I AM privileged to have met countless interesting personalities with the work that I do. On some days, I get to hang with celebrities, politicians, and renowned business people. As much as possible, I try to learn as much as I can from these encounters.

I recently met hair design purveyor Franck Provost, French hairstylist who now owns 2,600 salons worldwide. I consider that as a feat. He was able to combine his love for creativity and making his salons a global brand. He has 1,600 salons in France alone, and 1,000 scattered all over the world.

Jean Louis David and Fabio Salsa are also his brands under his mother company. Interestingly, Philippines, was its first franchise out of France, and followed by Switzerland and Poland. And now, the Philippines brand has grown to five branches – Jupiter St, which is the flagship store, Rockwell, Fort Bonifacio, Alabang and the latest being Peninsula Manila hotel.

Mr. Provost is very close to the family, especially now that his family members are in the business. His wife Natacha controls the finances, his daughter Olivia handles the corporate communications department, and his son, Fabien, is artistic director. President Marc Aublet has been instrumental in the brand’s business development.

I had the chance to have an afternoon with the Frenchman himself and here are some questions to make you know more about the man behind the success of this worldwide salon brand:

WW: What are you passionate about?

FP: I am passionate about creating

WW: I’m really good at…

FP: I’m really good at styling.

WW: I’m happiest when…

FP: I’m happiest when I see the customers come out of the salon very happy

WW: best vacation?

FP: Best vacation are mini weekend getaways in the French countryside, particularly, Solagne, with my family.

WW: Best advice?

FP: Be passionate about what you do

WW: When I was younger, I wanted to be…

FP: I really wanted to be a hairdresser ever since I was young

WW: worst compliment ever received?

FP: “When are you going to stop working?”

WW: Restaurant of choice?

FP: The Bristol in Paris

WW: dream home?

FP: I like living in Paris and i also like Solagne

WW: travel essentials

FP: With my blackberry phone and with my scissors, I can work anywhere in the world! That is all I need – my scissors and I can cut and style anywhere. Simple.

WW: Who do you like working with?

FP: I like working with celebrities like Sharon Stone,

WW: What is your dream?

FP: To be number one, right now, we are number 2.

I asked Mr. Provost if a normal person can have her hair touched by his hands; only to get a negative. He is very busy running the whole brand, and with his commitments to celebrities, it will be quite hard. However, you might get lucky if you go to his main branch near Champs Elysees Avenue. In our photo-op, he did play with my hair so I can say he did touch my hair-literally! He was wearing the Reverso of Jaeger Le Coutre, one side with the French time, and the other dedicated to wherever country he is in. That is exactly what you need when you have 2,600 salons all over the world. Armed with his watch, his scissors and his blackberry, he is poised to make his dreams of being number one come true.

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