Strengthening Your Brand with a Short Course: John Paul Scott of SALT Salon
- Written byMimi Jones
- Published date 23 October 2024
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John Paul Scott (JP), the owner of Salt Salon—a contemporary London salon popular with the city’s creative crowd—recently joined us for the Branding and Identity Design Short Course.
Having previously struggled with traditional education and left university early, JP was unsure how he’d adapt to being back in a classroom setting. However, he knew that developing his brand and identity skills was essential for his business, as he had built Salt Salon’s unique style himself.
Recognising the importance of branding in business success, JP decided to take control of this aspect to elevate his salon further. We spoke with JP about his experience on the course and why he believes that branding and identity design are crucial skills for any business owner.
Tell us about your business, Salt Salon.
Salt Salon is the result of my journey through hairdressing, fashion, and music. I’ve worked in top London salons like Taylor Taylor, and with Guido Palau on major fashion shows for brands like Prada, Louis Vuitton, Alexander McQueen, and Dior.
Alongside hairdressing, I was DJing and running club nights, which made me want to open a space that merged all these experiences—a place where someone with a fashion and creative background could work in a salon setting and feel part of a close-knit community. We’ve built an atmosphere that reflects that: we have a Martin Audio sound system, a bar, a roof terrace, and we host events and parties that bring our community together.
What inspired you to take a short course—and why now?
School was a tough experience for me; I was expelled at 15 and had a difficult relationship with formal education. But I’ve come to realize that my struggles weren’t about lack of ability; I’m dyslexic, so I just learn in a different way. As I got older and started running my business, I recognized that education could be a strength.
With Salt Salon growing, I wanted to invest in myself and build my skills in branding, which I knew would be vital for my business’s future. I’m in a much better headspace now and felt ready to take on new learning challenges.
How would you describe your experience?
The course was really well-structured, and the teacher was experienced and engaging. The setting and resources were great, and I really enjoyed the sense of community with the other students. It was just a great all-around experience.
Why did you choose the Branding and Identity Short Course?
Branding is a big focus for Salt, and it’s something people often compliment us on. I’ve always felt that Salt has a distinct style that stands apart from typical salons, which tend to have generic names or themes. We feel more like a fashion brand.
I wanted to deepen my understanding of branding, explore its history, and see what more I could bring to Salt through a week of focused study.
Why did you choose UAL Central Saint Martins?
A friend who took a Creative Direction course there recommended it to me, and Central Saint Martins has always intrigued me. It’s such a hub of creativity in London, and knowing that people like Alexander McQueen and Jarvis Cocker studied there made it even more appealing. It’s inspiring to be part of that legacy, even if just for a short time.
Why do you think brand identity is so important for businesses?
Branding creates an immediate connection and comfort with new customers—it’s fascinating to see how a brand’s identity can make you feel something so quickly. I’ve always been inspired by brands like Nike in the 90s; their visuals and storytelling had a huge impact on me.
I think of branding as a company’s “clothing”—it’s how you present yourself, and it sets the tone for how people experience your business. That’s why it’s so important to me.
Were there any challenges you had to overcome during the course?
The hardest part was simply stepping back into a classroom after so many years. My school experience wasn’t great, so that first day was really emotional; I even cried on the train ride there. It brought up a lot of feelings, but once I settled in, I started to really enjoy it.
How do you believe small business owners can benefit from ongoing education and creative learning?
I think it’s essential. To keep your business fresh and relevant, you have to keep learning and evolving. The world around us is constantly changing, and if you’re not growing along with it, you’re going to get left behind. Education, business, and creativity all fuel each other.
What are your key takeaways from the course, both personally and professionally?
One major takeaway was the importance of process—taking the time to research, plan, and follow each step rather than rushing through. It’s something I’ll carry forward.
On a personal level, I realised I’m ready to embrace learning again. I’d like to continue expanding my knowledge, and that feels really important to me right now.
Are you ready to level up your business?
Explore our short courses and gain the skills to take your next steps forward.
