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Crafting A Career Through Content

Crafting A Career Through Content

Mar 3, 2025 | EXPLORE, SELF STYLED

Crafting A Career Through Content

How Wella’s Passionista programme helped Michael Gray turn creativity into a thriving freelance career

by CAITLYN | EXPLORE

For Michael Gray, a career in hairdressing was never just about working behind the chair. His journey began in a salon but quickly took a turn when he moved to London to pursue modelling. There, he started creating content—long before Instagram became a hairstylist’s portfolio.

“I wanted to create the kind of looks I wasn’t seeing,” Michael explains. “Pinterest was huge at the time, but I wanted to showcase my own take on styling. So, I started collaborating with models I met through my work.” That instinct to innovate led him to work with influencers, and before he knew it, his skills were in demand on red carpets and high-profile events.

Michael’s breakthrough came when Wella Professionals discovered his work through social media. “I was constantly tagging Wella in my content,” he recalls. “Freelancing wasn’t as big back then—most stylists were based in salons or worked on editorial shoots. But Wella saw the potential in my session styling and invited me to be part of the Passionistas programme.”

Being a Wella Passionista has opened doors beyond styling. From running masterclasses in London, Manchester and Dublin to educating in Greece, Michael has found a passion for mentoring. “Education has been one of the biggest highlights of my career. I love sharing my skills with the next generation, whether they’re just starting out or refining their craft.”

As a freelancer, Michael values the sense of belonging that comes with being part of a network like the Wella Passionistas. “When you’re freelance, you’re often working solo with make-up artists or photographers, not other hairdressers. So, having a support system through Wella—whether at events or even just in a WhatsApp group—is invaluable.”

That support has extended to some of his most exciting projects, including backstage styling at TrendVision Awards and working with celebrity clients like Laura Whitmore. “I had wanted to style her hair for years,” he says. “She’s always open to trying something different, and working with her through Wella was an amazing opportunity.”

Michael attributes much of his success to social media. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without it,” he admits. “Tagging brands, creating content and staying consistent has allowed me to grow organically.”

His strategy? Keeping it fresh. “If I post a sleek look today, I’ll post something with more texture next time. If I’m getting bored, then my audience probably is too. It’s about variety, but also staying true to my aesthetic.”

For stylists looking to carve their own path, Michael’s advice is: “Find your niche. Experiment with recreating runway looks, reach out to talent agencies, assist at Fashion Week—try everything and see what resonates. If it’s not for you, at least you’ve given it a go.”

Michael’s journey from self-taught content creator to international educator and red-carpet stylist proves that passion, paired with strategic visibility, can lead to endless possibilities. And with Wella by his side, he’s just getting started.

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From Passion to Possibilities

From Passion to Possibilities

Jan 31, 2025 | EXPLORE, FREELANCE, HOME EXPLORE, SELF STYLED

From Passion to Possibilities

How Wella’s Passionistas programme inspires, educates and elevates freelancer, Heather Robertson

by CAITLYN | EXPLORE

For Heather, hairdressing has always been more than a job – it’s her greatest passion. With over 20 years working in the industry and eight as a freelancer, Heather has built a career around bridal styling, luxury home salon services and education. But going solo wasn’t just about independence; it was about embracing opportunities that aligned with her love for learning, creating, and inspiring others. 

“I love being my own boss,” she reflects. “I laugh at myself because I say I have the freedom to come and go as I please, but when you’re self-employed, you tend to work way more than you ever would if you were employed. Still, the passion is there because you’re working for your own brand.” 

This passion for hairdressing is what keeps Heather motivated. “I’ve always believed in making people feel like the best version of themselves,” she shares. “Whether it’s a bride on her wedding day or a client in my salon, that’s what drives me.” 

Passion Turned Passionista  

Her journey has been enriched by the Wella Passionistas programme, which she joined during lockdown and credits as a source of inspiration and growth. “I think it just became really obvious how much I love Wella as a company and how much I love sharing knowledge with other hairdressers,” Heather explains.  

Her journey into the Passionistas began during lockdown when she went live three times a week, teaching techniques and engaging with fellow stylists. Through these sessions, her expertise and enthusiasm caught Wella’s attention. “I think they just saw how passionate I am about hairdressing and about continuously learning and sharing.” 

