Applications are now closed – but we’ll be back for 2025 next Autumn!

Are you thinking of starting your own hairdressing business, or struggling to know what to do next with your existing one? It could be you need a mentor – someone who understands your work environment, has experience of the kind of hurdles you’re facing and can provide practical and personal support.

Now in its third year, Activator is a free mentoring scheme from Creative HEAD and The Industry, open to hairdressing business owners at any stage of their career, that could see you being paired with a top industry name – an Activator – who will mentor you for a full 12 months.

During this time your Activator will be your ‘critical friend’ – acting as your sounding board, providing honest advice, introducing relevant and valuable contacts and networks and helping you learn and grow.

Our Activators have been chosen from across all areas of industry – entrepreneurs like Janice Beck and Kaye Sotomi; established salon owners like Phil Smith and Sarah Mason; independent hairdressers like Ashleigh Hodges and Most Wanted Texture Expert Legend, Lisa Farrall; sustainability experts Anne Veck and Keith Mellen. There are 20 in total, and they are all ready to share their knowledge and expertise and help you navigate the twists and turns of running a business in the UK and Irish hairdressing industries.

Says Creative HEAD publisher Catherine Handcock:

We know what a lonely job it is running your own business – it can be difficult knowing where to begin when you want to try something new, or you’re trying to fix something that’s gone wrong. Activator provides longterm support and advice from hair professionals who’ve been there, done that, worn the T-shirt and can genuinely help people who are now treading the same path. We’re now in our second year and we know how useful this scheme has been to so many business owners.”

Activators pledge to meet with their mentees a minimum six times during the course of the year, either via video link, over the phone or face to face, creating significant opportunity for the scheme to make a real difference. There will also be the opportunity for Activators and their mentees to attend workshops, panel discussions and specialist sessions with occasional guest speakers, helping you become part of a like-minded community.