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MEET OUR TEAM

Salon Director / Owner

Sharon Groves

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My career has always been my best friend.

For over 40 years, I’ve been lucky enough to say I love my job—every single part of it. (Maybe not the bad back)!

Since the very beginning, I devoted myself to two missions:

1.      To create a safe place where my clients can become their true selves.

2.      Secure the industry’s future with exceptional skill and flair. 

I have learnt from the best and been immersed in raw, untameable talent. And so, from that first day, at 14, I knew this was the beginning of something special. My aspirations were never to own a salon or win gold medals but to ensure that each and every client received excellent service, without exception, and left feeling better than when they came in. One client at a time.

That’s the point—it’s all about you. And the privilege is all mine.

“You’re just a hairdresser.” My answer? There's no such thing. We are so, so much more.

Josephine, the wonderful lady who gave me the opportunity I needed, instilled a passion and devotion to my work that I will forever be grateful for. She taught me that it was all about you—the client. She was so generous with her knowledge and open to continuous learning. I quickly caught her drive and ambition for this incredible industry—her passion was contagious. She was a hard worker and very proud of what she had created. Her salon was the place to go; everyone came here.

I am proud to continue that legacy within the same building, home to so many beautiful moments with clients over decades.

That young, 14-year-old girl, finally hearing Josephine agree to take her on, had no idea the impact her skill would have on thousands of people moving forward—clients and staff.

A stylist is a listening ear who truly hears you. When someone sits in my chair, I see them, but for me, it’s about allowing them to see themselves, too.

We aren’t on a treadmill. Every client gets my complete care and attention.

We are creating art. Art that truly matters.

Fast-forward many years of working in salons, going mobile, having children, and, for some time, working in other industries, I met Claire.

And, for the next 20 years, Claire and I worked together—I managed her salon for 12 of those years. Claire and I shared the same work ethic and love for our industry. She encouraged me to enter competitions and put me through an assessor’s qualification. Together, we trained over 100 stylists, many of which now own successful businesses.

She was my second Josephine—another incredible woman in the industry who truly inspired me and made a difference in my career. Their guidance, support, and belief propelled me to where I am today.

 

Josie and Claire,

thank you with all my heart.

For 40 years, I have devoted my career to my clients and the staff around me. They are my reason and always will be.

In recent years, my role as a Mum and director has changed slightly, as I now have four gorgeous grandchildren. They are the light in my life, and I continue working hard for them and their adoring parents—my family.

Cooking, reading, and Netflix marathons, and sports cars are a secret pleasure when I have some time to myself, but ultimately, my hobby is people—at work, at home, all the time.

 

I hope to inspire the next generation, secure the industry’s excellence, and provide a safe haven for clients to show the world exactly who they are.

To some, it's just hair. To me, it's everything.

Creative Director

Lucy Bowery

A woman with long dark hair and tattoos on her arms stands in an indoor setting next to a counter with a "2024 Finalist" award and a vase of pink lilies. She is wearing a black shirt and smiling. The background includes a chandelier and framed items on the walls.
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Working at Groves Hairstyling has given me the drive to stay creative and challenge myself professionally.

I have so many gorgeous clients that I’ve built long-term relationships with, and I’m honoured that they trust me so much.

That’s why I do this—to make a difference to people, and to create those connections. It’s about delivering the Groves Hairstyling experience—no corners are cut, only hair!

The transformations can be major or subtle, but it’s the impact a haircut or colour can have that keeps me loving what I do. Whether it’s a full-head colour transformation or a simple fringe trim, I want my clients to feel cared for, and leave loving their look.

I love seeing clients smile back at their reflection.

Starting my career as a shy, uncertain, self-conscious girl, my clients, colleagues and Sharon have helped bring out the stylist I am today.

With Sharon’s support and the opportunities afforded to me, I find myself immersed in almost all the aspects of Groves Hairstyling: running the salon day-to-day with a full column of 9-13 clients each day, training and supporting junior stylists and apprentices, meeting suppliers and representatives, and organising creative opportunities.

You’ll find creativity and expression in all parts of my life, whether that’s dancing in a field at a festival of thousands of people, or living my best life at Disney World. I’m a people person, and festivals are part of my DNA. Immersing myself in the music, atmosphere and experiences liberates me—it’s where I feel at home.

And Groves Hairstyling shares that essence. Just as festivals are my escape, the salon provides solace for many people. Offering everyone a place to belong.

With experience on my side now, I strive to keep challenging myself creatively while ensuring clients receive exactly what they deserve. Excellence and care.

