Salon owner in Lavenham, between Bury St Edmunds and Sudbury, bids farewell after 23 years as new era for business begins

A long-serving salon owner enjoyed a send-off in style, as staff and customers gathered to celebrate her career, ahead of a new era for the business.

Andre Bailey bid farewell to Solitaire Hair Design in Lavenham with a retirement party on Saturday, after 23 years spent running the business.

It marks the end of a long career in the hairdressing industry, with Andre having started as a teenager, first studying at West Suffolk College and then training in London.

Upon returning to Suffolk, she spent 12 years in Long Melford, before moving to her current business in Lavenham.

“I have been in hairdressing since I was 16,” she told SuffolkNews. “I’m 66 now, so I’ve got to the age where it felt like the right time to finish.

“I have enjoyed every minute of it. I’ve loved working in Lavenham – my clients are lovely, as are my staff, so I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it.”

Andre is now handing the reins over to long-time staff member Laura Mercot, who announced the salon in High Street will now undergo a rebrand and renovation as part of the change.

Closed this week for refurbishment, it is due to reopen next weekend, under the name of The Hair Room.

Staff member Gemma Martin explained that the business will continue as normal, but added that they hope to increase their services over time.

“It was a lovely event on Saturday,” she said. “Lots of Andre’s old clients came along, so it was really nice.

“She has been amazing. She was the best boss anyone could ask for. She was kind, funny and accommodating. She was just lovely, and well-loved by her clients and employees.

“Laura is now taking over the business. She has been here for about 15 years, and she is giving it a new name.

“The same people will still be working here. Eventually, we will be adding new services, but, at the moment, it’s just going through refurbishment.”