EP328: Reassessing Your Path – Solo Episode

Are you a hairstylist looking to elevate your career and get your salon on the map? Then today's episode of the How To Cut It podcast is exactly what you need to tune into. Put on your headphones, turn up the volume, and stay locked in as we dive deep into the world of industry awards with a special focus on local recognition and why it matters more than you might think. We're joined by none other than Kate Jeffery, the visionary founder of Salon Awards. Kate sheds light on how these awards aren't just about accolades; they're a transformational platform for smaller salons struggling to make their mark. "It's not just about winning; it's about improving your business practices and gaining the recognition you truly deserve," she tells us. This episode isn't just insightful—it's packed with the inspiration and information you need to turbocharge your hairdressing or barbering career. Kate breaks down the concept of the Salon Awards, from the various categories and the entry process at salonawards.co.uk to how these accolades are designed to be accessible to all. "We're here to celebrate your passion, your story, and your craft," she emphasizes. I get to the heart of the ethical side of awards, challenging Kate on criticisms that such events are merely money-making ventures. Her response? "We invest heavily in technology and administration to ensure a fair, transparent, and authentic experience." "The big takeaway?" Kate shares powerful stories of past winners whose careers have skyrocketed, thanks to leveraging their awards for marketing and community building. This week's episode is a must-listen for every hairstyling professional out there. From the power of local recognition to the nuts and bolts of creating a winning entry, we cover it all. Kate's commitment to genuine recognition and her dedication to supporting the hairdressing community is truly inspiring. Don't miss out on this invaluable conversation—especially with the upcoming deadlines for Salon Awards' nights in London and Manchester. This could be your year, so stay tuned all the way to the end to find out how to make the most of this opportunity

Today, it's just you and me - an open mic solo session where I dig deep into the enormous impact of taking time to reassess where you are in your life and career. Since kicking off in 2017, "How to Cut It" has grown into so much more than a podcast; it's become a community, a platform for education, and a spotlight for industry innovation. As we recently celebrated being named Industry Podcast of the Year at the Hairbrained Awards, I found myself reflecting on just how transformative this journey has been, not only for me but for many of you in our listening community. Throughout this episode, I'll share details about the origins of our podcast and the pivotal moments that have defined its evolution. The creation of the How to Cut It platform was a milestone, born from the desire to extend our reach beyond the audio episodes into a comprehensive resource for career development and inspiration. In a special announcement, I'm thrilled to invite our audience to join the upcoming HAIRCON - the new day and night hair festival coming the O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester from the 22nd-24th June. And yes, the How to Cut It 'Open Platform' stage will be there! It’s your chance to shine, to show what unique contributions you can make. Moreover, this episode is a personal reflection on the value of reassessment. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned professional, revisiting your goals and realigning your career trajectory can open doors to unexpected opportunities. This dialogue, unscripted and straight from the heart, aims to inspire you to embrace change, seek growth, and cherish those wins! I invite you to join the reassessment journey with me. Share your stories, connect with our vibrant community on social media, and continue to be a part of this incredible adventure. Thank you, our cherished listeners, guests, and supporters, for growing with "How to Cut It." Here's to moving forward, together. Hope you enjoy this open mic solo episode raw and uncut—let's get started!

In the latest How To Cut It podcast, we're exploring hair loss and the transformative role hairdressers can play as Hair Loss Advisors with trichologist Tiffany Hall. With a career that evolved from a hair colourist at Vidal Sassoon to a trichologist, Tiffany has championed the integration of trichology into salon services, significantly impacting client care and confidence. Tiffany Hall discusses the rising issue of hair loss among younger demographics and how her services, including the innovative Scalp Scope Service, address this. She emphasizes holistic care that goes beyond standard hair treatments to include male grooming and managing menopausal effects on hair health. Central to our conversation is Tiffany's Hair Loss 360 online course program, designed to educate hairstylists on diagnosing and treating hair and scalp health issues, turning them into adept Hair Loss Advisors. This knowledge enables stylists to offer personalised, brand neutral advice and early intervention solutions. Tiffany’s approach is holistic, considering dietary, hormonal, and lifestyle factors. She also highlights advanced treatments like Keravive scalp treatment, PRP, and Exosomes hair loss therapy. Collaboration with dermatologists and healthcare professionals is key to her success in providing targeted care. Tiffany's vision extends beyond treating hair; it's about nurturing client well-being and confidence. This episode is a clarion call for the hair and beauty industry to integrate hair loss advise into their services, enhancing both client satisfaction and salon business. It serves as an inspiring guide for professionals aiming to broaden their impact and support clients through their hair health journeys.