Senior Stylist / Colour Specialist

Megan Marshall

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A smiling baby sits on a woman's lap, who is sitting on a couch. A man beside her is leaning forward, smiling at the baby. Both adults are casually dressed in white and jeans.
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A woman with long blonde hair, wearing glasses and a black dress, is standing and smiling in a salon. Behind her, there's a shelf labeled "GOLDWELL" with various hair products displayed.

The past 10 years working for Groves Hairstyling have been an absolute blast. I can hardly believe it's been that long.

My personal and professional growth has been exponential, and I can only attribute that to the ethos and culture of the company I work for.

As a young girl still in school, I was scared to approach clients, frightened of the telephone, and held awkward consultations. Now, I’m a thriving stylist working full columns with loyal and trusting clients.

Connecting with my clients is a huge part of the job for me—developing a relationship where they trust me means so much, and I will never take that for granted. Over time, my clients have become true friends, and I am so fortunate to have shared some truly precious moments with them.

I came out of school and straight into a full-time apprenticeship at Groves Hairstyling. Sharon has supported me my whole working life, and I can honestly say I've been so lucky. This salon has seen me grow from an apprentice into a senior stylist, along with my other majorly important role in life—a mummy to my beautiful boy, Louis.

As a full-time mum, I learn new things every day, and I'm certainly kept on my toes! The challenges at work definitely stood me in good stead for adapting to a new, demanding lifestyle. I love staying active, so you might find me doing yoga with a local mum's group, attending a fitness class, or running after a toddler (this is most likely)!

I thrive in a challenge and love attacking difficult colour appointments—especially vibrant transformations or gorgeous blonde bombshells. Learning new techniques, immersing myself in the industry and its upcoming trends, and honing my skills are my main goals moving forward.

I will continue to share my colleagues' endeavour to provide the experience all our clients deserve while stretching myself creatively to produce work that myself and Groves Hairstyling can be proud of.

Graduate Stylist

Ellie Bowdler

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When I think about Groves Hairstyling, I think of a family.

We're a close team, and since my apprenticeship, I've got to know everyone on a really personal level. It's always been a place I can express myself, and through Sharon and Lucy's patience and nurturing 1:1 support, my confidence and skills have grown.

It's a warm, positive place to be, and I always look forward to coming to work. There's none of the stereotypical competitiveness here! You do take work home with you, the ups and the downs, but I know everyone will be there to celebrate the good with me and look after me through the bad. And when I became a mum, they were so flexible and supportive of my journey. I feel looked after—there are still opportunities for me to return to, and there's no pressure. I feel seen and respected.

But it's not just the staff who make it feel like a family—our clients are part of that, too. They know us all by name, and we know them. I've built lifelong friendships with people from this salon, colleagues and clients alike, and creating these connections has been incredibly fulfilling.

A prominent moment for me was when the salon staff and clients came together and organised fundraising for my mum's ovarian cancer treatment. In that moment, I realised how important Groves Hairstyling was. I realised that we're at the heart of the community.

After all the support they've given me, it's my favourite thing to pass that down to clients. I love working with people who lack self-love and hate their hair and building them up to love their hair and love themselves. Whether it's giving a good shampoo, pampering, and head massage (I know people love them!) or foils and highlights, I just love being part of this kind and positive community.

And while not at work, spending time with my beautiful daughter, Dulcie, is, by far, my favourite thing to do. Making memories and cherishing the little things in life matters most to me.

When I have a client in front of me, it’s those small moments of self-love, acceptance, and trust in me that count.

For me, that's what my job is all about. 

 

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A woman with blonde hair holds a newborn baby wrapped in a white blanket in a softly lit room.

Senior Stylist

Chelsey Knowles

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Over the years, my clients, fellow colleagues, and industry mentors like Sharon and Lucy, have shown me that taking my time and fostering a connection with people is what this is really all about.

I began my career in Portsmouth but later finished my hairstyling qualification in Spain, Benidorm. Even to this day, that part of the world holds a special place in my heart. With many ups and downs, my career has kept me grounded.

Groves Hairstyling has given me the opportunity to give my full attention and time to my clients. For me, it's all about them. Whatever it takes, I want them to leave loving themselves a little more than they did when they came in.

For a lot of my clients, a hair appointment can feel daunting, scary and overwhelming for a number of reasons, from mental health barriers to medical conditions. While living in Spain, I was diagnosed with Leukaemia at the age of 26. After 18 months of treatment, losing my hair, and ultimately not recognising the reflection in the mirror at the end of it all, I received a life-saving bone marrow transplant.

I know what your hair means to you. I know what it meant to me—it was me. It formed my identity. It still does.

So, with the insight I’ve gained through my battles with health, hair, and identity, I dedicate my career to connecting with those who have felt similar to me, bringing back a flicker of who they were before treatment and instilling confidence in them. Then, together, we will overcome any internal barriers to reveal the true them.

