Guide2Bristol supports the Bristol Shop Local campaign by finding out about the great traders that make our city unique. This week we focus on cafe bar and stylists Bespo'ke Wild at Heart. Jack Britten tells us about the business of caring for hair.
Hi Jack! Tell us about Bespo’ke.
Bespo’ke is an artisan Hairdressing salon for Ladies and Gentlemen offering Hairdressing, Ladies and Gentlemen's styling, hot towel shaving, Mini facials, and more...
Bespo’ke prides itself on the award winning creative team who work in the salon. Trained by the UK’s best academies and with experience in various salons, winning international competitions, and with work featured in national publications and session styling for various brands.They are all involved in local and National photographic work. The team at Bespo’ke are some of the best in the business, and available for you in Bristol! We stock professional quality products from Kevin Murphy's Australian session range and Dermalogica.
Where are you located, and what is the local trading scene like?
We are located at 51 Broad Street, we are hidden away at the back of a bustling cafe/bar. At lunch times and after work we have a cafe and salon full of office workers as we are surrounded by various corporate companies, also shoppers who are venturing from Cabot Circus to the beautiful ‘Old City’ where we are located.
At the weekends we have a groups of new students who are exploring the Old City, who are closely followed by the most classy Hen do’s. The hens are attracted here by the Prossecco on tap and the fact that they can spend the afternoon having their hair done in vintage styles and various up doo’s.
What is the best thing about being a local business?
The best thing about being a local business is the support that all local businesses give each other. It feels like a positive community that wants to help each other progress.
How would you describe your average customer?
We have a massive range of clientele, from new mums to after work wind downers, from alternative vintage lovers to hippie chic. People love to come to us because we have the highest quality of hairdressing in the most relaxed and social atmosphere.
There seems to be a real passion amongst people in Bristol to buy local, why do you think that is?
We feel people like to shop, eat and drink locally because, it keeps money here in Bristol and they are seeing a direct support in neighborhoods and sustaining communities, linking neighbors, and by contributing more to local causes.
Also multitude of small businesses, each selecting products based, not on a national sales plan, but on their own interests and the needs of their local customers, guarantees a much broader range of product choices.
What does independent business bring to a city like Bristol?
Locally owned businesses create more jobs locally and, in some sectors, provide better wages and benefits than chains do. This allows Bristol to thrive locally ensuring a wealthier future for Bristol.
Are you a member of a local trader’s group? If so, what are the benefits of this?
Being a member of a local traders group allows us great deals within the city, also offers and benefits at other local establishments. It is also like a little support network where we can get advise and help others.
What one product that you sell sums up your business?
We are a cafe/bar and Salon. It’s hard to pinpoint one item, come in have a look and maybe a sneaky piece of cake and watch our stylists at work...you may even want to book in yourself!
For more information about Bespo'ke Wild at Heart, visit https://www.facebook.com/WildAtHeartBristol or call 0117 239 1613.
Full interview: http://www.guide2bristol.com/news/82123/Bespoke-Wild-at-Heart-Cafe-Bar-and-Hair-Salon---Bristol-Shop-Local-interview