The power of 'Yen' returns to Birmingham after Cancer scare

Local entrepreneur battles back to re-launch salon

[ClickPress, Sun Jul 15 2007] One of Birmingham’s leading independent hair stylists has recently made a long-awaited comeback after fighting back from a life threatening illness.

Yen Sehdeva recently lifted the lid on the £25k refurbishment of her prestigious Moseley Village salon and is already looking forward to locking horns with the overpriced national chains that are strangling freedom of choice.

The launch, which was supported by Business Link West Midlands, marks an amazing period in the life of the Bromsgrove-based entrepreneur that has seen her juggle motherhood with the draining effects of battling cancer.

“One minute you are looking to add to three existing stores in the City and planning for the birth of your first child and then the next you are talking about how your husband could cope with life as a single parent,” explained Yen, who came to the UK as a Vietnamese refugee in 1979.

“I was 36 weeks into the pregnancy when I was diagnosed as having cervical cancer. Two weeks later ‘Keira’ was induced and I then had to endure four operations in just one month.”

During her illness, Yen reduced the business to just the Moseley Village salon and, thanks to the loyalty and skill of her staff, was able to sustain a healthy customer base.

She is now hoping that the re-launch will put the store back on the map, with significant investment more than doubling the number of cutting stations to nine and the launch of a new Private Room – the latter catering for clients who feel nervous in a salon environment.

The refurbishment has also provided a new sophisticated look, the latest designer furniture and a striking frontage that will impress customers and motorists on Alcester Road.

“We want people to enjoy the experience, from the glass of wine when they arrive to the unique atmosphere and fusion of traditional and modern styling that the more conventional chains simply don’t offer anymore,” continued Yen, who has styled many celebrities including Benazir Bhutto (whilst she was Prime Minister of Pakistan), the BRMB wedding couple and a host of Indian film stars.









Clients can even have their hair washed when sitting in special chairs that massage and relax the body after an exhausting day at work and a registered chiropodist is proving popular for health and fashion reasons.

Backed by business planning, marketing and PR support from Business Link West Midlands, Yen is expecting to turnover £150,000 in the first year and will look to increase the workforce to eight by the end of 2007.

The unisex salon, which also caters for children, is expected to attract a wide ranging client base, with special breakfast and late evening sessions helping to reduce the problems of trying to fit in that all important hair appointment.

“We are currently refurbishing the first floor to create a beauty and holistic therapy area so we can offer the complete service. A very well known and respected beautician form Birmingham will also be joining the team in July.”

Yen, who is married to City Lawyer Vikas Sehdeva, concluded: “Being told you have cancer is devastating, but I want people to know that you can fight back and live your life to the full. You just need something to hold on to and I had the best incentive ever in my daughter Keira!

“I could have sat back and become a mother at home, but having gone to the brink I now feel more invigorated than ever and compelled to succeed again in business.”

Business Link West Midlands is expected to help over 70,000 businesses and individuals thinking of starting a company with information, with a further 16,000 receiving intensive support from experienced business advisers by 2010.

This level of support is expected to generate a £400m improvement to the economic performance of the West Midlands.

Individuals and companies interested in speaking with Business Link West Midlands should contact 0845 113 1234.

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