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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF... A PERSONAL STYLIST FRANCHISEE Former banker, Sandy Lancaster, took on a House of Colour franchise for her retirement – a decision she wishes she’d made sooner INTERVI EW BY MOLLY RAYCRAFT Sandy Lancaster spent her career working in national UK banks. However, when the time came to retire, she decided to buy a House of Colour franchise, after experiencing the colour-matching service for herself. “I was gifted a colour analysis for a significant birthday. I was actually a little bit incensed that somebody felt I needed an intervention.” House of Colour has been in operation since the eighties and has developed its approach from Johannes Itten’s colour theory. It aims to help clients assess which colour palette (spring, summer, autumn, or winter) best complements their complexion, as well as assists in styling sessions and personal shopping services. “I was just blown away by it. I sat in the chair in front of the mirror, and we realised that I was a spring, but I was dressing as a winter,” says Sandy. She then found out that her local House of Colour consultant, Jane, had decided to sell, which encouraged Sandy to buy the location in September 2022. She began training during lockdown. “The pandemic gave me that space to build up my social media profile and get my ducks in a row.” Sandy received all the fabrics and colour analysis material needed to kickstart her business, while having Jane’s pre-existing clients transferred to her. Training involved learning the theories behind styling and colour matching, as well as make up lessons with Paul Herrington, former MUA at Bobbi Brown. “I knew I was going to like social media the least.” Sandy makes herself post on Instagram every day so her brand remains visible. “I create seven pieces of content for the week on Sunday night, then I just post each day. It takes about an hour altogether.” However, user-generated content and word of mouth have been massively useful in building custom, which is why the experience Sandy offers has to feel personal and special. “I really What Franchise visited Sandy to see her work in action. INTERVI EW 78 WHAT FRANCHISE | ISSUE 19.3