EP374: Charlotte Mensah – Women In Business (Takeover #5)

In today’s episode, Dom welcomes Wella Education Brand Manager Jon Walker and Sebastian Professional educator and expert Richard Windle to the How To Cut It podcast, in partnership with Wella Professionals UK & Ireland, to explore the brand’s chic glow up from grunge to glam. This episode dives into Sebastian’s fearless hair artist legacy, community building, and how fashion culture meets real-life salon work. Hear practical social tips for getting your work seen, insights on hybrid, high-performance products, and the role of education, workshops, and online learning across Wella’s platforms. Learn how to tag effectively, get featured, and plug into a global network of creatives. Plus, inspiring stories of transformation, creativity, and collaboration that will elevate your craft, whether you’re behind the chair or backstage. Tune in for strategy, inspiration, and a clear view of what’s next for Sebastian Professional on this episode today. Chapter Timelines 4:08 Meet John and Richard 4:32 The Evolution of Sebastian Professional 6:32 Understanding the Brand's Legacy 9:13 The Community of Sebastian Artists 12:56 Creativity and Hair Artistry 15:20 Testimonials of Transformation 21:34 The Power of Hybrid Products 26:37 Connecting Fashion and Real Life 32:08 The Role of Education in Hairdressing 38:32 A New Era for Sebastian Professional 41:57 Final Thoughts and Takeaways Resources FOLLOW SEBASTIAN PROFESSIONAL ON INSTAGRAM @SEBASTAINPRO_OFFICIAL VISIT SEBASTIAN PROFESSIONAL WEBSITE HERE FOLLOW SEBASTIAN PROFESSIONAL CULT TEAM ON INSTAGRAM @SEBASTIAN_CULTTEAMUKI FOLLOW WELLA PROFESSIONALS UKI ON INSTAGRAM @WELLAPROFESSIONALSUKI FOR MORE ON WELLA PROFESSIONALS EDUCATION VISIT HERE

In this final Women in Business Takeover episode, host Samantha Cusick meets Charlotte Mensah to explore creativity, leadership, and purpose. From Ghana furniture-making to salon craft, Charlotte candidly unpacks navigating race, hair politics, and today’s “everyone’s a founder” culture, plus how listening, community, and integrity can spark real industry change. She shares the highs and lessons of building a brand, the discipline behind true craftsmanship, and how cooking, home life in Ghana, and moments of deep focus quiet a “busy brain.” Expect practical wisdom for all of you salon owners, textured-hair pros, and those seeking longevity, integrity, and community-centered growth, with actionable takeaways. Press play for grounded, real-world guidance you can act on today—and don’t miss the final minutes, where Charlotte shares the mindset that sustained 25+ years in business, her go-to "busy brain" reset, and a challenge for salon owners to try this week. Stick around for resources, next steps, and inspiration.   Chapter Timestamps 2:49 Meet Charlotte Mensah 4:37 Creativity and Personal Growth 9:10 Healing Through Hair 12:30 The Journey into Hairdressing 21:32 Building a Community in Salons 25:10 Launching a Product Line 28:00 The Importance of Authenticity 35:51 Navigating Race and Hair Politics 44:38 Quick Fire Questions 50:41 Takeaways   Resources Follow Charlotte on Instagram @charlottemensah Visit Charlotte's Website: charlottemensah.com Checkout the Manketti Oil Haircare Range: charlottemensah.com/collections/manketti-oil Get the Good Hair book by Charlotte Mensah HERE Visit Samantha Cusick salon website  HERE Sta Studios visit sta-studios.com Silly Little Girls Club podcast on Spotify click HERE Samantha Cusick on Instagram @smantha.cusick Sta Studios on Instagram @sta__studios Follow Dom Lehane on Instagram @domlehane Follow How To Cut It on Instagram @howtocutit

In the next episode of the Women in Business Takeover series, hosted by Samantha Cusick, we hear from the phenomenal Lisa Farrall—award-winning session stylist, educator, and advocate for diversity in the hair industry. With boldness, humor, and insight, Lisa shares her journey of breaking barriers, championing textured hair, and creating space for inclusivity in hairstyling. Lisa also opens up about her struggles, from overcoming shame after professional setbacks to stepping confidently into her role as a trailblazer. Whether you’re an aspiring stylist, seasoned professional, or just curious about what makes Lisa a powerhouse in the industry, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice. Chapter Timestamps 3:01 Meet Lisa Farrell 5:20 Lisa's Journey Begins 9:05 The Importance of Learning 10:32 Lessons from the Salon 11:34 Turning Setbacks into Success 16:48 The Power of Resilience 22:26 Embracing Your Identity 28:04 Hurdles and Highs 33:16 Navigating Business Challenges 42:09 Championing Equality in Hair 44:53 The Role of Mentorship 47:23 Female Empowerment in Business Resources Follow Lisa Farrall on Instagram: @lisafarrall Learn more about WIG London on Instagram: @wig_london Visit Lisa Farrall’s Website: www.lisafarrall.com

