Yvonne Hotopp opened her “Fachwerk” salon in Immenrode in April 2024
“The biggest challenge was the renovation,” Yvonne Hotopp recalls of the three years leading up to the salon’s opening in 2024. Together with her husband and family, she converted a former pigsty into a cosy, modern hair salon in Immenrode, doing much of the work themselves. The 45-year-old master hairdresser had fulfilled a long-held dream.
Yvonne Hotopp comes across as calm and composed—and that is exactly how she wants her clients to feel. She wants to create a welcoming atmosphere and make a visit to the hairdresser as relaxing as being in your own living room. Since December 2015, she had offered just that through personalised mobile hairdressing at clients’ homes. “Visiting people at home creates a special, very personal and warm connection with clients,” Yvonne says. “I want to continue that connection in my salon.”
The former pigsty at her home in Immenrode has become a charming little salon. The 40-square-metre space is bright and welcoming. The name “Fachwerk” (half-timbered house) sets the tone, with exposed beams creating a pleasant atmosphere.
Yvonne Hotopp began her hairdressing apprenticeship in Goslar in 1996 and earned her master hairdresser qualification in Oldenburg in 2003. In 2015, she left her salaried job and ventured into self-employment. At the time, she had already hoped to take over a salon. Startup seminars and WiReGo’s startup advice gave her a solid foundation for her independent future. “Anja Blümel’s advice was a great help to me,” the master hairdresser says gratefully. “She patiently answered all my questions and encouraged me to become self-employed.” Taking over the salon did not work out, so Yvonne became a mobile hairdresser. With her own salon, she can now realise the business idea she had in 2015.
The salon opened quietly in April 2024, “without any fuss”. “From the beginning, I wanted to keep welcoming each of my clients personally,” Yvonne explains. She plans to continue working on her own and giving every client individual attention. Her existing clients are happy for her and are looking forward to their next appointment. “We always schedule appointments a year in advance, so I’m not starting from zero,” she says happily. “That makes the beginning much easier.” Alongside thanking the clients she will now welcome at her own salon, Yvonne especially acknowledges her husband’s support. A trained carpenter, he carried out the entire renovation with skilled help from other family members. Together, they overcame all the challenges involved in meeting the building requirements. “It feels wonderful to pamper people in our own salon now,” Yvonne says.
