Torbay’s Kudos Forty Six embarks on a new era, putting local talent at the heart of its growth

In an industry undergoing rapid change, women-led salon Kudos Forty Six is stepping confidently into a new era for Torbay’s hairdressing sector - combining entrepreneurial leadership, future-focused business planning and a commitment to training the next generation of stylists.

Founded in 2018 by Melissa Hood and now co-led with Karina Howarth, Kudos Forty Six has evolved from a small independent start-up into one of Torquay’s most forward-thinking salons.

Based at 46 Torwood Street, the business has grown into a multi-service beauty hub offering advanced colouring, precision cutting, aesthetics, permanent makeup, nails, brows and their specialist KU HAIR extensions brand. But its biggest ambition lies beyond services alone - it’s about shaping the future of the industry.

Across the UK, the hair and beauty industry are undergoing significant transformation. More stylists are choosing to become self-employed or freelance, often working through rent-a-chair models, home salons or mobile businesses. While this offers flexibility for individuals, it places pressure on traditional salon structures and raises questions about sustainability, training, and long-term career development.

Melissa says that challenge has shaped the way Kudos is moving forward.

“The industry is changing - and as a business owner in Torbay, we’ve had to be adaptable, strategic and brave,” she says.

“There’s a huge rise in self-employment, and while that works for many people, we also believe strongly in creating stable, supported environments where stylists can build real careers, gain qualifications, and have opportunities to grow. That’s the future we want to invest in.”

One of their biggest and upcoming developments marks Kudos as Torquay’s next major training venue, partnering with a locally established training provider to deliver government funded NVQ Levels 2 & 3 in Hairdressing.

This hands-on, real-salon learning route gives GCSE leavers, career changers and aspiring stylists a clear pathway into the industry without the disconnect many feel between college and workplace environments.

Melissa says this is about responsibility as much as opportunity:

“If we want a strong, skilled, confident workforce, we must help create it. These government funded NVQs give people the chance to learn in a supportive environment, surrounded by professionals, while gaining real experience with real clients without the financial hardship. It’s about opportunity, fairness and investing in Torbay’s talent.”

Anyone interested in future training can email mchoodku@gmail.com to register interest.

That investment in people is already delivering results. Apprentice Felicity ‘Floss’ Chapman - who joined Kudos in 2023 - has quickly become a standout success, winning Apprentice of the Year at the Torbay Weekly Naturally Inspiring Business Awards and progressing confidently through her qualifications.

Image courtesy of: WR Photography

She describes Kudos as a place that gives young professionals ‘real independence with real support’, while clients praise the confidence, skill and professionalism she brings.

With a refreshed look, strengthened leadership and a forward plan in motion, Kudos Forty Six is preparing for its next chapter with an exciting rebrand to ‘The Hush’, positioning the salon as Torbay’s best-kept secret for innovative beauty experiences. New services are in development too, including discreet evening hair replacement systems for men, alongside continued expansion of specialist hair and beauty services.

“This is a new era - for us and for the industry,” says Melissa. “We want to empower our team, support future stylists, and keep evolving with what people really need - confidence, opportunity and a place where they feel truly valued.”

Kudos Forty Six isn’t just keeping pace with change - it is helping to shape it. Women-led, future-focused and deeply rooted in community strength, the salon stands as a powerful example of entrepreneurship thriving in Torbay.