“It’s great to be amongst like-minded people,” Heather says. “And naturally, the kind of guidance that Wella gives us as Passionistas – like being the first people to know about new products and innovations – is invaluable. We consistently get updates on what’s trending and how best to showcase our work, which keeps us inspired.” 

“Having the Passionistas group is like a side turn on the road,” she explains. “You might plan to do something with your client, then a box arrives filled with new and exciting products, techniques and ideas. It keeps you inspired.” 

For example, Wella’s new ‘Glass Hair’ technique has been a game-changer for Heather’s bridal clients. “It’s an additional service on top of a colour appointment, and it’s perfect for making their hair look flawless in the lead-up to their wedding. The Wella Professionals products allow me to refine my skills while introducing something new to my clients.” 

Beyond the products, content days and hands-on education have been another major highlight of the initiative. “It’s incredible to be invited to these shoots where we create beautiful images, work with models and really showcase our artistry. For freelancers who don’t have the backing of a big salon, that kind of exposure is amazing.” 

Social Media and Personal Brand 

Social media didn’t just help Heather land a spot in the Passionistas programme, it remains a core part of how she educates and inspires others. 

“The key is to provide value,” she says. “It’s not enough to just post what you’re doing in the salon. If you can share something that helps other stylists – whether it’s a technique, a product review or an insight – that’s what really resonates.” 

Heather uses platforms like Instagram to showcase her work, share tips and build her brand. It’s also where she finds inspiration, saving posts and videos from other educators and hairdressers. “I have a folder of everything that sparks ideas. It’s a mix of things Wella sends through and trends I see online. It helps me stay ahead of the game.” 

Freelancing offers freedom, but Heather emphasises the importance of structure and self-care. “One of the best pieces of advice I ever heard is to take time out to work on your business, not just in it,” she says. “As a freelancer, you’re both the boss and the employee. It’s easy to say yes to everything, but you need to take care of yourself too.” 

 

For Heather, being part of the Wella Passionistas has been a career-defining experience. “It’s not just about being the first to try new products, it’s about being part of something bigger,” she says. “You’re constantly learning, you’re supported by Wella, and you’re part of a community that pushes you to grow.” 

Looking ahead, Heather has no plans of slowing down. She’s continuing to build her education platform, expand her bridal styling expertise and explore new trends through the Wella Passionistas programme. “You could do this job for a million years and still never know everything,” she says. “There’s always something new to learn – and that’s what makes it so exciting.” 

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The It List’s Salon Stylist, Norman Boulton, has Decided to Become His Own Boss

The It List’s Salon Stylist, Norman Boulton, has Decided to Become His Own Boss

Jan 2, 2025 | CONVERSATIONS, CONVERSATIONS HEADER, EXPLORE, FREELANCE, HOME EXPLORE, SELF STYLED

The It List’s Salon Stylist, Norman Boulton, has Decided to Become His Own Boss

One month into the transition, Norman shares stories of running his own business, chasing his dreams and building on his hard work at Not Another Salon to become his own boss 

by CAITLYN | CONVERSATIONS

Norman Boulton’s journey is one of reinvention and the pursuit of authenticity. Transitioning from winning the Creative HEAD It List Salon Stylist award while working at the iconic Not Another Salon to becoming his own boss at Glitterdoll Balayage in Highgate brought new challenges and opportunities. One month into the transition, Norman shares his lessons from carving out his own path for stylists considering a similar leap. 

Leaving the vibrant energy of Brick Lane behind was no small decision. Norman had built a reputation at Not Another Salon, a space as colourful and creative as his own approach to hairdressing. Founded by Sophia Hilton, the salon was not just a workplace but a source of inspiration. “I’ve always admired Sophia,” Norman says. “She built something truly iconic, and I learned so much from being part of her team.” But when the time came to step out on his own, Norman knew it was the right move. “I’d been thinking about it for years,” he admits. “I waited a long time for this opportunity and jumped when it came.” 

