Crown Street Surry Hills is playing latest host to the large scale, custom Scando-vibes now symbiotic of Edwards and Co.

It’s the largest yet. Sitting at 400 square meters and jumping with 48 staff, the place is full, most of the time, and is owning the headquarters crown with a loft-style office space and cushioned, ‘staff only’ zone. Make-up is also a focus here with two dedicated chairs for the total look.

There’s no denying Jaye Edwards has changed the local salon landscape forever more. We chat location deal breakers and if a salon can ever, truly be too big.

TJ: Define your process of walking into a space and determining if it’s ‘right’ for an Edwards and Co salon – what are the key things you consider?

JE: Always windows at both ends, preferably on the sides as well. An open floor plan that doesn’t require demolition. Easy access to plumbing and flooring that doesn’t need structural changes.

TJ: And what about potential postcodes? What draws you to certain areas of a city – what features/characteristics should the surrounding suburb ideally posses?

JE: I neverelect a new salon location based on postcode. It’s all about the space. In saying this, central areas appeal to me I never chose ground floor.

TJ: Are there any deal breakers when it comes to selecting a new space?

JE: I will never enter into a ground floor.

TJ: How many basins, styling and colour chairs does the space host?

JE: 12 basins, 20 styling chairs, 30 colour chairs and 12 waiting chairs.

TJ: What is the SQM of the salon?

JE: 400SQM

TJ: Is there such a thing as a salon that is too big?

JE: Hell no! Providing the right management is in place to ensure the salon runs the way it should.

TJ: What are some hero features/characteristic of the space that other, fellow Edwards and Co salons, don’t have?

JE: Designer furniture. Every single piece is custom designed and made. You won’t find Edwards and Co Surry Hills’ fittings and furnishings in any other Australian salon.

TJ: How many staff do you have now?

JE: In total 115 with 48 in the new Surry Hills space.

TJ: When opening a salon, what percentage of staff are existing (moved from another Edwards & Co salon) versus new staff?

JE: Only one or twomove to recreate the culture and the rest are new staff.

TJ: Where’s next for Edwards and Co?

JE: I can’t decide, Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne…maybe NYC.

Edwards and Co Surry Hills: Level 1/586 Crown Street.

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