That’s why specialised bespoke appointments are so necessary, and it’s a privilege to share those intimate moments with clients. Offering a bespoke service that is completely tailored to specific sensitivities makes all the difference—it’s the difference between someone finding themselves again and leaving who they are behind.

When not at work, my incredibly gorgeous nephew, Barney, is the light of my life. If I’m not immersing him in all things Harry Potter or snuggling him up, you’ll find me in my garden. There's something about being surrounded by nature and seeing things grow that’s incredibly rewarding.

For me, my career is about connection, and if I can make just a glimmer of a difference in how someone feels about the person who looks back at them in the mirror, then my job has been successful.

A person with short red hair and a black jacket standing beside a shelf with various hair care products. The shelves are filled with bottles and a poster of a model with short platinum blonde hair. The products include brands like Goldwell, featuring items for volume, color care, and styling.
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Junior Stylist

Hollie French

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I started out at Groves Hairstyling on a three-month traineeship, and I've loved it since day one. School wasn't for me, but I found my passion in hairdressing; it was something I was good at, and it gave me my identity. I looked forward to coming into the salon every day. 

The salon is my safe space. I’ve been encouraged to grow, and it’s given me the confidence to be myself around colleagues and clients alike. I love developing that trusting bond with people, especially our older clients. Groves Hairstyling means a lot to them—we're their friends; a place to go and socialise, enjoy a coffee, and be with other people. A bit like a family, really.

My own family are big TV-watchers, and I'll watch anything with them. (But I really love Doctor Who—I'm a huge fan!) It's spending time with them that makes it meaningful, though; those relationships are really important to me.

Even after a month at the salon, I could feel myself growing as a person, transforming without judgment. Here, I feel alive, I feel more like myself than anywhere—I can't really describe how this place makes me feel. It's had such an impact on me as a person, not just my career, and it's given me the certainty that hairdressing is what I'm meant to do.

Looking back at my personal and professional growth, and seeing such a transformation, I’m so excited to experience further growth and development on this crazy ride.

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Person standing next to a display of Goldwell hair products, including shampoos and styling sprays.

Apprentice Stylist

Leah Walding

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The staff and clients here settled any nerves I had when I first started. Everyone here is a genuine friend—we treat each other and our clients as real people, and they treat us the same, laughing and joking.

In the salon, I feel nurtured and encouraged to develop my skills and grow as a person. I can see myself maturing here. I can feel myself growing up. And with people like Lucy and Meg to look up to, I have positive role models who I know will help bring the best out of me and keep me on my A-Game.

And, of course, there's Sharon—she can do anything, it seems! My mum used to work with Sharon and recommended that I start my apprenticeship here.

Here, my creativity is uncapped, and I'm given a place to express myself while continuing to grow. I love mucking in and getting creative with colour, and I can't wait to get stuck into the vibrant, exciting work that goes on here.

Outside of work, I spend my weekends being a party animal. But when I'm not holding cocktails, I have my hands full looking after my horse and pony. It's a lot of work, but I enjoy the routine and responsibility.

Like my role here within the team, I take my responsibilities seriously and am dedicated to ensuring things are done properly.

I might become slightly bossy at times, but I am proud of what I do and want to do my best. Always.

I'm excited to be challenged creatively moving forward while learning from the best—creating moments to remember for me and my future clients.

Salon Support

Ruby Griffiths

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I've been working at Groves Hairstyling since the beginning of 2024, so I’m the newest member of the team. I wanted to gain some work experience and build my confidence, and I’m really grateful for the opportunity to do that here. My older sister, Lucy, has been a huge inspiration to me. I’ve always looked up to her, especially seeing her compete alongside Sharon. I want to follow in those footsteps and experience the same things she has.

Working here has exposed me to lots more than many of my friends have experienced, which has given me a sense of independence. Talking to clients has been challenging at times, but I’m starting to feel more comfortable, especially with regulars like Pat. I’ve also made some amazing friendships here with Holly and Chelsey, which has made coming to work something I really look forward to.

School isn’t naturally my favourite place, but here, I really feel like I belong. The atmosphere at the salon is so much nicer, and it’s a place where I can just be myself.

I’ve always loved styling and can’t wait to learn more. I see all the talented stylists here and I’m so excited to keep growing and achieving alongside them, and create the vibrant looks that I’ve seen are possible.

When I’m not at the salon or school, I enjoy watching films, playing with my dog, Teddy, and attending festivals/concerts. I love music, especially the energy and vibe that comes with attending a live event.

I’m looking forward to staying here and continuing my journey. I know I still have a lot to learn, but I’m excited about what the future holds, and I know this is precisely where I want to do it.