Claudette Lewington is the owner and director of Meiko, a thriving hair salon in Gisborne with a close-knit team of nine staff. Having been in business for over 14 years, we asked Claudette about her journey, her tips for salon success, and what fills up her cup outside of work.
Can you share your most memorable moment that’s happened in the salon?
“The most memorable moment so far would definitely be winning Salon Design of the Year. My husband and I did all the work ourselves over several weekends and late nights. It took a lot of blood, sweat, and tears, but when we were recognized for that effort, it was truly amazing!”
What do you love most about the hair and beauty industry?
“What I love most is how dynamic and constantly evolving the industry is. There’s always something new to explore, whether it’s fresh trends, innovative techniques, or groundbreaking products. It’s also a space where transformation happens daily—not just in terms of style, but also in how clients feel about themselves.”
“I also love working with both young and experienced staff. There’s so much to learn from seasoned professionals, while the fresh energy of new apprentices is so inspiring. The mix of creativity, connection, and continuous growth makes the industry both rewarding and exciting.”
Heels or flats in the salon?
“Flats, definitely. I mostly wear sneakers because comfort is key, especially on the long days.”
What’s your go-to drink order?
“I’m all about a sweet chai with almond milk.”
What’s your favourite ice cream flavour?
“Gold rush and cookies and cream—such a classic combo!”
What song is on repeat in your salon playlist?
“There’s not one specific song that’s always on repeat, but we definitely vibe to house music and drum & bass (DnB). It’s the energy we love!”
What’s something you do in your business that has made a big difference?
“Implementing an online booking system was a game-changer. It filled appointment gaps, reduced time spent on phone calls and messages, and made scheduling so much more convenient for our clients. Another thing that’s really helped is launching an online store for retail products. This has allowed us to reach clients outside of our region and boost our sales.”
How do you like to unwind after a busy day?
“I enjoy going for a walk with my husband to the beach. It’s a nice way to unwind and clear my mind.”
What’s something you wish you did earlier in your career?
“Honestly, there isn’t anything I wish I had done earlier. Every experience along the way has been a learning opportunity, and I’m still learning now. There’s no such thing as a wrong decision—it’s all part of growing and moving forward.”
What’s your favourite Kitomba feature and why?
“There are several Kitomba features that I love. The ability to access everything at the push of a button is incredible! You can send client messages, track figures, review client histories—even from 10 years ago—and all from the comfort of your home. The features are endless and so convenient for managing the business.”
Which numbers do you like to track in your salon?
“I like to track everything in the Business Summary report. I find it helpful to see everything broken down into daily and weekly sales, including retail, service, and colour sales. The scoreboard feature is a great daily tracker too—it helps me stay on top of expected sales for the day.”
What’s your #1 tip for salon success?
“Focus on exceptional customer experience. It’s about more than just great styling—it’s about creating a welcoming atmosphere, building personal connections with clients, and paying attention to the little details that make their visits memorable. Happy clients become loyal clients, and word-of-mouth referrals are invaluable for long-term growth. Investing in ongoing staff development, nurturing a positive team culture, and maintaining communication within your business is what keeps it alive and thriving.”
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Thanks Claudette for sharing such thoughtful insights into your salon journey! We wish you continued success at Meiko and look forward to seeing more of your creativity and leadership in the industry.
We love featuring inspiring salon and spa owners – if you know someone who would be a great fit, get in touch with us on Instagram @kitombasoftware to nominate them.