“Laugh, because if you don’t, you’ll cry.”

Nat’ural Hair Design was created and opened in November 2012 by myself when I was only 17 years old. Our story and the reason behind my salon, starts with the name being named after my former boss and best friend Natalie/Nat. Unfortunately after losing her to Domestic Violence, I decided to open a salon in memory of her, as I couldn’t think of working for anyone else, to carry her legacy on in the hair industry, and most importantly to create a safe environment for everyone but especially women.
I not only wanted my clients to leave my salon loving their hair, but to feel empowered, important and appreciated.
Natalie didn’t just train me in hairdressing, but she taught me important life lessons too. I made one last promise to her, that any client who sat in my chair would feel safe enough to offload any troubles or worries, to feel comfortable to be themselves, and leave feeling as good about themselves as they look. As the salon has grown I now plan to work alongside Domestic Abuse and Mental Health charities to raise awareness through hairdressing. Whilst also working with the younger generation, to show your past doesn’t determine your future and that you can turn a negative in to a positive situation. As Natalie would always say to me.. “Laugh because if you don’t, you’ll cry.”

Chelsea Ford x