Meet Claire Weathers, General Manager at OFF & ON, with 14 years tenure

Meet Claire Weathers, General Manager at OFF & ON, with 14 years tenure.

Name: Claire Weathers

Role: General Manager

Tenure: 14 years

1.      Can you briefly introduce yourself and your role at OFF & ON? How long have you been with the company?

I am Claire Weathers, General Manager at OFF & ON. I’ve been with the company for 14 years!

2.      As General Manager at OFF & ON, what does a typical day for you entail?

It’s a very varied role, with no two days or weeks the same, requiring me to wear a lot of different hats, which I love. 

My day always starts with the normal ‘mum of two’ tasks, wrangling breakfast, and school drop off’s etc, followed by (at this stage, a much needed) large flat white on the way to the office.

Once in the office I’ll start my day by organising my email inbox, checking for any issues that need my urgent attention. Following that I note down any priorities that I would like to complete (I couldn’t live without my Trello board!).

The beginning of the week consists of meetings with my lead team which includes Marketing, Finance, HR, Operations and National trainers - together we talk over business results and discuss any projects/initiatives, ensuring we are aligned and motivated to act in our roles for the week ahead.

3.      What initially attracted you to work for OFF & ON, and what has kept you here for over 14 years?

Initially it was the concept. Coming from the UK, I had seen and heard about ‘Brow Bars’ starting in London. Meeting with the founder at the time, her passion, energy, and excitement for something ‘new’ was infectious and I could ‘see’ the vision.

What’s kept me here? The people and the opportunities – I have been very fortunate to work alongside the most amazing colleagues and leaders, whom have taught me so much, supporting me in my career development. My career has progressed from a treating role into store management, training and development, operations to now General Manager. (Throw in a couple of kids, it’s been a busy decade!).

4.      How has OFF & ON evolved and grown since you joined the company?

When I started there was a team of 5 and only one store. Now we have 6 stores nationwide, 45+ employees and over 35,000 customers. We often joke about our first day of trading where we took 23 dollars, but spent more on wine that day.

We were originally known best for raising hair and taming brows. But now, we are OFF & ON the ‘home of essential maintenance’. We evolve with our customers wants and needs with regards to essential beauty services.

5.      What significant changes or milestones have you witnessed during your time at OFF & ON?

The biggest change (and good change) I have seen would be that customers are more aware of what they want and what is available, with the rise of digital marketing over the last decade, customers expect more personalised experiences and customised results - something which has always been a key focus at OFF & ON.

Life also seems to be getting faster - people are looking for fast, yet real results.

For example: People are opting for laser hair removal over waxing due to the permanent hair reduction results seen with this treatment, as well as long term cost and time savings, this was a huge milestone for us in 2015.

6.      What do you think sets OFF & ON apart from other companies in the industry, and how has that contributed to its success?

Never ones to follow trends (they never last very long) we simply focus on what’s next for our customers in terms of ‘essential beauty maintenance’ within our areas of specialisation. After 15 years, we have very loyal customers so ‘listening’ is paramount.

7.      Can you share a memorable or interesting experience that you've been a part of during your time at OFF & ON?

I can’t pick one... I am proud of the whole OFF & ON journey. It has been rewarding to be part of a company that started from nothing, working together with great people we’ve created a brand that has a point of different in a fragmented market.

8.      Do you have any funny or “different” experiences during your time at OFF & ON?

We once drove a horse truck saying ‘Say no to fur” from Christchurch to Auckland waxing people’s “hairy bits” in the back - you can imagine the looks we got on the inter-islander!

I was also once made to dress up as a Teletubbie and stand on stage in front of 400 people at a work social event - funny now but not at the time (we did win best dressed however).

9.      As a long time employee, what advice would you give to new hires or those considering a long-term career at OFF & ON?

• Act now for the position you want in the future.

• Take any opportunity given to participate in learning.

• Ask for help! No one knows everything, we can always learn from others – I learn something new all the time and I’ve been in the industry 24 years.

10.  What do you believe has been the key factor in OFF & ON's sustained success over the past 15 years?

The driving force behind OFF & ON has always been if you are not moving forwards, you are moving backwards, we are a company built on innovation.

OFF & ON dares to be different and pushes the old norms of the beauty industry, bucking the industry penchant for Fru-Fru, Enya, and stock images.

Rather than spreading far and wide we’ve always focused on specialisation and honing our craft, delivering a premium customer experience and service through our team of experts.

11.  What do you personally find most rewarding about working at OFF & ON?

I get to work (and support) a passionate team of individuals who all bring different qualities to the business. It has been rewarding to see so many people progress and excel both within OFF & ON and then externally over the years – whether that’s in new roles, careers, or life.

With regards to the industry - how ‘beauty’ can change the way a person feels about themselves has always been the most rewarding. I love been a part of a company that values that too.

12.  Can you share any plans or initiatives that OFF & ON has in store for its 15-year celebration or for the future?

Yes, thanks to covid we haven’t been able to spend time together as a ‘whole’ company in a very long time. Our regional stores (Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch) will be joining us in Auckland for a ‘Red Carpet’ style event – watch out for the pictures on insta! Expect some surprises instore too 😉

13.  How has OFF & ON’s work culture been for you over the years. What has kept you in the company for so long?

It’s a really hard one to describe, it becomes embedded in you through the people you work with. From a 25-year-old backpacker traveling the world, two Kiwi kids, a separation and now not far off 40… life has happened and OFF & ON has been with me, offering support and growth. You can be a mum and have a career growth. It’s more than a job.

14.  Have you seen any changes in the industry landscape during your time at OFF & ON, and if so, how has the company adapted to those changes?

In terms of ‘beauty looks’ we’re moving globally towards a more natural look and feel, investment without looking like you’ve invested. People want others to notice, but not to know.

15.  Any last comments?

Just a massive thank you to everyone that has supported OFF & ON in the last 15 years, whether as a client, supplier, or staff member – it wouldn’t be the same business without them.