The Local Link, November Edition: Spotlight on Graceful Cuts

There’s something special about our High Street - the friendly faces, the long-time locals, and the small businesses that grow right alongside the town. Some start in spare rooms, some in garden studios squeezed between the lawnmower and the BBQ… and some eventually find their way into the heart of Brackley.

This week, we had the pleasure of visiting one of our newest success stories - Graceful Cuts.

If you’ve walked past recently, you’ll know exactly why: warm, welcoming and full of personality. A true Brackley gem.

Grace’s journey didn’t begin in a salon - it started at home at age seven.
Her sister came home with a fresh bob, and little Grace wanted the same. So, she grabbed the scissors and gave herself a DIY chop. Her parents were shocked… but Grace had found her calling.

Later, while studying hairdressing, she’d walk past Cutting Edge and think:

“One day I’m going to work there.”

And she did. Katie - her future mentor - spotted her talent instantly. Grace followed her from salon to salon, learning everything she could. But running her own salon?

Grace laughs: “Owning a salon was definitely NOT on my list!”

Seven years ago, Grace took a leap and set up her first salon… in her garden.

A tiny studio, a working sink, a temperamental heater - and her best friends as her first clients. Those first ten clients who walked through the garden gate? They’re still with her today.

Two years in, the phone rang. It was Katie. She was moving - and she wanted Grace to take over her salon space.

“You have all the tools. You can do this.”

It was the boost Grace didn’t even know she needed. And just like that, Graceful Cuts was born.

Fast-forward to today, and Grace is thriving in her beautiful High Street salon - stylish, friendly and full of that comforting “Brackley” feeling.

Grace has one mission: to help women feel beautiful, confident and truly seen.
She takes the extra time to understand each client - their hair, their style, their story.

Her wedding hair has become a favourite too, with her calm and collected, detail-focused approach.

A recent review said it best: “Grace understood what I wanted and what would suit my fine hair. The salon has a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. A real gem - I’ll definitely go again.”

You can’t ask for more than that.

A Full-Circle Moment

Grace is now settling into life as a salon owner - balancing creativity, community and business with her signature bubbly energy. In a beautiful full-circle moment, she’s taken on her own apprentice, passing down the same encouragement Katie once gave her.

This is what Brackley is all about - mentorship, community and growth.

We absolutely loved our visit to Graceful Cuts, and we can’t wait to see what comes next. Grace is talent, kindness and dedication all rolled into one - and her salon is quickly becoming a local favourite.

Right now, somewhere in Brackley, a young girl is probably walking past the salon thinking:

“One day… I’ll work there.”

That is what The Local Link is all about - celebrating the brilliant local businesses that shape our town.