Love You Locals: Meet the People Behind the Businesses… with Hair By Tillie

Hair By Tillie opened its doors back in November 2019. The Ipswich salon is tucked away, just behind the beautiful St Pancras Church, in Orwell Place. Although only aged 20 when she opened the salon, Tillie has already got a great following and has quickly established a successful business.

Tillie specialises in colour transformations which include, blonding, balayage and highlighting as well as great cutting and styling services. And the products she uses are predominately vegan-friendly with natural ingredients.

For a new business owner, lockdown was a stressful time especially after only being open a matter of months. Tillie supplemented her income with a temporary job at her local Sainsburys and she was also able to take advantage of Government grants that were put in place to help new, small businesses.

Despite the setbacks poised by the Coronavirus pandemic, Tillie is still incredibly optimistic, “I have lots of confidence in my business for the future because I have so much drive and passion. I just love making women feel and look amazing and I can’t wait to keep up to date with new trends to make sure I’m providing my clients with only the best possible service.”

“I have put in place a track and trace system – I have also made it mandatory for clients to wear a face mask. I also wear a face mask, face shield, gloves and an apron! I am also using disposable items such as gowns and towels to ensure there’s no cross-contamination from previous clients. I’m not prepared to cut any corners.”

So was Tillie worried that her new business would survive?
“Thankfully as a hairdresser I was in such demand to touch up ‘lockdown roots’ and correct ‘lockdown hair cuts’, I’ve been super busy since returning! I’m boosting my business by continuing with promoting on social media and showing off all of the hair I have done recently.”

Tillie’s testimonials speak for themselves…
“I’ve been going to Tillie for a few years now, and couldn’t recommend her enough! She has always been so professional, and friendly, makes you feel right at home as soon as you are in the salon. She is the only person I trusted to chop all my hair off and to colour it for the first time too! And I couldn’t be happier! Her work speaks for itself, she is fantastic at what she does, and I always recommend her to everyone”

“After trying so many other hairdressers and not getting the results I’ve wanted, I’m so glad I found Tillie! After one sitting, she’d achieved what I had wanted from others for well over a year and still does despite me wanting to change up my colour or length every other appointment!”

“My hair is in the best condition it’s ever been after Tillie has worked her magic. Tillie is also the loveliest person, creating a very warm and welcoming atmosphere which makes the appointment time fly by. I wouldn’t have anyone else touch my hair.”

instagram.com/hairbytillie / facebook.com/hairbytilliebanyard