Charlie Ward-Dobb, Owner, CWD Hair, Beauty & Education with (left to right) Megan Exall, Apprentice, and Senior Stylists Elizabeth Evans and Nicole Rocks. Picture: Dorset Biz News.
Published: November 20, 2022 | Updated: 21st November 2022
Talk about heady success.
Charlie Ward-Dobb experienced shock, excitement and happiness in equal measure as his salon won five awards on the trot.
The 33-year-old had entered CWD Hair, Beauty & Education in six categories of the national Salon Awards for hair in London.
To his astonishment the Westbourne business, which opened in June 2021 and has a nine-strong team, ended up winning the Dorset titles for:
Charlie, pictured left, said: “If I’m completely honest I thought that it was just going to be a great experience to be there.
“We’re new and were up against a lot of other really good salons.
“Then we kept winning.
“Every time we sat down after getting an award we seemed to be getting up again for another.
“I was super excited and super proud of the team but also shocked.
“It’s such an achievement because we’re a new salon.
“It’s nice to have all our hard work pay off.
“All the staff are very talented and we’ve always been welcoming and down to earth.
“We’ve had so much love and support from our clients, wishing us congratulations.
“A lot of people have been saying our success at the awards was well-deserved .
“It’s really lovely to hear and get that feedback.”
Hundreds of hair professionals attended the awards, held at the Leonardo Royal Hotel St Paul’s in London.
They were co-hosted by celebrity stylist Errol Douglas MBE and Kate Jeffery, Founder of the Salon Awards.
The awards specialise in giving regional recognition for hair and beauty salons.
Founded in 2017, they’re described as the only professional hair industry awards focusing on counties.
Guests enjoyed a champagne reception followed by a three-course dinner and then the awards ceremony with winners announced from all corners of the UK and Northern Ireland.
Kate said: “2022 saw the Salon Awards biggest year, receiving thousands of entries into the tough process to be in the running for an award.
“There was such a phenomenal response this year.
“It’s exciting to see so many taking the plunge to make a difference to their business and careers.
“As we all stare in the face of rising costs it’s never been more important to work hard at retaining clients, generating new business and recruiting great teams.”
In June, on the first anniversary of his business opening, Charlie told Dorset Biz News how opening his own salon had been a dream fulfilled.
He added: “We absolutely smashed our first year, exceeding targets in all areas of hair, beauty and aesthetics.
“That was after opening up at the end of all the lockdowns in the middle of a pandemic.”
“I have been super lucky to have the best team.
“I couldn’t have done it without them and my super lovely clients.”