In today episode we're joined by Adam Thomas, the innovative founder behind salonspy. In our conversation we're to discover the critical role of client reviews in the salon industry and uncover why they are more than just feedback—they are the cornerstone for building trust and driving business growth. According to Qualtrics, 96% of consumers read a review before purchasing – with 86% of those consumers specifically seeking out reviews with responses. With over 2000 salons currently using salonspy the easy-to-love (and even easier to use) review software, salonspy takes real-time insights from client feedback and provides the insight needed to help grow your business and enhance the customer experience. Adam is to walks us through how salonspy, a verified review platform, is revolutionising review management by integrating directly with salon software systems. This allows for the automatic collection of genuine reviews, making the process seamless for salon owners. Adam also delves into salonspy's journey since 2012, shedding light on the challenges faced and the evolution of their offerings to enhance user experiences with features like review moderation and Google review integration. If you're looking to leverage positive reviews to gain a competitive edge, attract more customers, and improve your services based on client feedback, this episode is laden with insights. By the end of our chat, you will appreciate how vital reviews are in building a reputable online presence and how salonspy is a valuable partner in this journey. Plus, Adam has a listeners—a one-month free trial of salonspy to see firsthand how it can enhance your salon business. Tune in to learn from Adam Thomas why nurturing client reviews is not just necessary but essential in scaling your salon business and staying ahead in the digital age.

In this week's episode of the How To Cut It podcast, we talk with Joanne Doward about her journey to becoming a college lecturer in hairdressing education, and how she's using that experience to inspire others in college hair education. With over 30 years dedicated to aspiring the next generation of stylists at West Suffolk College, in this episode, we explore the vital role college education plays in the hairdressing industry, touching upon the importance of passion, dedication, and industry collaborations. Joanne, a finalist at this year's HJ Business Awards 'Educator of the Year' and a previous finalist for the Trevor Sorbie Award in 2023, disputes the notion that college lecturers lack industry enthusiasm. She shares how many college hair lecturers strive to teach excellence and foster constructive feedback. Discover the transformative effects of competitions and networking for skills development and confidence building, and understand the significance of support from organisations like Concept Hair Magazine and the Association of Hairdressers and Therapists. Tune in for a deep dive into the benefits of hairdressing college education, the partnership between salons and colleges, and the nurturing of young talent, providing a wealth of insights for those interested in a thriving career as a hairdressing college lecturer. Don’t miss out on the wealth of knowledge and inspiration Joanne brings to the next generation of hairdressers.

In today's episode of the How to Cut It podcast, I dive into a conversation with Dylan McConnachie – 3 times finalist for the coveted British Hairdressing Awards 'Avant Garde Hairdresser of The Year' and former contestant of Channel 4's Big Blowout series. Dylan is to shed light on the significance of why it's important for him to find industry recognition, validation, and approval. I explore Dylan's quest for professional acclaim and personal fulfilment in an industry that thrives on creativity and visual appeal. Why does all the accolades matter so much to him? Delving into Dylan's experience on Channel 4's Big Blowout, he candidly discusses the challenges of showcasing his real personality on screen, drawing lessons from stepping out of his comfort zone and overcoming past experiences of bullying that shaped his confidence and resilience in the hairdressing industry. Throughout the episode, our candid dialogue explores themes of ambition, self-discovery, and the pursuit of excellence in the dynamic realm of hairdressing. Its an insightful journey of self-exploration and growth in the ever-changing world of hairdressing. Tune in to learn how Dylan' relentless pursuit of success that is driving him forward in his hairdressing career and beyond.

