You know how lovely it is to meet someone who is totally on your wavelength – someone who’s also got young children, their own business, similar values, similar interests? Well, imagine my joy at meeting someone like that, and then discovering that she is an incredibly talented hair stylist too…
I met Hannah Klewpatinond at a Mum to Mum MK networking event that Sam Poole was hosting, where she had a stand to promote her business, HK Hair – and then at more events when Sam developed the SJPoole Network. My 40th birthday was looming, and I’d been planning a big hair change for some time… I just needed the right person to do it. Knowing how well we’d got on, and indulging my love of supporting local, I contacted Hannah for an appointment – and was lucky enough to get one, just before she closed her books to new clients!
Back then, Hannah welcomed clients to her home salon in her beautifully-converted garage, after owning The Beehive – an 8-stylist salon in Shenley Lodge retirement village – and I went one evening in late April. She listened closely to what I wanted, agreeing that the new style would suit me and deciding how best to do it. She took such care over the whole restyle that my hour’s appointment turned into a couple of hours, and we had such a laugh and got on so well that the brilliant new Do was as much of a bonus as finding such a brilliant new friend.
I was absolutely delighted with my new style, and Hannah kept it in perfect condition until the first lockdown came – but she didn’t let a little thing like that stop her from keeping us clients lovely. She released regular how-to videos for tricky topics like fringe trimming, which were invaluable as I reached the Claudia Winkleman stage, and all manner of other tips and tricks while she couldn’t cut hair in person. When things opened up, she couldn’t have worked harder to make sure all of the necessary safeguards were in place so that she could have us back in the salon again.
So when I heard that she’d decided to take HK Hair to a brand new stage of its development, and move the salon into a space at Furtho Manor Farm near Old Stratford, I was even more excited – not just for Hannah and what this meant for HK Hair, but also because Furtho is one of my favourite places. It’s a stunning rural location only 10 minutes from my house; there’s a lake and an ancient church in the ground, and owners Linda Welton and her husband (whom I also know through SJPoole Network ) host the most beautiful weddings, let office (and salon) space, and run a working farm into the bargain. Reducing environmental impact is one of HK Hair’s core values, and Hannah works so hard to incorporate products and practices that are low or zero impact – so enjoying the whole HK Hair experience in this countryside setting is perfect.
Hannah opened at Furtho in May, and I was delighted to visit this month for my cut and blowdry in its beautiful new home. From the driveway to the salon chair, it’s idyllic – and what makes it even more special is how inclusive Hannah is making the whole experience. From the doorways to the hairwashing sinks, everything is wheelchair accessible; and Hannah will be keeping mask and sanitising practices in place for the foreseeable future, for her safety and that of all her customers.
Everything about this makes me smile – from HK Hair moving into a new phase, to the partnership with Linda at Furtho, and that I have got a great reason to drive out there so regularly! Now that Hannah’s three little ones are moving into school age, she’s going to be gradually offering more and more availability – so if you are looking for a talented stylist who really cares about her clients, her impact on the environment, at a beautiful salon in a stunning rural setting, then get booked in today! https://www.hkhair.co.uk/contact
And if you’re looking for a stunning location for your wedding or other celebration, look no further than Furtho – it’s perfect: https://www.furthomanorfarm.co.uk/contact
