Wage watchers: how much does the owner of a hair salon earn?

We asked Sigi Van Steen (35) from Battel how much she makes:

What is your job?

I’ve had my own hairdressing business, Carsiga, in Battel or 11 years. It all started in the barn of my grandparents’ house, which I’ve since turned into a modern design salon. My husband Frank works with me: he does mainly the men and I take care of the women. Personal interaction with clients is extremely important to us. We don’t want to turn into a huge “hairdressing factory”, but to build up a personal bond with the customer, and give them advice on a personalised level. So we only work by appointment, so that people don’t ever have long to wait.

Do you know that my husband is actually a real men’s hairdresser – a dying breed – trained to shave and finish off men’s hair just the way it needs to be? He uses hot towels and facial massage and all. During the first season of Big Brother he went into the house every week to shave the men and cut their hair. That was a special treat for them.

Do you enjoy your job?

Of course. You wouldn’t become self-employed if you didn’t enjoy working. The job is very varied, from cutting and colouring men’s hair to making orders, undergoing training, doing promotions, making contact with the clients, taking care of administration and so on. Every head of hair is different, and so is every work day. Carsiga is my own business, which I built up with passion, and I’m proud of it.

Is it hard to be self-employed?

I’m lucky because I got a taste for it when I was working in salons before. The boss was on maternity leave so I had to do everything myself. But you know there are risks involved: you’re not paid when you take time off sick or go on holiday. Your boss is the customer: if they don’t come, you don’t make any money.

Has the economic crisis affected you badly?

Hair keeps on growing, and sooner or later people need to go to the hairdresser. The only thing is, they might put off coming for a week during the most difficult periods, such as the beginning of September.

How may hours a week do you work?

We’re open from Tuesday to Saturday, and open late on Thursday. But in fact we don’t count the hours. Even when we’re closed there are things that need to be taken care of. This salon is my passion, so I don’t care how much work it takes.

What do you think of the pay?

Carsiga is a one-woman business: the whole family lives off the income of the salon. Of course, from our net income (about €2,100 a month for the whole family) we have to pay off the house, but we’re pretty satisfied. I could never go back and work full-time for an employer.

Do you save?

Oh yes. We put money aside for our pensions, and if possible we try to save too. This building is also an investment which will one day pay off.

What do you like to spend money on most?

On holidays. We like to go for a week in the sun in the summer.

What would you not spend money on?

Any kind of luxury item, like an expensive car.

What would you do if you won the lottery?

I’d go on working, because what could you do otherwise? You can’t go shopping all day. But I would go on holiday more often, and give some money to the children.