30 Apr 2026
At 24, most people are still figuring out their next step. For Gemma George, it meant taking on a salon in Redbourn — a decision she describes as both a risk and a turning point.
Ten years on, she is marking a decade of running Salon of Gems, reflecting on how far both she and the business have come.
“When I look back, I don’t think I fully understood what I was taking on at the time,” she says. “I just knew I wanted to create something of my own.”
With a background in hairdressing and experience as an apprentice trainer, Gemma stepped into ownership with a clear vision, even if the path ahead wasn’t entirely mapped out. The salon she took over was a more traditional space, very different to what clients see today.
“Over time, I wanted it to feel more modern, more relaxed — somewhere people could come and really enjoy the experience,” she explains.
That evolution didn’t happen overnight. Over the years, the salon has gradually adapted, expanding into beauty and bridal services while building a loyal client base in the local area.
But for Gemma, the biggest impact of the past 10 years hasn’t been the physical changes — it’s the people.
“You don’t just see clients once and that’s it,” she says. “You build relationships. You see them through different stages of their lives, and they see you through yours. That’s something I don’t take for granted.”
Like many small businesses, there have been difficult moments along the way. The COVID-19 pandemic brought particular uncertainty, with long closures and an unknown future for the industry.
“That was definitely one of the toughest periods,” she says. “But it also showed me how strong the support around the salon really is. People checked in, they came back, and that meant everything.”
Reaching the 10-year milestone has prompted a moment of reflection — something Gemma admits she doesn’t often stop to do.
“When you’re running a business, you’re always thinking about what’s next,” she says. “You don’t always pause and look at what you’ve already built.”
To mark the occasion, she is hosting a small client appreciation evening at the salon on Wednesday May 6, bringing together clients and local businesses who have been part of the journey.
“It’s just a way of saying thank you,” she says. “The salon wouldn’t be what it is without the people who’ve supported it over the years.”
As for what comes next, Gemma is keeping her focus on the present: “Right now, it’s about appreciating this moment,” she adds. “Ten years feels like something worth celebrating.”
