A Brief History of My Hairdressing Career…
It all began in November 2009. I’d just completed a work experience week in a salon and completely fell in love with the industry. I went straight home, opened the Yellow Pages, and started calling every salon in my local area until I found one with a vacancy.
That’s how I became a Saturday assistant at Umberto Giannini — and from that moment, I was hooked.
I spent all my wages on box dyes from Boots to practise on training heads and my friends. My bedroom regularly turned into a bit of a bootleg salon, and unfortunately, so did the bathroom… (sorry, Mum — the towels never recovered).
When I finished school, I was offered a full-time position at the salon, which I jumped at. I sat my last exam on 15th June 2010 and started full-time on the 16th. The transition from school to 40-hour weeks, late nights, and every Saturday was intense — but I loved it.
I received incredible training at the salon and attended college in Birmingham every Wednesday. I remember feeling very grown up getting the train into the city each week.
Finding My Feet
By 2012, I was 18 and fully qualified.
The next couple of years were tough. Building a clientele before social media meant relying on newspaper adverts and delivering leaflets door to door. Every cut and colour felt nerve-wracking, but slowly, my confidence grew. I became more knowledgeable, especially in colour, and started investing in further education — attending courses in London to develop both my cutting and colouring skills.
By early 2016, I had worked my way up from Junior Stylist to Assistant Manager.
Taking the Leap: L’Oréal ID Artist
In 2016, I knew I needed a new challenge.
I applied for the L’Oréal Professionnel ID Artist programme — a two-year talent progression scheme where only two people per region are selected. The application process was intense: you had to create a full look on a model, including hair, styling, and a mood board, then present it to a panel of judges.
I started preparing months in advance. Every 6–8 weeks, I stayed late at the salon experimenting with different toners on my model (a very patient friend with a full bleach!). Eventually, I created a white/grey look — technically challenging but very on-trend — paired with a monochrome outfit to really let the hair speak.
On audition day, I was so nervous. But the judges loved it — and a week later, I got the call: I’d been selected for the 2016–2018 cohort.
That opportunity opened so many doors. I trained in Barcelona (twice), attended education events in Leeds and London, and presented on behalf of L’Oréal at the Colour Trophy Tour in Bristol. The networking alone was invaluable.
Presenting on behalf of L’Oréal in Bristol
The winning entry
Becoming a Colour Specialist
During that time, I met many colourists who had completed the L’Oréal Colour Specialist programme — the highest qualification L’Oréal offers — and I knew I had to do it.
The course ran over 15 weeks, with weekly trips to the London academy, live models, intensive theory, homework, and a huge portfolio. All alongside working full-time.
At the end, there was a three-day exam: one day of theory and two days of practical, where everything was assessed — from your colour choices and application to how clean and organised you were working.
It was one of the hardest things I’ve done… but also one of the best. I qualified with a distinction, achieving 98%, and it shaped me into the colourist I am today.
Action Shot.. Colour Specialist qualification
Going Freelance
By 2019, I had bought my first home and felt ready for another big step — going freelance.
It wasn’t an easy decision. I loved the salon that had trained me and given me so much, but I wanted flexibility and a new challenge.
I rented a chair in a small beauty salon in Stourbridge, expecting to build slowly — but I got busy very quickly, which was amazing.
Then, of course, the world shut down.
Covid & Growth
Looking back, Covid was actually a turning point for my business. When we reopened, demand was huge, and I needed support — so I brought in an assistant.
From there, things grew quickly. Opportunities came, and I took them.
Building My Own Space
In late 2021, the premises on Lower High Street became available — and I just knew I had to take it.
What started as a team of three quickly grew to five… and now we’re a team of over ten.
During this time, I also became a UK Lead Educator for AlterEgo Italy, which took me to Venice twice for training — an incredible experience. I still use their colour range today and genuinely love it.
Continuing to Evolve
I’ve always believed you never stop learning in this industry.
To elevate my cutting skills, I completed a three-day masterclass in London with a former Sassoon cutting team member. I connected really well with the educator and followed it up with three additional days of one-to-one training, refining my precision work — especially bobs, crops, and fringes.
More recently, I became a Kérastase Care Coach — a year-long programme that includes advanced training, business support, and networking opportunities in London.
Where I Am Now
Today, I still spend 3–4 days a week behind the chair with my clients — which I love — and also work in Ascot on Fridays.
What’s Next?
I’m always learning, always evolving.
The future? Continuing to grow the salon, develop the team, and introduce new services that elevate the experience for our clients.
Watch this space.