ABOUT US
LATRESSE was started 14 years ago as a mobile hairdressing venture, then as a salon in Birmingham City Centre by HOUSE OF FRAZER under the name "Chocolate City Hair". At LATRESSE customers come first and always leave happy; we are all about a good vibe, hospitality and natural talent. Our professional team works with you to treat your hair design the hairstyle to match your personality and lifestyle, keeping you beautiful for any occasion.
Over the last couple of years, LATRESSE has grown from one salon to two, as well as an Academy and Shop based in Bartley Green. We believe in providing access to all. This is why we offer a mobile service aimed at bringing our expertise to your doorsteps, fitting your busy lifestyle or needs. The company is planning future growth and aims to grow into other towns and cities across the UK and beyond. We work with and support small hair and beauty businesses providing animal testing free products and natural products.
OUR STORY
I was born and grew up in Paris. I moved to the UK in 2007 and landed in Birmingham where I met Aissatou. She was my cousin’s wife, an extraordinary woman with a big heart. We became best friends. A year later, we started a mobile hairdressing venture. We came up with lots of names for the business, including "Chocolate Hair". For some reason we loved the name, unfortunately, it was already taken by another business. Since Aissatou and I were always in the city centre shopping, I suggested that we should go for "Chocolate City Hair". We were glad to see that the name was available so we named our mobile venture Chocolate City Hair.
We quickly printed out some flyers and distributed them all over town. To our surprise, we had our first customer! I remember that day. We spent 6 hours doing our first box braids, but the lady was very happy and that was mattered the most to us. It was a great experience for us! Unfortunately, a few months later we stopped our mobile hairdressing business because it was very challenging to juggle both our family lives and business, as we both had children. In 2014 my best friend died of breast cancer, it was one of the saddest days of my life. She left behind three children. Even though, our business didn’t last, my venture with Aissatou showed me that with a bit of willpower it can be done.
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The same year, my hairdresser was fired from her workplace because she was pregnant. So, she decided to work from home, providing hairdressing services. One day, while I was having my hair done at hers, she asked if I wanted to join her in opening a salon. I took on the challenge and we opened our very first salon in Bearwood, Birmingham. Six months after however, she left the venture due to family issues. I decided to find another hairdresser, sold the business to a gentleman who converted it into a barbershop and opened the City Centre Salon. I named the salon Chocolate City Hair, in memory of Aissatou. Six years on, the salon is going from strength to strength with wonderful customers who appreciate our work and dedication.
My journey has shown me the challenges women often face trying to bring their dream projects to life. I would like to use my years of experience not only to make people beautiful but also help achieve their goals. I am very grateful that you are part of my journey,
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Sali
"I'd like to use my years of experience not only to make people beautiful but also help them achieve their goals. I am very grateful that you are part of my journey."
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