04 Nov 2026
We ask a different figure from the local community to choose 10 questions to answer from a list of 50. This week: Sophie Trinder, co-director of St Albans’ award-winning Trinder Hair Studios, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary…
If you could have a conversation with someone who had died who would it be?
My grandmother, Michiko, moved here from Japan in 1962 without speaking a word of English. I can only imagine how daunting it must have been to build a life in a country with such a different culture, with no family beside her until she later brought my mother over to join her. There are so many questions I wish I could ask her about those early years. It’s only now, as an adult, that I truly appreciate the courage it must have taken, and what a strong, inspirational woman she was.
Were you well behaved at school?
I was well behaved at school, although I clearly thought homework was optional. I talked far too much and scraped through my GCSEs. I’ve always blamed it on having very laid-back hippies for parents, but honestly, they weren’t the ones avoiding homework, I was!
What is your favourite single item of clothing?
Anything that is Adidas, I wear so much that it sometimes looks like I work there.
Do you have any phobias?
I’m so scared of spiders that I can’t even bring myself to touch a toy one. House spiders terrify me the most, and I’m convinced they’re getting bigger!
What was your first job?
I worked in Swift dry cleaners on a Saturday. It’s amazing what people forget to remove from their pockets.
What is your most-missed St Albans shop, pub, café or restaurant?
One of my favourite childhood memories is visiting a café in Christopher Place with my mum. It had an outdoor balcony above what is now Pho, and I loved sitting up there with her. I can’t remember the café’s name, and no one remembers it apart from me.
Odyssey or Netflix?
Odyssey!
What’s your favourite St Albans pub?
The Boot, especially in the winter.
Who is your favourite St Albans musician or band?
My favourite St Albans musician is my dad, John Clare. Born in St Albans, he’s a lead guitarist who has toured with artists including, Brenda Lee, Chris Montez, the Shangri- Las, Little Eva, Jet Harris and Mike Berry to name a few. He’s even played with Sir Paul McCartney, and you can still catch him performing around St Albans today.
Most inspirational St Albans person – living or dead?
Without getting too cheesy, I’d have to say my husband, Marc. He works tirelessly to run our business, never takes a day off, and I’m pretty sure he’s still thinking about it in his sleep! He puts so much into it and really cares about our team and clients. He moved from Kent to build a life here with me, leaving a place he had lived his whole life. I’m proud of him every day, even if I do occasionally have to remind him that days off are a thing!
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a dancer for the Backstreet Boys!
