In 1990 Donna, in need of a challenge other than that of being a mum, opened as a sole trader on March 13th. With just £1000 to start up, she had secured premises and began trading as Donnas 'Kutz N Kurlz' with 2 rooms on the first floor at 7 Market Square Brynmawr. Employing 2 part time employees, she worked full time juggling the effort of being mum to three under 5's and working full time on the new venture! She had given herself one year to make it work - otherwise she would close! Her youngest child Stephanie was just 2 years old and her sons, Lee was 4 years old and Shane was 3 years old.
1991 it was obvious that the client base had grown and Donna started searching for new premises - so she was obviously not closing down! During the early spring of 1992 the ground floor premises in the same building became available and the move was confirmed with the Landlord. Her father in Law, Mostyn had just retired - so she had an ideal way to keep him from becoming bored - he and Steve worked all hours to get the refit done and what an amazing job they did. Mary - Donna's Mother in Law Mary was looking after the children so that her family could work all hours on the refit to meet the time schedule they had decided upon. Donna had set her sights on St Patrick's Day for the grand opening. March 16th 1992 an early start and long day working into the early hours to make everything right after three months of hard work and efforts that only can be undertaken by family for family. Kutz N Kurlz was then and remains a family run business supported by those around who care about the families success.
On March 17th 1992 the new salon premises opened, creating more space, better visual realisation that the salon was there and the growth continued.
During 1995 the whole building was taken over and the addition of Beauty was started offering a head to toe service opportunity for clients to take advantage of.
1998 we achieved Investors in people - an acknowledgment of our commitment to training that we are so very proud of.
October 2001 the second salon was opened - owned and run by Steve Wallbank in Somerset Street. Abertillery. Stephanie starts as a Saturday Girl in Brynmawr.
August 2002 we were assessed and received continued accreditation for Investors in People during the summer of 2003 the landlord at the Brynmawr premises finally agreed to sell the property and this building was purchased to continue growing the business.
October 2003 onwards - It seemed a bit like déjà vu but within 2 years it was apparent that the story was repeating itself and the need to expand in Abertillery was evident. The efforts to purchase Somerset Street to enable expansion began. However a chance conversation with a client created an opportunity to look at a building which was not for sale! But we made an offer and were to be on the move!.
Summer 2004 - the building is found in Abertillery - an old hotel . ''The Prince of Wales'' - the building had since then been many things including an ironmongers and when we discovered it a pound shop! But it was to become Kutz N Kurlz Hair and Beauty by October 2004.
Autumn 2004 Donna achieves The Western Mail 'Welsh Woman of the Year' - Woman as Sole Trader Award.
Steve took redundancy from Yuasa Batteries where he was a design Engineer and redesigned the Abertillery building, undertaking the work with our sons, Lee and Shane. What a change in how the building looked like and what it was to become.
Family again with Family can only be committed to huge projects and commitments and the reinforcement of values in why there is something special about a Family Business. Merging two businesses into one we became a Limited Company in April 2005 it created new opportunities and greater workloads so Steve came to work full time in the Offices with plans on developing the business and here he remains.
The Company Directors remain - Donna Wallbank and Stephen Wallbank.
October 2005 we were assessed and received continued accreditation for Investors in People September.
2005 Finalist Five Counties - Best Use of ICT - 2005 Finalist Five Counties - Entrepreneur of the Year.
2006 Stephanie comes to work with us - as an apprentice Hairstylist - having graduated from the Academy of Musical Theatre Wales - she decides Hair and Beauty is her future.
2007 Achieved the Green Dragon Award.
2008
2009 we were assessed and received continued accreditation for Investors in People.
We achieved Investors in People Leadership and Management Model.
2009 Stephanie Edwards was a Clynol Protege Team Finalist
2010 Donna takes on the role of District Governor for Rotary in Southern Wales D1150 - enabled to because of the support of the salon team and the family - the amazing clientelle work with Donna making alternative appointments if she needs to be absent. [which wasn't often!]
2011 Stephanie introduces new Wedding Services at Home or in Salon.
March 2012 We were assessed and received continued accreditation for Investors in People.
January 2013
2015 was awarded Regional Hair Salon of the Year. Stephanie Edwards Finalist Welsh Hair & Beauty Awards 'Stylist of the Year
Donna Wallbank was awarded The ISA Industry Champion Award
NHF Welsh Awards. nominations for team members Suzanne Wallbank who was shortlisted for Make-Up Artist of the Year, Laura Lentle was shortlisted for Colour Technician of The Year. The salon team also had members nominated for Stylist of the Year – Stephanie Edwards, Colour Technician of the Year - Sarah Kenward, Newcomer of the Year – Roisin Keogh, Beauty Therapist of the Year – Kelly Edwards, and Donna Wallbank for Lecturer of the Year.
May 2016 was been awarded Regional Hair Salon of the Year for the second year. Donna was shortlisted for Colour technician of the year.
2017 Donna Wallbank Finalist Welsh Hair & Beauty Awards 'Colour Technician of the Year'.
2019 Stephanie Edwards achieved NVQ Level 4 Apprenticeship in Hairdressing. Stephanie was ISA Training’s first learner to complete this course which was an incredible achievement, marking a great day for Stephanie, our salon and ISA Training. The Level 4 Apprenticeship is a Diploma In Advanced Techniques & Management Practices in Hairdressing. This is an advanced course, the highest level of training that ISA delivered, and covered the skills to manage staff and resources while developing technical skills through colour correction and the creation of a hairstyle collection.
July 1st 2019 - Donna takes on the role of President of Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland - enabled to do so beacuse of the amazing team within the company.
March 2020 Covid challenged us! For eighteen months the salon was challenged but the team continued to meet online to keep in touch and also undertaking many training opportunities whilst not being able to be in the salon!
Donna and Steve utilised the time by refurbing the beauty rooms in both salons!
Steve celebrated his 60th Birthday.
2023 - 2024 External refurbishment of the Abertillery salon - weather challenges Steve, but when wet the inside gets the attention!
2024 Brynmawr Salon refurbishment of the wash room area - Abertillery refurbishment of the Washroom area
Donna celebrated her 60th Birthday!!!!!