ACTIVATOR 2025
Is business proving a headache? Need someone to talk to about it? For the fourth year running we’re delighted to bring you Activator, the free mentoring scheme from Creative HEAD and The Industry, providing help and support for all hairdressing business owners.
APPLICATIONS CLOSED
Applications close Friday 29 November 2024
Activator is the free mentoring scheme from Creative HEAD and The Industry, open to all business owners at any stage of their career, that could see you being paired with a top industry name – an Activator – who will act as your mentor for a full 12 months, commencing January 2025.
During this time your Activator will act as your sounding board, provide honest advice, introduce relevant and valuable contacts and networks and help you learn and grow.
You’ll also have access to valuable insight and advice from our 2025 Activator partner, Phorest, in a series of four insightful workshops designed to help grow your business while retaining your creativity.
What you can expect
• 12 months of access to your mentor (minimum six meetings)
• invitation to a series of business-building workshops with our 2025 Activator partner, Phorest
• become part of a like-minded Activator community
Meet the 2025 Activators
JANICE BECK - Arapio
My ideal mentee: “Someone whose business is overwhelming them – whether it’s taken off beyond their wildest dreams or just because there’s sooo much to do and never enough hours in the day. Alternatively, someone who’s just starting out, has a great technical skill set but feels afraid and unsure about business basics.”
Janice is the founder of Arapio, a business designed to make online consultation and record-keeping in the hair and beauty sectors quick, secure and affordable. With almost 20 years in the beauty industry, both as a hands-on therapist and salon owner/manager, she has a great understanding of the full range of skills needed to succeed in the industry.
Applications close Friday 29 November 2024
LAUREN BELL - Freelance
My ideal mentee: “Someone who is looking to go into session and wants to build a clientele.”
Former-mentee-turned-Activator-mentor, London-based Lauren spent years honing her craft before going freelance in January 2020. She is self-represented, but this hasn’t held her back in her career, with highlights including prestigious publications such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and Elle, as well as working regularly with artist and performer Bimini and Self Esteem, plus brands like Juicy Couture and Sephora. From assisting Guido and Sam McKnight to being Richard Phillipart’s first assistant, Lauren’s stellar trajectory saw her win the Most Wanted Independent Stylist award in 2024. Now she is keen to offer help to those on the way up.
Applications close Friday 29 November 2024
CASEY COLEMAN - Freelance
My ideal mentee: “I’d love someone in Wales or the South West if possible, and would be keen to help them reach industry goals like working on stage, improving their social media, entering awards and gaining more clients.”
Casey Coleman is a self-made success story. He’s currently the only stylist working at his Chair Studio in Cardiff, which he founded in 2018, and the first to offer gender-neutral pricing in Wales, which has made him a big hit with the LGBQT community (he currently has a wait list of six months for new clients). In 2025 Casey will be expanding to create a new co-working space for freelance professionals in the Welsh capital. He’s also stormed to the top on social media, where his 178k+ Instgram and almost 200k TikTok followers are treated to videos of his fun-loving appointments where he warmly chats with clients of all ages while transforming their looks. He also creates branded content, whether that be entertaining, educational or inspirational, and was the first industry content creator to be signed by influencer agency, Stellar Represents.
Applications close Friday 29 November 2024
MIKE COOPER - Inspiring Salons
My ideal mentee: “Someone who believes in the process of mentoring and who has the time and dedication to attend the process and see it through from beginning to end. Sometimes mentoring benefits don’t materialise until after a few sessions.”
As well as offering mentoring to small business owners via Government programmes ‘Help to Grow’ and ‘Enterprise Nation’, Mike’s background includes 30 years in salon design and project management, meaning he has a wealth of knowledge and experience at his fingertips. His business, Inspiring Salons, is completely independent, allowing him to offer not only the complete package of salon design and build, but also advice on everything from finance and digital marketing to staff mentoring.
Applications close Friday 29 November 2024
CRISTINA FAZZONE - Freelance
My ideal mentee: “Someone who has an idea or goal but lacks the confidence to get going with it, or a hairdresser who is focused on hair colouring and works independently/freelance as I have my expertise in these areas.”
An expert colourist, qualified educator and Creative Mindset Coach, Cristina is passionate about helping hairdressers feel more confident with their craft, both practically and mentally. “Through my own journey I realised how much we, as a collective group of artists, are limiting ourselves in our craft due to our mindset,” she says. “We have a skill, yet we doubt it.” Cristina is all about finding strategies for longterm success, helping you always achieve your career dreams.
Applications close Friday 29 November 2024
CHRIS FOSTER - Freelance
My ideal mentee: “An independent stylist who wants to amplify their profile.”