Join us on this week's episode of HTCI as we dive into the depths of Session Styling with Adam Garland. Adam is a renowned session stylist recognised for his innovative approach in the field of backstage hair styling education In our conversation, Adam is to lay bare his tumultuous path to success, marked by personal challenges, including overcoming drug addiction and navigating life with a disability. His raw and candid account illustrates the resilience required to rise in the industry, coupled with the critical importance of evolving from a salon stylist to a backstage expert. Adam's journey from honing his craft in the salon to shining backstage with pop culture icons like Cher offers an exclusive glimpse into the transformation that mastering product manipulation and brand building can bring to a session stylist's career. He underscores the value of recognising your worth and the economic realities of the freelance fashion world, as well as the significance of fostering a personal brand in this competitive arena. Delving deeper into Adam's professional chronicles, we see his passion for inclusion and advocacy for those with disabilities in fashion, drawing strength from his experiences with muscular dystrophy. His story is one of turning adversities into advantages. In addition to storytelling, Adam unpacks his Backstage Accelerator course, an invaluable resource for aspiring stylists focused on developing the essential skills, from creating flawless ponytails to applying wigs, to thrive in the demanding Fashion Week circuit. Tune in for a masterclass in ambition, artistry, and authentic backstage insight. Adam not only shares his profound knowledge of session styling but also imparts the intangible skills of perseverance and communication necessary for anyone aiming to make their mark in this dynamic industry. Don't miss this compelling narrative that promises to inspire and guide generations of stylists to come.

Today we kick off a new HTCI series titled "Meet The Brand". In this series, we get to explore the products, uncover the stories, delve into the vision, and discover everything in between to industry-leading and up & coming hair care brands. Get an exclusive look into what makes them unique and successful. First up in this series is Quif Hair. A colour brand who's mission is to develop a line of professional hairdressing products that champions creativity, breaks from the norm and defies stuffy corporate logic, giving you… the stylist… whatever you need to be at the top of your game. In this episode we are to get an in-depth look at the Quif professional products, delve into Quif Centre Stage - a competition that asks rising hair talent to bring their imagination from salon to stage, plus we get to discover how you could become part of their soon-to-launch art team. Joining me for this conversation is the current Quif Centre Stage winner Brooke O'Donnell, Alan Howard's Education Manager Sarah Dickenson and their Marking Manager Wendy Berry. Whether you're an aspiring hairstylist seeking a breakthrough or a seasoned professional looking to take your career to new heights, this podcast episode is required listening. So get set to unleash your creative potential and propel your hairstyling journey forward with Quif Hair.

In this episode of the How To Cut It podcast, we are joined by the incredibly talented Melissa Timperley, a rising star in the hairdressing industry. Melissa is the founder of the renowned Melissa Timperley Salons in Manchester's Northern Quarter and the brains behind MT Masterclass and the MT Masterclass App. As a multi award winning hairstylist, Melissa's extensive experience and passion for education have led her to develop a revolutionary approach to precision cutting, which is more important than ever as the demand for top-quality commercial and beautiful haircuts continues to rise. Through her MT Masterclass App and in-person MT Education, Melissa offers hair professionals like you the opportunity to take your cutting skills to the highest level, commanding top prices for your services. During the episode, we'll learn about Melissa's game-changing MT Masterclass App and her in-person bespoke precision cutting courses offered through MT Masterclass. Trust me, this is the kind of education that will set you apart and take your hair cutting to the highest level. Melissa also provides valuable insights into the art of hair cutting, discussing the importance of precision and techniquesPlus that will give you deeper understanding of the trends that are shaping the industry today.  Plus, you'll gain tips from Melissa on how to  deliver stunning haircut results you clients are wanting. If you're looking to elevate your hair cutting game, stay ahead of the curve, then this episode with Melissa is a must-listen. To fully immerse yourself in Melissa's expertise, make sure to visit MT Masterclass website HERE. Alright, let's get started. I know you're going to be blown away by everything Melissa has to share. So, grab your notepad, get comfortable, and let's learn how to cut it together.

Today we have the pleasure of hosting Chloe Swift, a leading name in the world of hair content creation. In this episode, we are diving into the exciting and emerging career pathway of a Content Hair Creator. With over 550,000 followers across her 3 main platforms, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube and  currently holding the #1 ranking in the National Hair & Beauty Federation’s Top 100 Hair & Beauty Influencer Index of 2023, Chlöe takes us on her inspiring journey that led her to become such a prominent figure in the hair industry. Recorded live in the 'HTCI PodShed Studio', throughout the conversation, we unravel the essence of being a Content Hair Creator and gain valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs that come with establishing one's brand. Discover the strategies Chloe employed to navigate the ever-evolving social media landscape and learn how she stays ahead of the curve. Join us to uncover the future trends and technologies that impact this exciting field as a Content Hair Creator. We also get a glimpse into Chloe's forward-thinking vision for the future of Content Hair Creators. If you're curious about this new career pathway in the hair industry or aspire to become a Content Hair Creator yourself, this podcast is a must-listen. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the role, learn from Chloe's remarkable career journey, and explore the ins and outs of what it means to be a Content Hair Creator."