Staff testimonials

Here is a little more about what it is like to work at Myla and Davis from the people who know best – our lovely team!
Junior stylist at Herne Hill and recent graduate from our apprentice programme
Which salon are you based at?

I have worked at all of the branches at various times but I am now a junior stylist at Herne Hill. I love that we work as a really tight team. I live locally so being able to walk to work is an added bonus. My favourite thing about Herne Hill is the sense of community. Our clients stop by and chat and Elaine, the flower lady by the station, waves and says good morning every day!

Could you tell us about your experience as an apprentice, having taken part in our education programme?

I have recently completed my NVQ Level 2 after three years as an apprentice and am now on the salon floor. The support has always been there from Myla and Davis – particularly in the last year with Covid restrictions. The training is once a week (for a whole day) and the salon is closed so that the apprentices can run their own column with models, gaining practical experience, whilst being paid – it’s amazing. I can’t recommend training with Myla and Davis enough!

What is your proudest achievement at Myla and Davis?

I feel really proud that I got a distinction in my NVQ end point assessment. After all the hard work and the delays due to Covid, qualifying and joining the salon floor was a big moment!

What does the future hold?

Myla and Davis started as a Saturday job whilst studying Hair, Make-Up and Prosthetics at the London College of Fashion – never really thinking that I’d become a hairdresser. After finishing my degree, I decided that I wanted to stay and train. I love combining the skills I learnt at university with my role on the floor, for example providing advice on wig care to clients who use them. I hope to continue developing this additional knowledge as I progress further.

Why would you recommend working at Myla and Davis?

You’ll be working with some of the most passionate hair stylists and a supportive salon owner who is easy to talk to and listens to her team. I would definitely recommend the salon to anybody who is thinking of becoming a hairdresser!

Junior stylist at East Dulwich and graduate from our apprentice programme
Which salon are you based at?

I’ve worked at each of the salons at some point, including Herne Hill as an assistant and Deptford for my training but I am now a junior stylist at East Dulwich. I like the friendly community and the nice lunch options on Lordship Lane. The salon is really spacious and our staff room is great. The salon environment blends work and social – which is really to hard to come by!

Could you tell us a little bit about the in-salon academy?

I took part in the Myla and Davis apprentice programme for three years. The quality of training is incredible and I would highly recommend it. Whether you already have some experience or are starting from scratch as I did, the teachers are really patient and encouraging. The training has been a great foundation for the salon floor and having originally been unsure of which career path was right for me, I’m so pleased to have taken part.

What do you like about working at Myla and Davis?

I feel like I am able to be myself and be the kind of hairdresser that I want to be. We’re always sharing our skills and expertise with each other, which means that I’m constantly learning and furthering my knowledge. The team were so helpful during my first few weeks/months of being on the floor and I never hesitate to ask for advice or a second opinion if I need one.        

What is your proudest moment at Myla and Davis?

It would definitely be receiving the results of my academy training. After taking the End Point Assessment, I gained a Distinction grade with full marks! It really put the cherry on top and was such a satisfying end to the training programme.

Director at East Dulwich and learning and development lead
What do you like about working at Myla and Davis?

I never feel like a number – we are viewed as individuals here. There is a great sense of community with regular meet-ups and socials. If you have an idea or passion for something you are given the opportunity to explore it further, which is great. I have been working at Myla and Davis for eight years now and I don’t see myself leaving any time soon. 

Could you talk us through the working day?

Day to day it is busy and fast-paced but we never feel rushed or pressured. We get lunch breaks! I work at the East Dulwich salon and we have a garden there. In the summer I get to sit outside in the sunshine, read my book and have a chat. Bliss!

Do you feel the company offers a good work/life balance?

I had my first child in 2017 and on returning to work I was able to get part-time hours that suited my childcare arrangements. When I had my second child I benefited from the company’s revised policy – paying 3 months 90% pay instead of the 6 weeks. This was a great help to a now mum of 2! Myla and Davis are also keen to invest in the health of their employees with osteopath workshops to improve posture and wellbeing courses including yoga and creative activities.

What is your proudest moment at Myla and Davis?

I spoke to the owner about some ideas I had for the company’s education programme and she went for it! I began work on our own education material – most importantly updating the texture inclusive and gender neutral policies. There are lots of ideas in the pipeline and it’s great to invest in a company that I’m proud of.