Rachel Burgin is the brainchild behind Routes Hair Extensions Ltd, one of the UK and USA’s leading brands in luxury Remy human hair extensions. Here, she tells us more about her life as a #girlboss in the hair and beauty world…

When did you launch the brand and what was the reason behind it?
I launched the brand in 2014 out of shear frustration as I was having difficulty finding good quality hair brands that also had great service and support.

Whats your background?
Prior to launching Routes I was a freelance hairdressers and hair extension technician. I was constantly up against bad quality or overpriced hair which was pricing me out of the market up north.

Tell us one fact about you that people wouldn’t know?
The business and I featured on a TV show called posh pawnbrokers. Ever since I have had people approaching me declaring “hey you were on that pawn show on TV!” I then have to go on to explain that it was pawn with an “A” not an “O” – AKWARD!

2018 is here, where do you plan on taking the brand?
This year we plan to continue our growth especially in the USA where last year we launched Routes USA where our American customers can buy in dollars and get super fast shipping.

To date, what has been the highlight since launching?
It’s too hard to pinpoint just one highlight as every day I pinch myself at what a success Routes has become. But I guess the days that really stand out are when we go the extra mile to help a customer and know we have really changed their day, such as once a client had not made the order on time and was panicking as she had a wedding booked in the next day so we drove to another county to hand deliver the hair for her.

Which city do you feel most at home in, London, Paris or New York?
I would say I’m most at home in London as I know how to work the underground to get around the best shops and champagne bars without getting my hair wet. However New York is amazing and my last visit to Paris was on a business trip last summer where I spent the day in the Ritz at Paris fashion week. I had a brief chat with Zendaya, ate dinner on the next table to Karlie Kloss and Anna Wintour and spent the morning hanging out with Daria Strokous (the face of Dior) in her suite while she got ready to walk for Dior- she was so down to earth and sweet.

Three beauty products you can’t leave the house without?
I’m a take it or leave it kind of girl with make up but I am good at looking after my skin so I never leave the house without moisturising using Chanel hydra beauty gel.

I take a tube of Dr lip nipple balm EVERYWHERE it’s fantastic for keeping lips soft and even chapped skin on your nose when it’s cold etc.

Perfume is always a must – my latest fave is Chanel Gabriel

Style means….?
Expressing yourself and feeling confident and beautiful.

Best thing about London to you?
Has to be the London Underground system. I think it’s genius – every city should have one. It blows my mind how it was built back then.

Statement shoe or statement bag?
I love both but I think Bag wins. At the moment I have rekindled my obsession with Louis Vuitton bags and luggage.

If you had to, what piece of clothing from your wardrobe would you wear everyday?
My Vivienne Westwood Squires dress. You can dress it up or down and it hides a multitude of sins as well as being comfy.

Most memorable piece of advice given to you?
Don’t sweat the small stuff and everything happens for a reason.

If you could spent 24 hours in anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Las Vegas 100% is my favourite place. Iv been lots of times and never get bored.

In future, how do you plan on expanding the company?
We are planning a luxury wig line for 2018. As one of the UK’s most reputable hair extension brands we plan to continue our growth and support more salons across the globe especially the USA where we hope to become a leader over the pond.

Find out more…
Www.routes-hair-extensions.com

Author

Northern girl Laura is the epitome of a true entrepreneur. Laura’s spirit for adventure and passion for people blaze through House of Coco. She founded House of Coco in 2014 and has grown it in to an internationally recognised brand whilst having a lot of fun along the way. Travel is in her DNA and she is a true visionary and a global citizen.

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