Sotomi and the vision of Chop Chop London
In a rapidly evolving world where industries are challenged to be more inclusive, efficient, and sustainable, Kaye Sotomi, the Founder and CEO of Chop Chop London, is transforming the hair industry with his innovative vision.
The guiding principle behind Chop Chop is bold yet simple: “No gender, no texture, just hair.”
This core belief breaks the conventional mould of hair salons and barbershops, offering a fresh approach that transcends traditional norms.
Kaye Sotomi’s Chop Chop London is more than just a chain of salons; it’s a movement that seeks to reshape the way the hair industry operates, making it more accessible, streamlined, and aligned with modern values. With four Chop Chop locations, Kaye’s vision has found a solid foothold in London.
No gender, No texture. Just hair
At the heart of Chop Chop London is the belief that hair care should not be limited by outdated gendered or textured definitions. Sotomi’s mission is to create an environment where everyone, regardless of gender or hair type, feels welcome. The concept of “no gender, no texture, just hair” recognises that personal expression through hair should not be confined by societal expectations.
Kaye believes that this simple, yet profound approach has the potential to shake up an industry that has often divided its services along rigid lines. Most traditional salons and barbershops categorise their offerings based on gender or ethnicity, creating barriers that exclude or alienate certain customers. Chop Chop’s inclusive ethos removes these barriers and puts the focus where it should be: on delivering exceptional hair care that suits the individual, regardless of who they are.
A vision for a more efficient and sustainable industry
But Kaye’s vision goes beyond inclusivity. He’s also determined to make the hair industry more efficient and sustainable. To him, it’s not just about what Chop Chop does for its customers, but how the brand can positively influence the entire industry.
For Kaye, creating a more efficient industry means leveraging modern technology to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and reduce waste.
Efficiency is key in today’s fast-paced world. Kaye wants to offer their clients convenience and quality without compromising on inclusivity or sustainability. Their goal is to push the industry forward, to make it more efficient, more inclusive, and more sustainable.
This ambition is reflected in every aspect of Chop Chop’s operations, from how appointments are booked to how products are sourced and used.
The role of technology in streamlining haircare: partnering with Fresha
A significant aspect of Kaye’s push for efficiency is the salon’s partnership with Fresha, a leading software platform that supports appointment bookings, customer management, and business analytics for the beauty and wellness industries. The switch to Fresha has been transformative for Chop Chop London, allowing Kaye to run his business with precision and ease.
“The partnership with Fresha was seamless,” Kaye said. “It’s not just about a booking system, it’s about running an efficient business. Fresha understood exactly what I needed for Chop Chop, and the level of detail it provides in terms of analytics has been invaluable.”
Kaye highlights how Fresha’s platform has been key to understanding client behaviour, optimising services and keeping track of the business’s performance. Having access to real-time data means Kaye has all the details he needs to make informed decisions, whether it’s about staffing, inventory, or client trends.
Through this integration of technology, Chop Chop London has been able to modernise its operations, providing a better experience for clients while also increasing efficiency behind the scenes. The platform’s intuitive design and robust analytics mean that Kaye can focus on what matters most: providing an exceptional, inclusive haircare experience while growing his business.
Creating an inclusive and empowered hair care community
Kaye’s journey with Chop Chop London is not just about building a successful salon chain, it’s about building a community. He believes that the hair industry has the power to bring people together and that salons should be places where everyone feels welcomed and valued. His goal is to cultivate an atmosphere where diversity is celebrated, and every customer walks away feeling seen and heard.
Kaye’s approach to inclusivity also extends to the stylists he employs. By fostering a team of diverse professionals, Chop Chop London ensures that there is someone for every client, regardless of their hair type or personal style.
Looking ahead: The future of Chop Chop London
With four Chop Chop locations already established in London, the future looks bright for Kaye and his team. The success of Chop Chop’s inclusive, efficient, and sustainable model is a testament to the power of reimagining what the hair industry can be.
Kaye has proven that it is possible to run a business that is both profitable and purpose-driven, one that meets the needs of modern customers while also pushing the boundaries of the industry.
As we look to the future, Kaye’s commitment to making the hair industry better for everyone—clients, stylists, and salon owners alike—is unwavering, and his drive to lead with inclusivity, sustainability, and technology ensures that Chop Chop will continue to be at the forefront of the industry’s evolution.
In an industry that often feels slow to change, Kaye’s Chop Chop London is a breath of fresh air. With its commitment to inclusivity, efficiency, and sustainability, it’s not just setting the standard for what hair care should look like—it’s leading the charge into a better future for the entire industry.