In the third episode of the Women in Business Takeover, hosted by Samantha Cusick, we meet the brilliant Danielle Garner. Danielle shares her journey of building Wildflower and Wholehearted Dublin, each founded on principles of wellness, creativity, and work-life balance. She reveals how intuition and thoughtful innovation have shaped her success in the industry, as well as the challenges she’s overcome along the way. Samantha and Danielle discuss managing business growth, learning from mistakes, and creating spaces that feel good for both clients and staff. Whether you’re an aspiring salon entrepreneur or interested in hearing about the visionary approach for a better working-life for all in  the hairdressing industry, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration. Chapter Timestamps: 6:53 Danielle's Journey to Wildflower Studio 11:58 Creating a Nurturing Work Environment 16:56 The Importance of Core Values 22:39 Navigating Burnout and Self-Care 32:47 Exploring Toxicity in Hair Products 41:41 Introducing Wholehearted Concepts 48:08 Rapid-Fire Questions with Danielle   Resources: Samantha Cusick Salon Website (Click Here) Sta Studios Silly Little Girls Club Podcast on Spotify (Click Here) Instagram: @smantha.cusick | @sta__studios Danielle Garner: Website | Instagram: @daniellegarner Wildflower: Website | Instagram: @wildflower.dublin Wholehearted: Website | Instagram: @wholehearted.dublin

In Episode 2 of the *How To Cut It* Women in Business Takeover, Samantha Cusick, owner of Samantha Cusick London, founder of Sta Studios, hosts an inspiring conversation with twice-nominated British Hairdresser of the Year (2024 & 2025) and former London Hairdresser of the Year, Jordanna Cobella. Jordanna is a popular and much loved guest on the How To Cut It podcast and an ambassador for Wella. She also owns Cobella London, one of London's leading salons. In this conversation, Samantha explores Jordanna's journey that has seen her become one of the leading names in hairdressing, alongside sharing her insights on salon ownership, leadership, managing multiple roles including motherhood. This uplifting episode is a must-listen for hairdressers and salon owners looking to grow their businesses and fuel their passion for the industry.   Chapter Timestamps 3:10: Meet Jordana Cobella 7:11: Navigating Hairdressing and Law 9:42: The Journey to Creative Director 14:29: Balancing Business and Motherhood 26:28: Embracing Life's Changes 30:17: The Salon Fire Incident 33:38: Managing with Emotional Intelligence 37:24: Building Business Culture 38:47: Plot Twists and Lessons Learned 42:04: Surrendering to Control  To find out more on Jordanna Cobella and Samantha Cusick see the links below Jordanna Cobella on Instagram @jordannacobella Cobella visit cobella.co.uk Samantha Cusick salon website click HERE Sta Studios visit sta-studios.com Silly Little Girls Club podcast on Spotify click HERE Samantha Cusick on Instagram @smantha.cusick Sta Studios on Instagram @sta__studios

Welcome to the first special episode of our August Takeover, "Women in Business." Hosted by Samantha Cusick, owner of both Samantha Cusick salon in Notting Hill and Sta Studios. This series shines a spotlight on the trailblazing women redefining what it means to lead in our hair industry. Kicking things off features a compelling conversation between Samantha and her special guest Ashleigh Hodges, the youngest female president of the Fellowship for British Hairdressing and founder of MASH Studios London, a creative space for freelancers. In this insightful episode, Ashleigh shares her journey from working in her mother's salon to becoming a leader in a male-dominated industry. Explore the challenges women face, including self-doubt and microaggressions, and discover how mentorship and community support can make a difference. Gain valuable leadership insights as Ashleigh emphasises the importance of authenticity, creativity, and passion. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring female leaders and hairdressers! Join Samantha again next week for more inspiring conversations celebrating women in business, with Jordanna Cobella. Chapters 3:15: Spotlight on Ashleigh Hodges 7:19: Journey to Leadership 10:06: Creating Safe Spaces 14:00: Building a Community 16:25: Embracing Change 21:43: The Role of Women 25:38: Micro-aggressions in Business 27:37: Channeling Experiences 28:28: The Importance of Collaboration 33:56: Celebrating Women in Business 37:09: Navigating Awards and Recognition Links to todays episode Samantha Cusick salon website click HERE Sta Studios visit sta-studios.com Silly Little Girls Club podcast on Spotify click HERE Samantha Cusick on Instagram @smantha.cusick Sta Studios on Instagram @sta__studios Fellowship for British Hairdressing visit HERE Ashleigh Hodges on Instagram @ashleigh_hodges_hair Ashleigh Hodges website visit HERE Mash Creative visit mash-creative.co.uk