Setting up shop in Highgate, known for its quieter charm and North London clientele, marked a stark contrast to his previous environment. “It’s a completely new area for me,” he explains. “I had no expectations about who would follow me.” Instead of dwelling on what he was leaving behind, Norman focused on creating a warm, welcoming space that would attract a fresh clientele. “I wanted people to feel like family when they walked through the door.” 

The transition to running his own business came with its fair share of challenges. From creating his own booking system to navigating the financial realities of being self-employed, Norman faced a steep learning curve. “The uncertainty was the hardest part,” he admits. “You’re not just doing hair anymore – you’re running a business.” 

Fortunately, he found support in the form of an accountant specialising in the hair industry. “She’s been incredible, helping me figure out the whole tax thing, which is so confusing,” Norman explains. This support allowed him to focus on growing his clientele while easing the logistical burden of managing his finances. 

Social media also played a pivotal role in his early success. Having built a loyal following over eight years of consistent posting, Norman leaned on Instagram to spread the word about his new venture. “What you put into it really is what you get back,” he says. “You just need to keep it authentically you.” 

Norman began posting regularly when he first started at Not Another Salon, inspired by its reputation as a social media trailblazer. “It was so iconic, especially when it first opened,” he recalls. “I wanted to have a page of my own work and my own messages.” His dedication to creating high-quality, engaging content has paid off in spades, helping him build a personal brand that extends far beyond the salon. 

Now, as his own boss, Norman’s Instagram plays a pivotal role in his business strategy. “Social media has changed my life,” he says. “I’ve been able to get booked in America with my reach.” From showcasing his latest work to connecting with new clients, his online presence is a cornerstone of his success. Norman even dedicates one day a week to social media and admin tasks, ensuring his content remains fresh and engaging. “You’ve got to give it the attention and love it deserves,” he adds.

As Norman adjusts, he has discovered the importance of balance. Initially, he filled his schedule to capacity, eager to establish himself. “I was in a scarcity mindset at first,” he confesses. “I overbooked myself just to feel secure.” 

However, with time, he realised that structure was essential for sustaining his energy and creativity. Norman now dedicates one day a week to admin tasks, which allows him to be fully present with clients during salon days. “When I’m with clients, I’m 100 per cent there. And when I’m doing admin, I give it the attention it deserves,” he explains

This approach has not only helped Norman manage his workload but has also opened the door to new opportunities beyond the salon. 

While his initial focus was on building a client base, opportunities for education have started to flow in naturally. “In the past few weeks, brands have reached out to me,” he says. “It’s amazing how quickly things are happening now.” For Norman, these opportunities represent the next stage of his career. “Education makes my inner child so happy,” he adds. “Some of my best career moments have been while teaching.” 

Education has always been a passion for Norman and now he’s embracing it more than ever. Inspired by industry icons like the owner of Not Another Salon, Sophia Hilton, and colourist Lesley Jennison, Norman is carving his own path in this space. “Sophia and Lesley are just so cool,” Norman says. “They make it look so effortless. Watching someone who’s dedicated most of their life to their career is so inspiring.” 

Sophia’s ability to juggle salon ownership and education left a lasting impression on Norman. “I’ve learned so much from her approach,” he shares. “She’s shown me what’s possible when you’re passionate and committed.”  

At the heart of Norman’s journey is his commitment to authenticity. From his vibrant social media presence to the intimate relationships he builds with clients, staying true to himself has been the cornerstone of his success. “I love what I do, and I think that passion resonates with people,” Norman says. 

His Instagram reflects his creativity and personality. “It’s a mix of hairdressing, humour and colour work,” he explains. “It’s a way to show who I am and connect with people on a deeper level.” For Norman, being authentic isn’t just a strategy – it’s a way of life. 

“Greatness doesn’t come from your comfort zone,” he says. And for Norman, the leap into independence has been worth every step. 

