“Clients love the electric atmosphere and having their spirits lifted”

The mum-of-three is a self-confessed tom boy who prefers barbering to hairdressing and specialises in all things faded and trimmed.

Here, in our Meet The Salon Owner, the 49-year-old tells us how hard it was opening and closing during the Covid-19 lockdowns, how much she missed her staff and how some customers had to be persuaded to give up the yeti look!

Cheryl has some unusual customers at the barbers

What’s the name of the salon/business?

Lords of the North

What’s the address?

Barbauld Street, Warrington (in the town centre)

Are you the owner/manager?

I am the business owner

How many employees do you have?

I have four employees

When did you open the salon?

We opened in April 2011 and we’ve always been in the same location.

Lords of the North opened on Barbauld Street in 2011

Are you local to the area? Did you grow up here?

I am a local woman. I grew up and raised my three children (Nicole, Haddon and Beth) in Warrington.

Tell me a bit about your salon/business

We provide customers with skin fades, taper fades and beard trims as well as classic back and sides, foil skin heads and long hair cuts.

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Why did you decide to open your own salon?

I opened my own salon because I wanted to create something unique. I have worked in salons that are branded as luxury barbers and they were great but my aim was to recreate the feel and look of the pubs and clubs I frequented in the 90s. My mum used to run her own salon when I was younger, so it must be in my blood.

What’s your hair and beauty background?

I was a little lost after my divorce and I wanted to throw myself into something new so I enrolled myself into a hairdressing course at Warrington Collegiate. After completing the hairdressing course, I started at Jayne Alexandra in Fearnhead and then I spent a few years at The Men’s Room in Westbrook. Before opening Lords, I also worked at Smiths Barbers on Manchester Road. I took on board all the skills I could while I worked at these salons and barbers. Every stylist has a gift or some kind of knowledge to impart - you just have to watch and pay attention. I prefer barbering to hairdressing as I’m a bit of a tom boy. I love talking to my customers about motorbikes, cars and music and I’m quite partial to philosophical conversation.

Cheryl specialises in shaves, cut and beard trims

How did the Covid-19 pandemic affect your business?

We were open, when we were allowed , during the pandemic. It was hard on my staff, who I call my barber children, as they are all self-employed. They were able to take advantage of the financial support offered by the government, which was great, but I missed them like crazy. I feel so lucky to still be open and have survived such a difficult time for small business owners. I’m grateful to Warrington Borough Council for the grants they offered throughout the pandemic. The times we were permitted to open, business was sporadic, as customers were working from home and opting for the yeti look!

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What makes your business different to others in the same area/field? What sets your business apart from your competitors?

I would say our barbers is different to many as we have a Bohemian vibe with decor to match. Our playlist is open to the public and the music is very eclectic. We are one big barber family which helps people feel disarmed, nurtured and welcomed when they visit. My staff - Fraser Jones, Nicole Egan, Laura Baines and Craig Becket - are all conscientious, hardworking and highly skilled at their craft.

Lords of the North has a Bohemian vibe

Why do loyal clients return to your business?

Our clients come back time and time again for the electric atmosphere, to have their spirit lifted and leave with an amazing trim.

What’s next? What do the next few months hold for you and your salon?

I’m hoping to produce some Lords of the North t-shirts and snap backs so it’s all about the merchandise! I’d like to do a refurb of some of the décor at the salon. December and the lead up to Christmas is a busy time in any barbers or salon and we can’t wait to welcome our clients back for their festive hair cuts.