Balancing two worlds with Wil Fleeson, salon director of Rainbow Room International and registered trichologist and co-founder of Root Cause.
Founded in 1979, Rainbow Room Buchanan Street is the flagship of our 12-salon group. Running a busy city-centre salon is a full-time job in itself, but alongside that, I also run my trichology clinic, Root Cause, which is based within the salon. Wearing two very different hats keeps every week exciting and keeps me on my toes.
The salon is high energy. It thrives on creativity, buzz and momentum, and that energy has been a huge part of its success. By contrast, the clinic is its own world. It demands focus, attention to detail, and careful handling of paperwork and sensitive medical documentation. When working with clients on trichology concerns, there’s a very different pace and approach needed. That contrast is what makes balancing both so rewarding.
My weeks are very structured. I don’t like jumping between the salon and the clinic during the day; each day is dedicated to one or the other. When I’m at the salon, I rely on an incredible team. I run the salon together with my wife Shannon, who is paramount in this, and she organises everything from accounts to stock control, education, and the flow of the day. Our Operations Director, Talia, has been with us for 15 years and channels everything seamlessly through the team. Everyone has very specific roles, which are crucial for keeping the day running smoothly and for spinning so many plates.
Our team is central to the salon’s success. Every stylist is fully employed and trained through our in-house academy. Flexibility and trust mean that we can deliver premium client experiences consistently, while also leaving me time to focus on the clinic.
Running the clinic alongside the salon has taught me a lot about focus, delegation, and planning. It’s not just about managing time; it’s about managing different types of energy, people, and priorities. By keeping the two worlds separate and relying on a structured, well-trained team in the salon, I can give each the attention it deserves.
Balancing both the salon and the clinic isn’t easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding. It’s about having the right people around you, clear systems, and knowing where to focus your energy each day. That’s what allows me to keep both running smoothly and to keep growing in ways that feel sustainable and exciting.