Gerald Wells

Gerald Wells has been a leading hair stylist and businessman for over 30 years. Gerald grew up in Westville and attended Westville Boys High School. Initially, his sights were set on being interior designer, he recalls. By chance, he found himself drawn into the hairdressing profession, a field he would quickly fall in love with.

Gerald’s entry into hairdressing was a decision that would set the course for a long and successful career. He began as an apprentice in Durban, learning the craft and honing his skills. “It wasn’t something I planned, but once I started, I knew it was what I wanted to do,” he says. His early experiences in the industry taught him not just the technical skills of hairdressing but also the importance of client relationships and business acumen.

His career was marked by a thirst for knowledge, so he decided to broaden his horizons by working overseas. “I wanted to see how things were done elsewhere, to learn from the best,” he explains. This led him to London and Australia, where he was exposed to new techniques, styles, and business practices that were ahead of their time in South Africa. “Those years were invaluable,” he notes. “I learned so much about the industry, but also about myself and what I wanted to achieve.”

Upon returning to South Africa, Gerald was ready to take on the challenge of building his own business. He started with a single salon, but he says, “I knew I wanted to create something bigger, something that could grow and evolve.”

SERVICE IS EVERYTHING
Gerald’s business grew steadily, thanks to his commitment to quality and his focus on building strong relationships with clients. “Service is every- thing,” he emphasises. “People come to you not just for a haircut, but for the experience, the connection.”

Over the years, Gerald’s business ventures expanded significantly. The 28 stores that Gerald has opened throughout his career consist of the following: 18 Splush stores, four GHD hair hardware kiosks, three salons and three barber shops. They include: two salons at the Ballito Lifestyle Centre – Gerald Wells Hair and The Barber by Gerald Wells and GHD Hair Hardware retail stores at both Ballito Lifestyle Centre and Gateway Theatre of Shopping.

Despite his success, Gerald has faced challenges. One was relocating his flagship store, a move that required careful planning and execution. “It was a stressful time,” he admits. “We had to make sure our clients stayed with us and that the transition was smooth.” The relocation was a success, thanks to Gerald’s attention to detail and his strong relationship with his clients.

Another challenge came with the financial difficulties surrounding Splush, a chain of hairdressing retail outlets were opened across South Africa. “Splush was a great idea, but like any business, it had its ups and downs,” he reflects. “You have to stay focused on your goals and be prepared to make tough decisions.”

Personal challenges have also been part of Gerald’s journey. Going through a divorce was a difficult period for him, but he remained focused on his business and his family. “It wasn’t easy, but I learned a lot about myself and what really matters,” he shares.

PASSION IS CONTAGIOUS
For Gerald, keeping his team motivated is an important aspect of his business. He believes in leading by example and fostering a positive work environment. “Passion is contagious,” he says. “If you’re excited about what you do, your team will be too.” Education is an essential component of his approach. Gerald plays a key role in his company’s training academy, where he focuses on empower- ing new talent. “Mentorship is so important, he emphasizes. “I want to help others achieve their dreams, just like others helped me when I was starting out.”

Being actively involved in the business is crucial for Gerald.“I try to be hands-on, to be there for my team when they need me,” he explains. This involvement helps to build camaraderie and trust within the team. Gerald also emphasises the importance of acknowledging the hard work people put in and to celebrate achievements together.

SOMETHING UNIQUE
In addition to his salons and retail outlets, Gerald has his own haircare range, which is stocked in DisChem stores. “Creating my own product line was something I’d always wanted to do,” he says. “It’s been a great way to extend the brand and offer something unique to our clients.”

Beyond the world of hairdressing, Gerald is involved in Brand Boys, a company he co-founded with his son Wesley Wells and a friend. “I love the challenge of starting something new, of seeing an idea come to life,” he explained.

Despite his busy professional life, Gerald makes time for his personal passions, including travelling and exploring beauty, health, and food globally. “Travelling is a great way to recharge and find inspiration,” he says.

Family is a central part of Gerald’s life. His greatest accomplishment, he says, is being a father to his three children, Wesley, Dylan, and Jade. “My family means everything to me,” he shares. Balancing the demands of running multiple businesses with family life isn’t always easy, but Gerald makes it a priority. “At the end of the day, they’re the reason I do what I do.”

Looking back on his career, Gerald takes pride in what he has accomplished but remains humble about his success. “I’ve been very fortunate,” he reflects. “But it’s not just about luck – it’s about hard work, passion, and being willing to take risks.” As he looks to the future, Gerald is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead, saying: “There’s always more to learn, more to achieve.”

The motto that Gerald lives by is, “Do unto others as you like done unto yourself.” He explains, “I’ve been very fortunate throughout life to receive handsome rewards for the work I have done, but I really feel whatever you give out in life, it’ll come back tenfold.”