Men’s hair specialist Chris boasts a unique approach to men’s hairstyling, blending modern elements with traditional techniques. This distinctive perspective has positioned him as a sought-after expert, collaborating with top names at fashion week events. Throughout his career, Chris has made significant contributions at renowned salons such as The Refinery, Gentlemen’s Tonic in Mayfair, and the Harrods Barbershop in Knightsbridge. In 2023, he took the Men’s Hair Specialist and Independent Stylist titles at Creative HEAD’s Most Wanted awards. In addition, Chris is a brilliant mentor, who has a passion for nurturing people to get the best out of their career.
Applications close Friday 29 November 2024
ANGIE GOUDIE - Gaudi Hair
My ideal mentee: “I’m passionate about mind health, effective communication, leadership, team-building and salon culture and operations. I’ve spent years doing CPD so have lots to share!”
Angie opened Gaudi Hair over 25 years ago – its longevity a testament to her determination, perseverance and commitment to training. Team culture is outstanding here: they share an ethos, “We learn, we share, we grow”, and have become experts in colour, cutting and Afro hair through regular skills sharing sessions. Angie’s passion for personal development has led her to launch Gaudi Lifestyle, combining everything Gaudi knows about hair, beauty and style with powerful coaching techniques to help clients achieve their personal goals.
Applications close Friday 29 November 2024
JAYE MACDONALD - Linton & Mac
Co-owner of Linton & Mac, alongside Jennifer Linton, and a training assessor for the salon assistants, Jaye is passionate about building her team and helping make their dreams a reality. A social media geek (“It’s a slight obsession of mine!”), she’s an open-minded out-of-the-box thinker who pays attention to detail – and is currently figuring out how to get the right work/life balance juggling her young son with a 40-hour working week.
Applications close Friday 29 November 2024
COLIN MCANDREW - Medusa
My ideal mentee: “Someone who really needs to know their KPIs, and/or how to engage team.”
Colin describes himself as ‘the owner/MD/head janitor /motivator’ of Medusa Hairdressing, his group of six salons across Edinburgh. He’s introduced a raft of progressive policies, such as financial planning, menopause education and now what he calls ‘branchising’ – a new business model, where Colin is in partnership with the salon owners, responsible for supplier meetings, design, marketing, HR, education plans and career developments. “I take the stress away from the partners and allow them to be able to do what they are great at, which is running their own beautiful salon,” he says.
Applications close Friday 29 November 2024
SALLY MONTAGUE - Sally Montague Hair Group
My ideal mentee: “Someone who is looking to expand their business – maybe they want to open more salons, grow their employed team or add additional revenue streams. We offer spa treatments plus yoga, pilates and barre so I can diversify!”
The owner of seven super-busy salons based in and around Derby (including a £1 million state-of-the-art luxury town spa and hair studio), Sally celebrated her 40th anniversary in hairdressing with the announcement that she plans to open three more in the coming years. With daughters Angel (creative director) and Emmanelle (brand manager) also within the business, the Sally Montague Hair Group is a force to be reckoned with, supporting local communities, creating jobs (all Sally’s 60+ staff are fully employed) and stimulating economic growth. Passionate about training the next generation of hairdressers, Sally created a Five-Star Apprenticeship Scheme for new trainees, based around key points that are easy for both learners and their parents to understand and see the longterm prospects: education, opportunities, salons, stylist development and future growth. “We believe in learning ‘the right way’ and not ‘the quick way’,” says Sally. “Creating this apprenticeship made me raise my own game as well, creating a more exciting and varied programme for our apprentices.”
Applications close Friday 29 November 2024
CYRIL MORGAN - Cyril Morgan Hair
My ideal mentee: “Someone who needs help leading or growing a team, including planning education plans. I can also help someone wanting to move into photographic work, from creating a collection to organising shoots.”
After almost 40 years in hairdressing, including a stint running salons in Dubai, Cyril launched Cyril Morgan Hair in 2019, a five-star luxury salon on Limerick’s Riverside area. Among the high-quality services on offer are private consultations for women and men experiencing hair loss – for over two decades Cyril has been helping clients navigating hair loss challenges, offering compassionate support alongside his extensive expertise as a hairdresser. He brings that same empathy and attentiveness to his team of 15 staff, to whom he sees himself as a mentor and coach. “You’ve got to lead from the front,” he says. “Lead by example.” Cyril is also an accomplished session stylist and has worked as creative director on a number of high-profile published shoots.
Applications close Friday 29 November 2024
LEE NASH & ROB WHITE - NashWhite
Our ideal mentee: “A business or individual who is open-minded, isn’t so driven by numbers (as we’re not) and has a desire to do things a little differently.”
Lee Nash-Jones and Rob White started their brand Nashwhite in 2010. Fast-forward 13 years and they have two destination spaces in Warwick and Stratford-upon-Avon, 30 employees and a turnover in the millions. Their largest space, the Heist House opened in 2021 as the “ultimate community destination”, it’s a space where stylists, clients, freelancers, and locals mix. A synergy of hair, coffee, yoga, events, photography, work, and hair education, it’s the community that creates the space, and the fresh concept has boosted business profits, too. Creative director and extraordinary stylist Lee, leads the creative and visual side of the business while Rob White, spearheads strategic planning.
