If you were to ask Debbie Mills what the secret of her success has been, her answer is clear – clients - their needs come first. It’s a simple philosophy that has carried her through a successful 31-year career as a hair professional and one that her new business will adopt, too.

As a little girl dancing around the kitchen, little did she know then that her grandfather would provide the influence for her latest salon, Browns, opening at the end of May in Caerleon.

“I was incredibly close to my grandfather,” says Debbie.

“He was a boxer and a barber and we would shadow box and dance around the kitchen. He had a whole host of nicknames for me, but one that has always stuck in my head was ‘Brownie’, because of my brunette hair.

“When I was thinking of names for my new salon, it came back to me and I thought it would be a fitting tribute to him to call the salon Browns, as he was highly influential on my choice of career. Now that I’m in a position to influence and train the next generation of hair professionals, it seemed the right thing to do.”

Another influence on Debbie was Phillip McCarthy, of Ebbw Vale, who she trained under for six years. This training included workshops with the likes of Trevor Sorbie and Taylor Ferguson.

“Phillip was an amazing inspiration to me,” said Debbie.

“He was an absolute perfectionist and so strict. I was always nagging him to show me this and that and I would take the training mannequin home with me every night to practice on.”

One leaving Phillip’s salon in 1990, Debbie moved to Caerleon, near Newport to work and has lived there ever since. She has worked in and managed various salons in the area.

It was during her role as artistic director that she got more involved in the fashion industry.

Now a sought after session stylist, her first major experience was at London Fashion Week. Undaunted by the scale of the event, Debbie said: “There was a fantastic buzz – I am very organised and ensure that I carry out lots of research to ensure that everything is perfect on the day.”

Her reputation in the fashion industry has seen her work grace industry and fashion magazines around the world. She has worked alongside leading designers and supermodels and was chosen to represent Wales in events such as the West Style Pacifica, which took place in 2012 in New Zealand to coincide with the country hosting the Rugby World Cup.

It was at this event that she cemented a long standing relationship with Welsh designer Elliott J Frieze and they have worked together on fashion shows and photoshoots ever since.

And this is where Debbie’s simple philosophy really comes into its own – no matter who her clients are, she treats everybody with the same importance, whether they be supermodels, celebrities or the clients that have been visiting her for years on a regular basis.

“You become so much more than just their hair stylist,” she said. “It’s a bit clichéd, but you do end up being a bit of a social worker, agony aunt, confidante and friend – I’ve been lucky that my clients feel that they can tell me anything and it’s so important to never discuss any personal details. I’ve had quite a few brides in who have planned on eloping and I’ve been sworn to secrecy. It’s fantastic to be part of such a personal secret!”

Debbie has chosen to support two charitable causes when Browns opens its doors.

“I feel it’s so important to give something back where I can,” she said. “Local charity Casey’s Cause is very close to my heart as I know the family personally. I’d also like to support research into cancer as I have close family members who have both died and survived this cruel disease.

“In time, I’d like to diversify into wigs for cancer patients. From my experience, patients with cancer can feel that they lose their dignity when they lose their hair through treatment and I’d like to be able to play a part in them regaining some of that dignity.”

Training will play an important part in the new business venture – it is not just another new hair salon opening.

As well as a high-end hair salon, Debbie aims to provide an academy where other hair professionals can benefit from a thorough training.

“I’m keen to pass on my experience and provide a detailed learning structure, going back to basics, as I feel that certain skills have been lost through the years. We want to be a salon that sets the trend, rather than follows them. Don’t be a sheep, be a shepherd!”

Debbie is looking to recruit new trainees to Browns and they will benefit from being involved with a business that offers a range of services from ladies’ hair styling, barbering and beauty treatments.