Our Story

Groves Hairstyling

One summer evening in 2017, in the heart of Littledean, Groves Hairstyling opened its doors. Since then, they’ve been transforming hair, helping people fall in love with themselves, and giving back to the generous community around them.

The story of Groves Hairstyling begins with Sharon Groves, whose first page was written nearly 40 years before, when the salon’s founding director and owner was just finding her feet.

The First Steps

At 14 years old, a young Sharon was looking for a Saturday job. On Broad Street, Littledean, Josephine’s caught her eye. In the bustling salon, Sharon asked Josephine for work, but the answer was a firm “no”.

Undeterred, Sharon went back to that salon every weekend, asking Josephine to take her on. Eventually, Josephine’s answer changed. “You’ve been coming here for months! Go on, then, you deserve it.”

Two years passed, and Josephine’s plan was to retire, but Sharon’s presence in the salon put a spanner in the works.

Sharon would be Josephine’s final apprentice.

Creating a Career

For three years, Sharon learnt from the best, met the most incredible clients that are still with her today, and was completely captivated by the craft.

Josephine’s dedication and passion to hairdressing was infectious—and it rubbed off on Sharon. Meeting people, seeing the deep bond develop between stylist and client, learning the skills of the trade; Sharon’s apprenticeship at Josephine’s set her on the path she still walks today.

Josephine retired on the same day Sharon qualified, not knowing she’d be cutting the ribbon and opening the doors once again, standing next to Sharon 37 years later.

There’s No Escaping It

Over the next 37 years, Sharon’s life saw many twists and turns, juggling children, going mobile, changing industries, and managing salons.

But no matter where she went or what she did, Sharon’s heart was always with the hairstyling industry. And, it seemed, the industry needed Sharon back.

Sharon was waiting at the pickup at her children’s primary school. It was here that she met Claire, a talented and ambitious stylist well-known locally.

Recognising Sharon, and knowing her skill, she asked, “Hey missus, would you consider getting back into hairstyling and coming to work for me?”

A Runaway Success

And so, for the next twenty years, the pair were unstoppable. They shared the same work ethic and dedication to the craft, and established themselves as a mainstay within the community. For 12 of those years, Sharon managed Claire’s salon.

From the high street to the catwalk and everything in between, stylists of all ages and capabilities were taken on an incredible journey. Alongside their stylists, they won championship trophies and national competitions in a vast range of categories.

Afforded more than just opportunities from Claire, it was the confidence she instilled in Sharon that made the difference.

And while their time together came to an end, their loyalty and mutual admiration still stands as they support each other, albeit in different salons.

Coming Full Circle

A journey of self-discovery brought Sharon back to the place it all began. Josephine’s salon.

Before she could get there, and make her dream salon a reality, Sharon needed to start small. Lots of her clients will remember Sharon’s converted living-room salon. It had warmth, integrity, and heart.

With the hard work and devotion to create the salon her clients deserved, Sharon renovated the same building where Josephine’s once was into the Groves Hairstyling that’s found today.

But, of course, Sharon brought her secret weapon with her: Lucy, Groves Hairstyling’s creative director.

In that same building, Groves Hairstyling was born, Sharon’s own business back in the heart of Littledean. And there, on opening day, a proud Sharon Groves cut the ribbon with the woman who started it all, Josephine.

Groves Hairstyling Today

Throughout her career, Sharon has helped train over 100 stylists. Today, Sharon and her team still ensure their training is exemplary, securing the industry’s excellence for the future. But even now, with medals and awards under their belt, the salon still operates on that same ethos that Josie instilled in Sharon all those years ago.

It’s all about people. 

Creating connections that matter. 

Providing a safe place where you can show the world exactly who you are.