Just Cuts’ first franchisee, Leigh-Anne Brosens, is celebrating 30 years as a salon owner.

Leigh-Anne opened the first Just Cuts franchise in Australia after working as an apprentice with Just Cuts founder and managing director Denis McFadden.

“I started working with Denis as an apprentice when I was 17 – I worked with him for eight years and helped run three of his stores,” says Leigh-Anne.

“I fell pregnant at 23 years old, and I remember talking to my husband about opening up my own salon so I wouldn’t have to be at work every day. I asked Denis and I’m so grateful he gave me a go.”

“On opening day I was seven months pregnant, and we were so busy that Denis helped me cut hair on the floor for a week. There were subsequently all these clients requesting “the boy” to cut their hair.”

Leigh-Anne shares her Just Cuts 30 year anniversary with long serving stylist Lynette Grose who is a big fan of the no appointment, walk-in model.

“When I first started in the salon with Leigh-Anne, I was surprised at how popular it was,” says Lynette.

“In other salons you might be split between four or five different clients at once, but at Just Cuts you concentrate on one client’s hair until you’re done. I think that personal touch will never go out of style.”

Leigh-Anne says the Just Cuts team have managed to minimise the impact of Covid-19 on her business.

“While we took the decision to close for six weeks, it was like Christmas the day we reopened. There was an hour and a half wait every day for two weeks,” says Leigh-Anne. “Clients have really appreciated the strong stance Just Cuts have taken on keeping both themselves and my team safe.”

The salon has gained new clients since the closure, she says, and business is back to normal, with social distancing rules employed.

“The head office team have been vital in ensuring we have the marketing and support required to educate our clients on health and hygiene policies, and maintain the confidence that we’re Covid-safe. Whether it’s providing masks, client information videos, exclusive Justice Professional products or PR support, everything is always taken care of.

“That’s never changed in 30 years.”