‘Even when you feel like packing it all in, that’s when you should keep going’ – salon owner Emma Robertson

The hair industry can be competitive, but perseverance, especially through the tough times, is what makes it worth it, says Emma Robertson, owner of Dublin salon Silke Hair and Beauty. 

Emma Robertson, owner of Silke Hair and Beauty in Sandyford, Dublin. Photo: Supplied

Silke Hair and Beauty is about more than hair extensions. Tell us what your salon offers.
Silke Hair and Beauty offers mini microbead extensions, keratin bond flat tip extensions, and we are excited to announce the new Silke tape hair extensions range this month.

In the salon we also offer all hair services – colour, cut, blowdry, 12-week blowdry, upstyles for any occasion, and treatments such as Olaplex and smart bond.

We also have a full range of beauty in the salon, including eyelash extensions, LVL lashes, spray tanning, waxing, facials, massage, shellac, 10-day polish, gel/acrylics nails, eyebrow/eyelash tinting and shaping and much more.

And we stock a Silke range of clip-in human hair extensions and ponytails, as well as our brilliant Silke hair curler and straightener.

What motivates you to stay on top of your game?
I love what I do. I keep an eye on the competition, and that motivates me to strive for more. I also love how happy clients are when they leave the salon, which always helps.

How do you make your products stand out in an industry as popular as haircare?
The one thing I have always looked for in all my hair extensions is quality – and I honestly think that is why I am where I am today. It took me a year-and-a-half to source the quality I was looking for, and it’s definitely paid off. I am lucky to have repeat business. I have always put the clients’ hair needs first, and I advise them honestly about their need for hair extensions.

Who is on your wish list to style?
Blogger and influencer Rosie Connolly-Quinn, Cheryl, TV presenters Doireann Garrihy and Holly Willoughby, and I am sure there are plenty more!

What are the main obstacles you have faced / currently face in business? And how have you overcome them?
Taking risks is stressful at times, but it has to be done so that your business can grow.

What do you want women to feel after they’ve left your salon?
To feel good about themselves. I hope they have had a bit of down time from the outside world when they are here in Silke.

What advice would you give to other women starting a business?
Take risks and persevere – even when you feel like packing it all in and running away. That’s when you should keep going.

What is your proudest moment so far in business?
When I opened the doors to my salon back in May 2018, I never thought in a million years I’d have my own successful hair and beauty salon. My biggest achievement to date is winning Hair Extensionist of the Year at the Irish Hair and Beauty Awards this year. I have received other awards such as RSVP Business Women of the Week, RSVP Hair Tool of the Year.

What other ventures has Silke got planned for 2020?
I am hoping to set up a Silke training academy in the new year, so that will be my next big project.

Find out more about Silke Hair and Beauty, based in Sandyford in Dublin, here.