'It's a brilliant place' - Ellie Simmonds celebrates 30th anniversary of well-loved Aldridge salon

Amongst the collection of people that showed up was Paralympian Ellie Simmonds, who used the salon as her local when she was growing up and still pops in whenever she's back in her home town of Aldridge. 

The firm's owner, Nicola Harrison-Beaumont, 57, said when she first opened the salon she wanted it to feel like 'sitting in your friend's front room' and for years has taken pride in achieving that, becoming an 'unpaid councillor' when taking deep interest and care in the wellbeing of her many clients.

The special event was also in aid of two charities, the British Heart Foundation and Birmingham Children's Hospital - which have both played a role in her personal life in recent times. 

Speaking on thirty years on the shop floor, Nicola, said: "I'm incredibly proud to have reached this milestone, we all are, and I'm deeply grateful to all of our customers and of course the staff that have worked so hard to make this place what it is today.

"It started with a dream thirty years ago, a self-funded venture so to see how far it has come is just incredible.

"We've been through all sorts over the years, including a global pandemic, we've watched customers grow up, get married and then bring in their little-ones, serving generations of families in Aldridge.

'We've known Ellie for a long time and she's always been such a positive influence on the area and has always championed the salon, she's been a customer for years but of course, like all of our clients, a great friend.

"Her coming today meant a lot to us, she cut the cake and really showed up for us, we're very grateful and very proud of all that she has achieved."

Ellie has been friends with Nicola and her family for years, even going to school with Nicola's daughter Eva and also said her mum and two sisters are still regulars at the salon.

Ellie, said: "Seeing everyone come out to this event and support it has been brilliant.

"I met Nicola at a Zumba class years ago and we became friends, I even went to school with her daughter and over the years we all really go to know each other.

"My mum and two sisters still come here regularly and there isn't anywhere else I would go when I'm in the area, it's a brilliant salon.

"Today has been really exciting, people are celebrating, drinking champagne, eating cake and most importantly raising money for those in need.

"Nicola has definitely been an unpaid councillor for me over the years, it's a relaxed, wonderful place and it has been extremely helpful to me over the years.

"Everyone knows everyone in Aldridge, the community is strong, Nicola and HC HAIR has been a big part of that over the last thirty years."