as a Solicitor for over 20 years, most of it spent in financial services. But recently I have felt more and more the need to branch out and try something new. Life isn’t a rehearsal after all. You have to get on with it. You can always find reasons not to do something, but as I get older and more comfortable in my own skin, you start to think “Why not?” and “If not now, then when?”.

What was your reason for quitting ‘corporate’ and starting your own business?

I wasn’t looking for any opportunity to change my career, it had to be the right opportunity with the right company and brand, one that I felt comfortable with. I wanted to feel excited about the opportunity and the possibilities – a legal career has a defined career path, whereas with this business who knows where it will lead me? The sky has opened up with a wide horizon in front of me. It’s a thrill! I also like that it depends on me, I’m in control of my destiny, because I have lots of ‘get-up-and-go’ and I work hard. Working for myself there is immediate correlation to the effort that I put in. If I don’t bother, no one else will. But putting in the effort you can see the result, and that isn’t always the case in the corporate workplace with some roles.

What has your experience of being a Le Keux franchise been like so far?

Brilliant! I’ve had so much support from everyone at Le Keux. No question is a stupid question and there’s no detail that’s too small to ask about. There is a structure in place, and a logic behind the way things are set up – it appeals to my way of working! Lynsey has been fantastic, making herself available to answer all those questions I have, and always inspiring me to achieve/ to reach/ to move forwards.

What’s the scariest part of starting your own business?

The unknown. Will this work? What’s it going to be like? Will I cope with everything that happens? But it has also been massively empowering, and I’m a different person to who I was even only 3 months ago. If there’s an obstacle, you make a plan and you deal with it – and the important thing is learning that you can cope. So much so, that you look back and think “What that really what I was worried about?!”.

What are you most excited about going forward?

A number of things! I’m building a brilliant team of hairstylists and MUAs – each one on their own journey, and it’s going to be amazing working with them and seeing them develop and grow. Equally important is that I love working with clients – it’s a real privilege to work with them, especially with brides as you’ll be part of one of the most important days of their life, their wedding day. So to play my part on each occasion, and have each client looking and feeling amazing is something that will never get stale. We have exciting plans for 2020, including offering photo shoots – can’t wait to have that in place. The other thing is that I have plans to expand – we’re mobile at the moment, but I’m determined to find the right place for a Le Keux Cotswolds salon, so we can offer more fabulous Le Keux services to our wonderful clients.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In San Francisco, opening the first Le Keux SF salon!

 

We just love Sandra’s contagious energy and inspiring story. If you’d like to get in touch with her about vintage hair and make up services, pamper parties and events in the Cotswolds please email cotswolds@lekeuxevents.co.uk.

If you’d like to begin your journey toward owning a Le Keux Franchise, get in touch with Lynsey, our MD now… This time next year we want to be telling everyone about your motivating success story too! Email lynsey@lekeuxevents.co.uk for a no obligation chat.