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Self-Employed? This Is How To Nail Your Tax Return

Self-Employed? This Is How To Nail Your Tax Return

Dec 11, 2024 | CONNECT, HOME CONNECT, INFORM HEADER, SELF STYLED

Self-Employed? This Is How To Nail Your Tax Return 

If you hate maths, we have the tips on ensuring your tax return is less of a headache

by AMANDA | CONNECT

Tax can be a headache if you’re self-employed. Unlike being employed, where tax is automatically sent to HMRC from your payslip, sole traders must declare, calculate and pay tax manually via self-assessment. It can be daunting when you’ve not done it before. TaxScout’s head of finance, Francesca Morante, shares how to make it less of a headache with four tips to help you tackle your tax return. 

Understand The Tax Year And Deadlines

The tax year runs from April to April: 6 April to 5 April.

This means that a single tax year takes place between two calendar years e.g. 2024/25. Your earnings, profits and taxes are calculated based on this period. Check out the table for an example of how this impacts your tax return:

BUSINESS START DATE TAX YEAR DEADLINE TO FILE TAXES
1 November 2023 2023/24 31 January 2025
1 April 2024 2023/24 31 January 2025
30 April 2024 2024/25 31 January 2026

You have nine months from when a tax year ends to file and pay your self assessment bill. Put these key dates in your diary: 

  • 6 April: the start of the tax year
  • 5 October: the deadline to register for self-assessment
  • 31 January: the deadline to file and pay your self assessment 
  • 5 April: the end of the tax year

Get Familiar With The Taxes You Owe

As a self-employed person, you owe two major taxes – income tax and National Insurance. What you pay depends on your total earnings. The more you make, the more you pay. Here’s how HMRC charges income tax: 

EARNINGS PER YEAR TAX BAND TAX RATE 
Less than £12,570 Personal allowance 0% 
£12,571 – £50,270 Basic rate 20%
£50,271 – £125,140 Higher rate 40% 
More than £125,141 Additional rate 45% 

When it comes to National Insurance, there’s only one tax the self-employed pay, known as class 4 National Insurance. It’s fairly straightforward; on any income that’s more than £12,570 per year, you pay: 

  • 6% on your profit between £12,570 and £50,270
    2% on your profit of £50,271 or more

Maths not your favourite? Don’t worry! Try this income tax calculator instead to estimate what you owe. 

Learn The Vocab: Earnings, Expenses And Profits 

Wording is important, especially in tax. Earnings and profit are often used interchangeably, but they don’t mean the same thing. And they’re super-important when it comes to your bill.  

  • Earnings – this is everything you earn; all the money you make before any tax-free allowances, reliefs or other deductions 
  • Profit – your earnings minus allowances, reliefs and deductions 
  • Expenses – when you spend on your business. These can include accounting costs, hairdressing equipment and products etc, and you can deduct these from your total earnings to only pay tax on profit. These deductions are known as expenses 

Claim The Trading Allowance 

Did you know that sole traders don’t have to pay tax on the first £1,000 of earnings? It’s known as the trading allowance. Claim it in addition to the first £12,570 of your income that’s income tax and National Insurance free.

However, it’s only worth claiming if your expenses for the year total less than £1,000. This is because you can’t claim both expenses AND the trading allowance – it’s one or the other. So, claim whichever is higher: this will bring down the cost of your tax bill. 

Worried About Mistakes? Get An Accountant 

Staying on top of your tax situation isn’t only for the sake of good organisation. HMRC is vigilant when it comes to tax debt and mistakes made on your self assessment. There are penalties for missing deadlines, paying late and incorrect calculations. 

So, many self-employed workers opt to work with a professional accountant instead of tackling HMRC online solo. The benefits of using an accountant vs DIYing your tax return are:  

  • Reduced stress of having to educate yourself about tax 
  • Avoiding common mistakes that result in fines
  • Keeping your bill as low as possible by claiming relevant allowances and expenses 

But traditional accounting practices can be costly. TaxScouts.com try to combine the best of both. Your own accountant, a straightforward, 100 per cent online process – all for £169. 

Filing A Tax Return In January 2025? 

If you started your self-employed business anytime before 6 April 2024, you probably need to file a tax return for the 31 January deadline. The sooner you kick off, the sooner it’s sorted. File with TaxScouts by 31 January 2025 and you can get 10 per cent off your tax return. 

Visit taxscouts.com/partnership-creative-head. Need a little more help? Contact support@taxscouts.com. 

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