From Saturday helper to owner of the salon -- the 40-year journey of hairdresser Paul

Talk about a local boy made good. Paul Sanderson started as a Saturday helper, sweeping up hair from the floor of a salon in Mansfield. Now he owns that salon and has clocked up 40 years in the hairdressing industry.
By The Newsroom
Published 7th Jul 2018, 12:33 BST
Updated 16th Jul 2018, 16:51 BST
On his throne at the Campions salon -- owner Paul Sanderson.On his throne at the Campions salon -- owner Paul Sanderson.
On his throne at the Campions salon -- owner Paul Sanderson.

No wonder Paul is regarded as a cut above the rest at Campions Hairdressing on Church Street. He started, back in the 1970s, by just earning a few pennies, getting stuck in to the tasks he was given. But since 2000, he has been the boss of a business that is thriving and popular among ladies and gents.

“I just love what I do,” he said. “I did the Saturday job and just stayed on.

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“There must have been thousands of haircuts I have done over the years, some of which I’ve liked, others not so much, like the trend young men had for ‘curtains’ a few years ago!”

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Paul Sanderson, who has risen from Saturday boy to owner at Campions Hairdressing in Mansfield, pictured with long-serving receptionist Jo Parkes.Paul Sanderson, who has risen from Saturday boy to owner at Campions Hairdressing in Mansfield, pictured with long-serving receptionist Jo Parkes.
Paul Sanderson, who has risen from Saturday boy to owner at Campions Hairdressing in Mansfield, pictured with long-serving receptionist Jo Parkes.

Paul employs eight staff at Campions, and they include one who has also reached a notable milestone because receptionist Jo Parkes, 36, has been at the salon for 20 years.

Mum-of-two Jo started as a Saturday helper too and originally trained to be a hairdresser. But after a while, she decided she preferred organising things and talking to customers, so she switched to her receptionist’s role.

“I qualified as a hairdresser, but I realised it wasn’t for me,” said Jo. “On reception, we like to have a laugh, but we are also very professional.

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“You get to know people, and you get to know their families too. We see the children of children we used to see years ago.”

The Campions hairdressing salon on Church Street in Mansfield.The Campions hairdressing salon on Church Street in Mansfield.
The Campions hairdressing salon on Church Street in Mansfield.

Paul added: “Jo is a real asset here. She is great with customers. There are a lot of hairdressers’ salons in Mansfield, but we continue to get new customers and we have a lot of regulars too.”

Among those regulars is retired teacher Terry Holt, who has used Campions for about 25 years and continues to do so at the age of 81. He said: “It’s a good place to come to. The staff are warm and friendly, and you get a good haircut too.”

Tewrry’s views are echoed on the business’s Facebook page, where rave reviews include this one from Maxine Riley: “Campions is much better than the posher and trendier salons. Anyone who can tame my hair is fabulous!”

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Jodie Rouse said: “Amazing! I love this hairdresser’s so much. I always come out happy.” And Jennifer Enright posted: “The staff are so friendly and welcoming, and they do a fantastic job with my hair.”

Campions has even won praise from Mansfield’s MP Ben Bradley, who said: “Congratulations to Paul on 40 years in business. A huge achievement. Also to Jo for her 20 years.

“It is fantastic to see such success and longevity in Mansfield business. These are tough time for high streets, but I hope Campions goes from strength to strength.”

Related topics:MansfieldBen Bradley