Suzie McGill & Sam McFarlane celebrate 20 years of style, stories and creative growth at Rainbow Room International, Uddingston.
Sisters and business partners Suzie McGill and Sam McFarlane are celebrating a very special milestone; this year marks an impressive 20 years in business at their salon, Rainbow Room International Uddingston.
Adhering to the Rainbow Room philosophy and implementing what the brand’s founders, Alan and Linda Stewart, have always advocated, Suzie and Sam built the salon with an approach that focused on the perfect balance of creativity and business structure. It is an approach that has been instrumental in the Uddingston salon’s success and required both Suzie and Sam to step into roles that played into each of their unique strengths and skills to create a synergy that has translated into a thriving salon environment.
Suzie, who had spent many years in London honing her craft before joining Rainbow Room International, took on the creative role within the salon. Having already been promoted to International Artistic Director of Rainbow Room International, Suzie leads the Art Team and is known for her creative and photographic work, having won several accolades. Consequently, Suzie saw the salon environment as an opportunity to nurture and mentor stylists, enabling them to achieve their goals by sharing her knowledge, skills and experience.
Sam has also been a real driving force behind the success of Rainbow Room Uddingston and took on the role of Salon Director. Having already worked for Rainbow Room for several years, Sam built a strong client base and was known for her focus on the client experience. Sam realised the potential of the Uddingston location and saw an opportunity to apply her valuable business learnings and skills to bring the city centre experience to the local area.
Suzie and Sam share some of their key learnings and secrets to the Uddingston Salon's success...
Sam McFarlane, Salon Director, Rainbow Room International
“When we decided to open a salon, location was obviously a very important aspect. We decided to open in Uddingston, which was a bit of a full-circle moment as Suzie and I grew up one mile away in a nearby town!
“Uddingston was an area with significant growth and was easily accessible with motorway and public transport links. Additionally, we also knew that Uddingston would be receptive to the luxury experience that Rainbow Room International offered. We wanted to bring the buzz and excitement of the city centre locations to the local area and didn’t want to target clients going to nearby salons; instead, we decided to focus on clients travelling to the city for their hairdressing appointments.
“We experienced massive growth in our first year. We opened with five of us: three stylists, one assistant, and a front-of-house. Within a year, we had grown to a team of 15! From the very beginning, we aimed to create a space where creativity, technical excellence and client care all go together. This approach has never wavered, and seeing the business grow and thrive, as well as watching our stylists develop their skills and confidence, has been such a rewarding part of the last 20 years.
“My motivation comes from developing stylists and young people and giving them opportunities. For me, there is nothing more special than being part of their journey and watching the team have their moments, whether this be nailing a consultation or winning an award. We are so lucky to have such a talented team that loves what they do.”
Suzie McGill, International Artistic Director, Rainbow Room International
“During the 14 years I spent working in London in the late 80s and onwards, I built up a wealth of experience not only in salon work but also in session and editorial work, and it was during this time that I really honed my skills creatively as a stylist. After feeling the pull to return to Glasgow, I joined Rainbow Room International in 2000.
“When the opportunity arose for Sam and I to own our own salon, I knew instinctively that this was the right move and the next chapter in our Rainbow Room journey. Sam is super organised, and as well as being a fantastic hairdresser, she is equally skilled in figures and building columns! My skill set compliments the more creative aspects of running a salon. My work leading the Rainbow Room Art team allowed me to develop my skills both technically and creatively, and I am hugely passionate about education and giving others the same opportunities.
“The space itself in Uddingston is beautiful, with its floor-to-ceiling glass, which means it is all-natural light, an absolute dream for colour work! I knew we could create the most beautiful hair in this space and that this would be the place to share my knowledge, skills and experience through nurturing and mentoring talent.
“As a result, we have created a culture where people bring their best every day, the passion has never faded, and we are always creating. Our utilisation has remained high, and I am so proud to say that we have a team of role models; two of our top stylists started with us as assistants. We produce, and will continue to produce, top-class stylists who remain loyal to Rainbow Room International.”