Celebrity hairdresser Michael Douglas joins the How To Cut It podcast in this blockbuster episode! From his early days in hairdressing to becoming a well-known TV personality (BBC1’s One Show), Instagram influencer (@mdlondon), and the partner of Davina McCall (co-host of the Making The Cut podcast), Michael’s journey has been anything but ordinary. We explore his career-defining moments, including the controversial advice he gave on The One Show during lockdown that led to industry backlash, lost brand contracts, death threats, and an Ofcom investigation. Despite this, Michael continued to build on his true passion of helping people feel their best by becoming the leading hair care consumer-focused hairdresser, building his award-winning mdlonondon styling tools brand, sharing expert insights on his Instagram lives with his 236K Instagram loyal legion of followers, and inspiring consumers to look and feel their very best with their hair. This raw, candid conversation highlights resilience, risk-taking, hard work, and why Michael believes bridging the gap between hairdressers and consumers is vital for the industry. Whether you're a hairdresser seeking inspiration or just curious about his story, this episode is packed with lessons and powerful takeaways. Don’t miss it! Resources to todays episode MD London Website: mdlondon.com  MD London on Instagram: @mdlondon How To Cut It on Instagram @howtocutit Watch Interview on YouTube @howtocutit

In this episode brought to you by Wella Professionals UK & Ireland, we explore the resurgence of perming and texture services within the hairdressing industry, joined by experts Charlie Taylor, Sarah Mason, and Suki Supermama. We discuss the evolution of modern perms using the relaunched Wella Perm, moving beyond their outdated 80s reputation to become a versatile, fashion-forward option that highlights personalisation and diversity in hair types. The conversation highlights the cultural influences driving younger generations towards curls and waves, the improvements in perming techniques and products, and the importance of education for stylists. We delve into the potential for increased salon revenue through perm services and the necessity for professionals to adapt to changing client desires. Concluding on an empowering note, we emphasise that the resurgence of perms signifies a cultural shift, inviting hairdressers to embrace curls for their clients as a form of dynamic self-expression and style. Links & Resources Education: Contact your local Wella Studio for information on perming education. Product information CLICK HERE To discover the world of texture on Wella.com Purchase full range of perming products from Wellastore Connect with Wella Professionals UKI on Instagram @wellaprofessionlasuki Find Wella Professionals on TikTok @wellauki

In this episode of How To Cut It In A Hairdressing Industry Podcast, I speak with Kieran Tudor, co-founder of Centred, a brand dedicated to enhancing hair health through internal wellness.  We discuss Kieran's inspiring journey from being named British Hairdresser Newcomer of the Year to navigating personal challenges that led to the creation of Centred. He shares the emotional impact of stress-related hair loss on his wife and how it sparked an innovative approach to hair care centered on nutrition and scalp health. Kieran also highlights the research behind Centred's products, the importance of mentorship in the industry, and his vision for expanding the brand beyond the UK. His story emphasises the connection between personal experiences and professional growth, showcasing resilience in the pursuit of meaningful change within the hairdressing community. Resources to todays episode LEARN MORE ON CENTRED ONLINE AT WEARECENTRED.COM CONNECT WITH CENTRED ON INSTAGRAM @WEARECENTRED FIND CENTRED ON FACEBOOK HERE SEE THE FULL PODCAST EPISODE ON YOUTUBE HERE LEARN MORE ON JOINING HTCI PLATFORM HERE

Ready to elevate your teaching skills and become a leader in hair education? In this episode, we sit down with renowned educators coach Chris Moody to explore his 5-Week Educators Training Programme, crafted specifically for hairdressers and barbers aiming to excel as standout educators. Chris shares practical insights on simplifying content, engaging learners, building confidence, and creating transformational teaching experiences. Whether you’re just starting your journey in education or looking to sharpen your skills, this programme provides the tools and support to help you inspire and lead the next generation of hair professionals. Tune in and start your path to greatness! How to Enrol: Enrolment details, pricing, and additional benefits are shared at the end of the episode. Don’t miss this chance to take your teaching to the next level and make a bigger impact in the hair and beauty industry. Links & Resources: Learn more about Chris Moody’s 5-Week Educators Training Programme HERE Register your interest on joining Chris Moody's 5 week Educators Training programme by emailing us HERE Visit Chris Moody online HERE Connect with Chris Moody on Instagram @ChrisMoodyHair Join HTCI Platform on Circle HERE