Applications close Friday 29 November 2024
RICHARD PHILLIPART - The Boutique Atelier
My ideal mentee: “A salon owner looking to improve staff retention / performance, launch or improve apprenticeships, and find their own passion and creative inspiration again.”
Richard opened his own salon aged just 22, and over the past 14 years in business has expanded The Boutique Atelier from four chairs to 21 and across three different locations; he now commands a team of 23 and is fully committed to their personal and professional development (“If you’re not inspired and motivated that translates into your team”). Alongside the increasing salon workload, he’s forged a major name for himself in the session world, leading shows in London, Paris and New York and shooting regularly for magazines including Vogue. He’s also been named ambassador for global brand, MyOrganics.
Applications close Friday 29 November 2024
KAYE SOTOMI - Chop Chop, London
My ideal mentee: “I can help with issues around recruitment and creating a culture in business or simply someone who’s low on motivation. Alternatively, I can advise someone looking for ways to integrate environmentally sustainable solutions into their business.”
An experienced marketing and business development executive, Kaye is also the co-founder of Chop Chop, a group of London salons that offers services for all, regardless of gender or hair texture, and a gender-neutral pricing structure that charges by time (£20 for every 20 minutes spent). He’s also a big believer in sustainable practices and a boxing and fitness enthusiast!
Applications close Friday 29 November 2024
LEE STAFFORD - Lee Stafford Education
After 35 years in hairdressing, there isn’t much that Lee hasn’t achieved. He’s owned multiple salons around the UK, Norway and Russia, won over 50 awards (including Most Wanted Influential Hairdresser), spent more than a decade on TV presenting on hair (or on his life) and has a haircare range that’s been Boots-exclusive for 20 years. Fully committed to education, and with 18 Lee Stafford Academies under his belt, he describes his purpose as “sending the elevator back down and shining a light on the next generation of talent.”
Applications close Friday 29 November 2024
NANCY STRIPE - Stripe Studio
My ideal mentee: “Someone who wants to craft their ideal clientele through social media and who wants to learn how to utilise it to attract the dream team and achieve personal objectives.”
Nancy’s business, Stripe Colour Studio in Handforth, near Manchester, is powered by colour. Not only is she an award-winning expert at consultations, a L’Oréal Guest Artist and a balayage specialist, Nancy’s decision to market to grey conversion clients has been lucrative (clients have been known to spend upwards of £600 in a single appointment) and it’s also led to launching Grey Empowerment Education, which took Nancy all the way to the 2024 Most Wanted Grand Final in the Award for Innovation and Colour Expert categories.
Applications close Friday 29 November 2024
ANNE VECK & KEITH MELLEN
Our ideal mentee: “A salon owner or freelancer who is keen to go green, and is relatively early in their sustainability journey.”
Anne and Keith are former winners of the Most Wanted Sustainability Hero award and offer a free Salon Re:Source toolkit to all hairdressing businesses, packed with ideas and practical solutions. In their salon, CO2 emissions have been slashed by more than 50 per cent since 2013. Water use has been reduced by 65 per cent, salon stationery is being phased out and you’ll find no single-use cups or bottles. Team members are Eco Hair & Beauty certified, with all travelling to work by foot, bike or public transport.
Applications close Friday 29 November 2024
KAREN WHARTON - Obsession Salon & Spa
My ideal mentee: “I’d be good with a start-up, focusing on setting up vision and KPIs. I like the foundations of great business – it’s important to get this set up for the future.”
For five years the founder and director of Obsession Salon and Spa in Branston and Lichfield fought a fierce legal battle with her insurance company following a fire that destroyed what was then her third salon in Birmingham. Twenty-seven hearings, five trials, a potential £2million legal bill… for the duration of the court case life for Karen was traumatic, to say the least (“We continued to trade in our two remaining salons, clinging on by the skin of our teeth”), but with a loyal team behind her, and staying strong despite the extreme circumstances, she and her business made it through and out the other side. Today, with 35 years of business ownership under her belt, Karen has a wealth of experience to share and a listening ear for her future mentee.
Applications close Friday 29 November 2024
LYDIA WOLFE - Jack & The Wolf
My ideal mentee: “Someone seeking a balance between the artistic, freelance side of hairdressing and the responsibilities of running their own business or businesses.”
In 2019 award-winning colourist and educator Lydia co-founded boutique salon Jack & The Wolfe in Lymington alongside husband Jack Meade, with the duo driven by a passion for wellness that sees clients coming back again and again. Living and working together, alongside raising their daughter, the couple’s passion for hairdressing continues to unite them: “We’re really lucky that we found in each other somebody who is equally obsessed with the industry and looking after our clients and running a happy team. We don’t mind that it completely takes over our everyday life.”
Applications close Friday 29 November 2024
Applications close Friday 29 November 2024