If you know me, you know I wear my heart on my sleeve when it comes to Mooeys (and life in general to be fair). This isn’t just a business to me, it’s a living, breathing community built on passion, care, and a genuine desire to make people feel welcome and valued. Every Mooeys salon has its own unique personality, and Haslemere has always held a special place in my heart as it was our first ever Franchise. So, when faced with the possibility of Haslemere closing its doors, I found myself at a crossroads that tested both my business head and my heart.
The Business of Beauty—With a Difference
Let’s be honest: the beauty industry, and especially the world of franchising, can be ruthless. Decisions are often made with spreadsheets, not people, in mind. But Mooeys has always been different. From day one, our mission has been about more than just nails, waxing, and beauty treatments. It’s about how people feel when they walk through our doors and when they leave. It’s about creating a space where everyone feels seen, heard, and genuinely cared for.
As a franchise leader, I’m well aware of the pressures that come with running multiple businesses. I currently have two salons of my own, a growing franchise network, and a product range that’s just been picked up by a wholesale distributor for six of their branches (which is both amazing and quite a bit overwhelming!). On paper, taking on another salon, especially one that’s been through a lot of change, might seem like a risky move.
But Mooeys has never just been about what’s on paper.
When Life Changes, So Does Business
When Vanessa, who has done a wonderful job at Haslemere, told me she needed to step back to focus on her family and her Petersfield salon, I completely understood. Life changes, priorities shift, and sometimes you have to make tough choices for the people you love. I’m so grateful for everything Vanessa and her incredible team have brought to Haslemere, and I know they’ll continue to shine in Petersfield.
But this left a big question: what happens to Mooeys Haslemere? Do we let it go, or do we fight to keep it alive?
The Power of Team (and a Little Bit of Panic)
I’ll be honest—I hesitated. My head was spinning with everything already on my plate. I wondered if I could really do it, if it was the right move, or if I was just letting my emotions get in the way of good business sense.
So, I did what any good leader should do: I asked my team. I laid it all out…my doubts, my concerns, my hopes. And what happened next blew me away. Every single member of my management team stepped up with ideas, offers of support, and a genuine belief that we could make this work. Loz put herself forward to run Haslemere, which is a huge opportunity for her and a testament to her dedication. Donna was ready to step up at Farnham. Everyone had a suggestion, a plan, or simply a willingness to pitch in.
In that moment, I realised something powerful: Mooeys isn’t just my brand. It’s our brand. My team believed in this vision so much that they were ready to go above and beyond to keep Haslemere open. They believed in me, even when I wasn’t sure I believed I could take on one more thing.
Brand Integrity Above All
This decision wasn’t just about keeping a salon open. It was about upholding everything Mooeys stands for. Brand integrity isn’t just a buzzword to me. It’s about consistency, trust, and staying true to our values, even when it’s hard. Letting a Mooeys close because it was the easier option just didn’t sit right with me. Our purpose is to provide a welcoming space for all, and that purpose doesn’t pause when things get tricky.
I see each Mooeys salon as its own entity, with its own story and its own community. Haslemere has always felt capable of incredible things, and I know there’s more to come. We’re in the best place we’ve ever been with our teams and management across our own salons. The people running our salons care deeply, they have integrity, they’re passionate, and they genuinely give a shizzle (which is what Mooeys is all about!).
The Next Chapter for Haslemere
So, what does this mean for Haslemere? It means continuity, care, and a renewed sense of purpose. The salon will stay open, with minimal changes to the look and feel, just a few new faces, but all familiar Moos from our wider family. Lauren (Loz) will be leading the way, supported by our teams from Farnham and Horsham. Vanessa and her team will continue their journey in Petersfield, and we’re making sure clients have options to follow their favourite therapists, transfer courses, or stay in Haslemere, whatever feels right for them.
There will be challenges, no doubt. But I know, with this team and this community, we’ll not only keep Haslemere going, we’ll help it thrive.
Why We Do What We Do
At the end of the day, Mooeys has never just been about beauty. It’s about belonging. It’s about giving people a place where they feel special, cared for, and uplifted. That’s why I couldn’t walk away from Haslemere. And that’s why I’m so proud of my team for stepping up and reminding me what Mooeys is really about.
Who knows what the future holds? Maybe one day, another member of our Herd will take the baton and make Haslemere their own. That’s the dream, really – to give back to the people who helped build Mooeys in the first place. For now, though, we’ll keep doing what we do best: making people feel welcome, valued, and a little bit fabulous.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Whether you’re a client, a team member, or someone who just loves what we do, you’re the reason Mooeys exists. Here’s to the next chapter for Haslemere, and for all of us.
With love and gratitude,
Amy
Founder & CEO, Mooeys
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