There are many great pairings in hairdressing – partners, married couples, mentor and student… we’ve seen so many famous names that come in twos. Currently high on the list of double acts to watch out for, we have Ashley and Stephanie Gamble. They are salon owners, married and a creative coupling that is consciously awesome. At Ashley Gamble Hair, they run a successful business working side by side. Ashley on the cut and styling, Stephanie on the colour. In the salon and equally in the photographic studio or on stage, their artistic output is phenomenal. Tribu-te takes a closer look at how the dynamics work to such great effect!
Entrepreneurs
Teaming up with your partner in business can be challenging – emotionally and logistically. When do you switch off from work – conversations over the breakfast table are hard to resist. And your social life and home life can become extensions of the working day. But think on this: Couples who run businesses together have a unique opportunity to leverage their personal bond for professional success. By combining their individual strengths, they can create a synergy that’s hard to match in traditional business partnerships.
Steph scooping Colour World Genius Awards 2023
Working together gives a collaborative approach allowing them to tackle challenges from multiple perspectives. Together making decisions that benefit both their company and their relationship. However, the path of the ‘co-preneur’ is not without its hurdles. Balancing the demands of a growing business with the needs of a personal relationship and raising a family, requires careful navigation.
Defining Their Lanes
The Gambles tell us they have clear roles and responsibilities within their business, allowing each partner to focus on their strengths. Stephanie says:”We each have our own lane and responsibilities and give each other the freedom to excel in our respective areas.”
Stephanie ‘Steph’ Gamble
This approach minimises conflicts and maximises efficiency in their salon. Ashley and Steph have also leveraged their individual talents to create a powerful synergy. Ashley’s styling expertise perfectly complements Steph’s colour skills, enabling them to offer a range of advanced services in the salon. And outside, to create stunning collections together.
Balancing Personalities
Ashley Gamble
Communication is key. The couple have learned that regular brainstorming sessions enhance their creativity and problem-solving within the business. Ashley and Steph have also recognised that their different personality types can be an asset. Steph’s reserved nature allows her to closely observe and work with their team to maintain high standards. Ashley’s outgoing personality is ideal for their social media presence and industry appearances.
Supporting each other’s growth
Ashley actively seeks out Steph’s differing viewpoints on his ideas – he believes this leads to more rounded decision-making and innovative solutions. The couple encourages each other’s professional development, to benefit the business, and demonstrate mutual respect and support in their relationship. Their individual growth – be it in winning an award or accolade of sorts – contributes to the overall success of Ashley Gamble Hair.
Ashley working on set
Shared Purpose
Ashley and Steph have defined common goals that integrate their business objectives with their personal values. This alignment helps them make consistent decisions and focus on the bigger picture in their lives. By communicating this vision to their team, they’ve fostered a work environment where individual efforts naturally contribute to overarching aims, driving both personal and business growth.
Setting Boundaries
What is the strategy overall? Balance can be difficult to achieve and it’s easy for business to spill over into personal life. Ashley and Steph make a conscious effort to set boundaries. They designate specific times for discussing work, trying to keep shop talk to the salon and ensuring they spend quality time together away from work. This separation has been crucial for them to maintain a healthy relationship and prevent burnout.
Ashley & Stephanie Gamble
Set for success
Ashley and Steph’s salon success shows the potential for any business partnership. They tell us they certainly have faced the highs and lows together, but ultimately watch their hard work pay off. Key to it all: Their approach leverages complementary skills and prioritises open communication. Bravo to the Gambles! As equal partners, they have built a thriving enterprise while strengthening their personal relationship.
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