EF News
Victoria Lynch, founder of Additional Lengths and Remi Cachet, shares her inspiring journey from hairdresser to CEO, overcoming industry scepticism, embracing innovation, and growing a multi-million-pound global business…
When Victoria Lynch first began her entrepreneurial journey, hair extensions were far from mainstream. “It was very niche,” she recalls, reflecting on her early days as a hairdresser. In 2003, spotting an opportunity, she launched Additional Lengths from a creative desire to fill a noticeable gap in the market. Her vision was clear: “There was a lack of product and colour available. I wanted to think beyond what was accessible.”
Now, more than two decades later, Additional Lengths has evolved into a multi-award-winning brand with revenues reaching over £24 million, with Victoria herself nominated for the Entrepreneurs’ Forum Scale-up Entrepreneur of the Year award for 2024. Despite such impressive growth, the journey was far from straightforward.
“One of the biggest early challenges was communication and accessibility to manufacturers,” she explains. The digital landscape we take for granted today wasn’t there when she began. Manufacturers were difficult to find, let alone communicate with effectively, but she persevered. Her determination was further tested by financial institutions reluctant to support her business. “Banks didn’t see it as viable,” she remembers. At a time when entrepreneurship was very much male-dominated, particularly for a young woman, she faced scepticism head-on. “Young women founders were never taken seriously,” she says candidly, “but if you stay true to yourself, know your product inside out, know your audience and know you’re going to make it work, you push aside doubt and just get on.”
Victoria’s tenacity soon paid off. Additional Lengths began growing steadily, and in 2013 she expanded, launching Remi Cachet, a premium brand catering specifically to hair professionals. The decision to split her business into consumer-focused Additional Lengths and professional-driven Remi Cachet proved pivotal. “Separating the brands allowed flexibility. Remi Cachet speaks directly to trained professionals and this clarity allows Additional Lengths to stay true to its core consumer values.”
The ability to deeply understand her audience is a defining characteristic of her leadership and key to her remarkable growth – achieved notably without a traditional sales team until recently. “Our gross revenue last year was £24 million, and that was without a sales team. I only hired my first salesperson a few months ago. For me, product and customer have always come first,” she says. Her decisions consistently reflect her deep industry knowledge and intuition as a hair professional. “When I make decisions, it’s always with a clear understanding of how it will land – will it resonate, will it work? That’s the hair professional in me,” she explains.
So, what makes Additional Lengths stand out in what is now such a fiercely competitive industry? Victoria answers simply: “I’m at the helm of the business.” Her professional background is a powerful differentiator. “No other global brand of our size has a hair professional leading it. I understand what customers want before they do.”
This personal touch, combined with industry expertise, has seen Additional Lengths and Remi Cachet thrive. Yet, even at her current level of success, Victoria’s ambitions remain bold. Her long-term goal is clear: “Global domination.”
Remi Cachet’s entry into the US market highlights the brand’s ambition, despite encountering hurdles such as shifting trade regulations and tariff challenges. Initially working through a US distributor, Victoria eventually opted for direct control after realising they weren’t aligning with her high standards of service and brand presentation. “We took back control. We’ve invested massively in the US,” she shares, explaining how the landscape shifted as major American brands owned by private equity firms began cutting corners on product quality for profit. This created a backlash within the industry, opening opportunities for Victoria to step in with her high standards.
Yet, challenges persist. “The tariff situation impacted us significantly. We withdrew from exhibitions because the returns weren’t there,” she says. Instead, she pivoted her focus to Europe, Australia, and the Middle East. “No matter the challenge, it’s always an opportunity. You just take a different route,” she adds, maintaining an unfailingly optimistic perspective.
With her business going from strength to strength, Victoria had more on her plate than she could handle and it was time to seek support. Investment from Growth Partner – the investment firm backed by HomeServe founder and chief executive Richard Harpin – came at a pivotal moment, bringing both essential strategic insight and direction. Although they hold only a minority stake, their involvement has been significant, offering trusted guidance and business expertise.
“I started so young and never had a mentor or anyone to learn from,” she explains. “As the business grew, my role changed dramatically – from wearing every hat to becoming CEO – and I needed clarity on who and what the business required next.” The support received has helped Victoria navigate critical decisions on staffing, roles and timing, essential for scaling without costly missteps. While the business remains firmly under her leadership, the fresh perspective she’s gained has informed decisions on mergers, acquisitions and strategic growth, ensuring Additional Lengths and Remi Cachet continue their upward trajectory.
Behind the robust business acumen there is a strong belief in cultivating a positive company culture. Despite growing from a small, family-like team to a much larger organisation, Victoria remains hands-on. “People see me roll my sleeves up and put in the hard work, and I believe it inspires them to do the same. You leave your ego at the door – we’re all on the same team.”
Her approach to leadership resonates deeply within the business. “I’ve always said you need to recognise and reward staff, to show them this is a great place to work. That’s important to me,” she emphasises.
Looking back over her impressive career, Victoria identifies one of her proudest achievements as her ability to remain authentic. “Being where I am now and building these businesses to where I have while maintaining my values without compromise. That’s what allows me to sleep well at night.” Additionally, her gratitude to The Prince’s Trust, now The King’s Trust, which supported her when banks would not, is something she deeply treasures. “I’ve come full circle – I’m now an ambassador and donor, helping the next generation of female entrepreneurs.”
Her advice to fellow entrepreneurs on a similar path: “Think long-term, beyond immediate gains. Invest in people – they generate growth. If you’re not willing to do that, your business won’t grow, and you’ll burn out.” And importantly, she adds, “Don’t just follow trends. Stick to what you know, build trust and understand your audience inside out.”
It’s this steadfast dedication and deep industry insight that positions Victoria for ongoing success, proving that passion, authenticity, and clarity can indeed lead to global ambitions becoming a reality.
