Tracy Roche, an extension specialist with over 13 years of freelance experience, acquired Kingsgrove Hair & Beauty on 1 July 2025 after learning it was for sale in late April. She partnered with a beautician friend to purchase the salon, citing a desire for growth and better client capacity, along with its convenient location in an upscale Harrogate suburb.
The salon boasts twelve styling stations, four backwashes, and a beauty room. Roche retained the previous owner and the entire self-employed team, who agreed to stay on. The transition involved immediate renovations to the beauty rooms, combining two cramped spaces into one larger area. She also sourced retail products from a company exclusively supporting salons and updated displays, adding TV screens to highlight brands.
A new computer booking system and upgraded hardware were installed. Roche notes that managing administrative tasks like social media and website updates requires significant time. She has also learned the importance of delegation, assigning tasks based on team strengths. The switch to Eleven products has been successful, with both employed and self-employed staff endorsing them. Hair extension enquiries have risen notably, prompting an employee to train in new techniques.
Roche describes the salon as high-end yet welcoming, aiming for every client to feel appreciated. She plans for 2026 include team growth and educational planning, with a particular focus on expanding the extension services. Her advice for prospective salon buyers is to consider existing businesses for cost savings and immediate revenue. She stresses the need for proper business advice, accounting, and understanding employee versus self-employed dynamics.
