Some salons just have that feeling. The moment you walk through the door, you know every detail has been carefully considered, from the calming interiors and thoughtfully chosen furniture to the warm welcome that instantly puts you at ease.
This month, we're stepping inside Sophie & Co, a beautifully designed salon where luxury meets comfort and every client experience has been crafted with intention. We caught up with founder Sophie Nixon to talk about the inspiration behind her stunning space, the products she swears by, her advice for aspiring salon owners and what's next for her growing business.
About Sophie Nixon...
Award-winning hairstylist Sophie Nixon is recognised for her meticulous attention to detail, passion for healthy, beautiful hair and commitment to continually refining her craft. Dedicated to ongoing education, Sophie is always evolving her skills to ensure every client receives the very best experience.
Keep reading to take a closer look…
How did your salon begin?
Sophie & Co officially opened on 7th April 2026, bringing a fresh, premium salon experience to Thatcham. The salon was transformed from a former charity shop into a luxury boutique salon in just four weeks, turning a vision into reality.
I wanted to create something different from the traditional salon experience available locally. My goal was to build a space where clients could enjoy exceptional hairdressing in a welcoming environment that focuses on quality, attention to detail, and personalised service.
How did you decide upon the design of your salon?
Every aspect of Sophie & Co was designed and created by me from the ground up. From transforming the former charity shop into a luxury salon, to selecting the layout, décor, colour palette and finishing touches, I had a clear vision of the experience I wanted clients to have.
I wanted the salon to feel luxurious, modern and welcoming while reflecting my attention to detail and commitment to quality. While I designed the overall concept myself, I couldn’t have brought the vision to life without the furniture and equipment supplied by Salons Direct. Their products played a huge part in helping create the premium salon environment that clients enjoy today, and I’m incredibly grateful for their support.
Lotus Darcy
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749.00 GBP
What are some of your favourite products and tools to use in your salon?
I love working with products that deliver exceptional results while maintaining the health and integrity of the hair. Montibello is one of my favourite professional colour brands because it allows me to create beautiful, bespoke colour results, while Olaplex is a salon staple for protecting and strengthening the hair during colour services.
Alongside using high-quality professional tools and equipment, I’m always looking at new innovations and techniques to ensure my clients receive the very best results possible.
How do you stand out from your competitors?
Sophie & Co is built around a quality-over-quantity philosophy. Rather than focusing on volume, I focus on delivering a highly personalised experience tailored to each individual client.
The salon specialises in bespoke colour work, blonding, balayage, precision cutting, styling and complete hair transformations. Clients appreciate the attention to detail, personalised consultations and the premium experience they receive. I believe clients deserve more than just an appointment, they deserve an experience that leaves them feeling confident, valued and cared for.
What do you think makes a successful salon?
A successful salon is built on consistency, trust and exceptional customer service. Technical skill is important, but creating genuine relationships with clients and making them feel comfortable and valued is equally important.
Success comes from continually striving to improve, investing in education, maintaining high standards and always putting the client experience first.
How do you keep up to date with the latest industry trends?
Continuous education is one of my biggest passions. I regularly attend training courses, industry events and advanced education programmes to stay ahead of emerging trends and techniques.
The hair industry is constantly evolving, and I believe it’s important to keep learning so I can offer my clients the latest techniques, products and services while maintaining the highest standards.
What advice can you give to others wanting to open a salon?
Be prepared to work incredibly hard and never compromise on your standards. Opening a salon is about much more than hairdressing, it requires vision, dedication, resilience and strong business skills.
Focus on creating a unique client experience, invest in education and pay attention to every detail. The small details are often what clients remember most and what help set your business apart.
What can we expect from your salon business and in 2026 and beyond?
My vision is to continue growing Sophie & Co while maintaining the premium standards and personalised service that have become the foundation of the salon.
I want to continue raising the standard of hairdressing locally by combining industry-leading techniques with exceptional customer care. As the salon grows, clients can expect continued investment in education, new services and an unwavering commitment to quality and excellence.
Get the look with Salons Direct!
Lotus Darcy
Related Products
749.00 GBP
Thinking of transforming your own salon space, big or small?
Get in touch with our Salon Design Service team and let’s chat about how we can help bring your ideas to life (and even help you spread the cost with our flexible finance options!).
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