ECO WARRIOR

Greg Clarke co-owns Amica Eco Hairdressing in Dublin with his wife Alison. A former president of the Irish Hairdressers Federation, he has over 35 years' industry experience

What's your earliest memory?

Sitting in the front row of the classroom in primary school, wondering why my cousin was kicking and crying, not wanting to be there, when I thought it was nice. Although school tested my patience for the next 14 years, I still loved learning new things. Later in life, I appreciated how good some of my teachers were at teaching me vital life skills.

Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

My father and mother, who both passed away recently, after living great lives and teaching me about love, honesty and trust, and showing me that it doesn’t cost much to have fun with the ones you love. These principles have stood well to me and made me the person I am today.

What was your first job?

When I was in school I had a part-time job in a bar, which taught me customer service skills that were a great asset when I started my career in hairdressing.

Ideal holiday destination?

Anywhere with sunshine, a nice beach, great food and wine – but most of all it has to be with the ones I love.

Favourite food?

I love curries – but nothing too spicy at my age!

Favourite drink?

During the day, it’s Organo Gold Coffee. I like a glass of red wine in the evening. My favourite nightcap is a shot of good quality whiskey.

How do you relax?

In the summer, I enjoy anything that involves being outdoors, such as paddle boarding, dog walking and having fun with my wife Alison and our grandkids. In the winter I like reading, doing yoga and spending time with family.

‘Find something you love doing and you’ll do it well – not because you have to, but because you want to’

What was the last great film or series you watched?

The film was Kiss the Ground, and the series was Kin on RTÉ.

Dream dinner party guest/guests (alive or dead)?

George Micheal, as I think he had one of the best male voices of his generation and left this earth too soon, and David Beckham because I believe that everything he has done in his career, he’s done it professionally – and with a smile.

Do you cook and, if so, do you have a signature recipe?

I began cooking more during the pandemic and kept this up. I make a mean chicken curry.

Best piece of advice you've ever received?

I’ve been lucky to have had some great mentors in my career, and two of the best bits of advice I got were from them.

Duncan Kenna advised me to mind my own business, and not to worry about other salons. Debbie Digby told me that the fish stinks from the head down; as a leader, you need to look at your own standards, and check if you are living by them before correcting others.

Best piece of advice you've ever given?

Find something you love doing and you’ll do it well – not because you have to, but because you want to. Also, repetition is the key to learning and perfecting anything.

Have you changed the way you run your business since the pandemic?

Yes, we have changed it for the better, both for our staff and our clients. We rebranded in 2022 to reflect our mission to be a leading sustainable salon. We recycle 95% of our salon waste, are trying to align ourselves with brands with B Corp Certification and follow the People, Planet, Profit model. Our mantra is that if we all did a little, we can change a lot.

Favourite thing about yourself?

My love of people and family.

What's the one hair product you can't live without?

Davines Shampoo Bars for personal use, and Davines This Is An Oil Non Oil for use in the salon.

What, if anything, would you now tell your 16-year-old self?

Don’t be afraid to take chances, and never feel you’re not good enough to be where you are.

How would you like to be remembered?

As someone who had a passion for what he loved doing, and for the people he loved doing it with – and all while trying to help people be the best version of themselves, and being the world’s first ‘funtrepreneur’! PBHJ