#8 - I Left The British Hairdressing Awards… Here's Why

Explore the inspiring journey of Jane Lewis-Orr, a trailblazer in British hairdressing, as she shares insights from her extensive career, leadership roles, and their impact on the industry. Discover her perspectives on recognition, industry evolution, and supporting professionals through charitable initiatives.The Blowout is the no-filter podcast by salon owners, for salon owners. Hosted by Haylee Benton and Hellen Ward, this show dives into the real conversations behind running a successful salon — from building a strong team and managing money, to navigating burnout, boundaries, and bold business decisions. Expect honest advice, relatable stories, and practical takeaways you can actually use behind the chair and behind the scenes. If you’re ready to grow your salon without the fluff, The Blowout is your weekly seat in the chair.Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6AGUDraVqTouQmKq2Ujgb9?si=Am8vbwJ7Te6tkWkfkPWa0QApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-blowout-by-salon-owners-for-salon-owners/id1866607946Thank you for watching this episode, and stay tuned for the next one, where we will continue to explore industry transformations and innovation strategies!Timestamps00:00 - Introduction and industry overview02:34 - Jane's career beginnings in 1986 and early roles04:49 - Navigating industry gender dynamics and opportunities06:21 - Becoming editor of Hairdresser's Journal at age 2708:43 - Transition from weekly to monthly publications and digital shift10:19 - Launching the British Hairdressing Awards and maintaining fairness15:08 - Judging criteria and the integrity of the awards process17:00 - Handling disqualifications and tough decisions in competitions21:13 - The significance of authenticity in award entries24:53 - Evolving categories in industry awards and future possibilities26:43 - The impact of AI on journalism and content creation28:25 - Changes in magazine content, print versus digital strategies30:18 - The importance of maintaining industry relevance in content32:20 - Jane's decision to leave her role and her new ventures36:19 - The story behind Allium Bloom and new beginnings38:31 - Supporting professionals through the Hairdressers' Charity40:03 - Addressing domestic abuse and mental health in the industry44:36 - Fundraising activities and industry involvement45:42 - Industry challenges: self-employment, education, and policy support49:38 - Final thoughts on industry opportunities and the resilience of beauty professionals50:28 - Jane's future plans, balancing work, family, and personal growth51:14 - Closing remarks and thanks