The Learners Voice’s Podcast

🎙️ The Learners Voice Podcast   Live from The Concept Hair Learner of the Year Finals In collaboration with Belinda Mindset   ⸻   🎧 Episode Overview   In this special live episode of The Learners Voice Podcast, we head behind the scenes at The Concept Hair Learner of the Year Finals—a celebration of emerging talent in the hair and beauty industry.   You’ll hear directly from learners, finalists, and past winners as they share their real stories—navigating education, overcoming personal challenges, building confidence, and stepping into their future careers.   This episode is packed with honest conversations, inspiration, and powerful reminders that every journey is unique—and every voice matters.   ⸻   🙌 Sponsored by Pivot Point   A huge thank you to Pivot Point—a global leader in digital learning and education development for the hair and beauty industry. Their commitment to innovation, ethics, and high-quality educational tools continues to shape the future of beauty education worldwide.   ⸻   ✨ What You’ll Hear in This Episode   💬 Real learner journeys   Overcoming struggles with school, mental health, and confidence Finding purpose and passion through hair and beauty The impact of supportive lecturers and mentors   🎨 Creativity & self-expression   Why the industry allows learners to truly be themselves Embracing individuality and attracting your “tribe” The freedom of a creative career   🏆 Competition experiences   What it feels like to compete at a national level Nerves, mindset, and preparation tips Why just reaching the finals is already a huge achievement   🧠 Mindset & personal growth   Learning to manage nerves and self-doubt The importance of self-belief and resilience Tools and techniques to stay calm under pressure   🌍 Career dreams & opportunities   From salon floors to cruise ships and global travel Starting businesses, building brands, and teaching The endless possibilities within the industry   ⸻   🔑 Key Takeaways   Don’t give up—even when things feel tough, keep showing up Be yourself—your uniqueness is your strength Practice builds confidence—growth comes with consistency Find your people—supportive environments change everything Mindset matters—how you think shapes how you perform You belong here—if you made it this far, you’ve earned it   ⸻   💬 Memorable Moments   Learners opening up about mental health and finding confidence through hairdressing A female barber breaking stereotypes and pursuing purpose-driven work A returning winner sharing how competitions opened doors to major opportunities Adult learners proving it’s never too late to follow your passion Emotional reflections on family support, self-belief, and growth   ⸻   🌟 About This Series   The Learners Voice Podcast is all about amplifying real voices in the hair and beauty industry—sharing authentic stories from learners at every stage of their journey.   In collaboration with Belinda Mindset, this podcast supports personal growth, confidence, and success through mindset, education, and community.   ⸻   💻 Resources & Support   If you’re a mentor, educator, or salon owner looking to support your learners:   👉 Visit Belindamindset.com Scroll to the bottom of the store page to access free resources designed to help your team grow, thrive, and succeed.   ⸻   ❤️ Final Note   Your journey matters. Your story matters. And most importantly—you matter.    Book a course on Belindamindset.com  

🎙️ Belinda Mindset: The Learners Voice Episode Title: My Mentor and Me – Featuring Andrew Barton & Caitlin Joyce   ✨ Episode Overview   Welcome to The Learners Voice, a podcast by Belinda Mindset Education in collaboration with Concept Hair, where real learners share real stories from the hair and beauty industry.   In this first episode of the “My Mentor and Me” series, host Belinda is joined by industry legend Andrew Barton and rising talent Caitlin Joyce from The Manchester College.   Together, they explore the power of mentorship, building confidence, and what it really takes to succeed in the hairdressing industry.   🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode The mission and impact of the ABLE Programme in supporting hairdressing students Andrew Barton’s journey from leaving school with no qualifications to becoming a global hairdressing expert How mentorship bridges the gap between college training and real salon experience Caitlin’s personal journey—overcoming fear, building confidence, and finding her passion Why making mistakes is essential for growth The importance of mindset, positivity, and speaking up for opportunities Career pathways in hairdressing, including salons, cruise ships, and trichology   🌟 Guest Highlights   Andrew Barton International hairdresser and educator Founder of the ABLE Programme Extensive experience across fashion, celebrity styling, and salon ownership Passionate about developing the next generation of hair professionals   Caitlin Joyce Level 3 student at The Manchester College Aspiring hair professional with a passion for learning and growth Known for her positivity, confidence, and strong client connection   💬 Key Takeaways “Never accept ‘OK’ as a standard.” – Andrew Barton Confidence grows through action—not perfection Mistakes are part of mastering your craft A positive mindset can transform your learning experience Being proactive and asking for opportunities is key to success   🚀 Caitlin’s Career Goals Gain salon experience after qualification Explore working on cruise ships Long-term ambition: specialise in trichology 🙌 Shoutouts   Special thanks to Caitlin’s tutors: Lisa Breakey Lindsay Carroll Emma Gavin 🤝 Sponsors   Pivot Point A global leader in hair and beauty education, providing innovative digital learning tools, premium mannequins, and industry-leading resources—all built with ethical and sustainable practices.   Colour Me Safe Smarter, safer, and simpler patch testing for hair professionals. Colour Me Safe is transforming allergy testing with an innovative method that allows you to test using the actual colour product being applied—delivering more accurate results and real peace of mind. Fully UK compliant Insured and salon-friendly Designed to save time without compromising safety   Join the movement setting a new standard in client care: ColourMeSafe.com   🔗 Resources & Links https://belindamindset.com/   Looking to support your learners? Visit BelindaMindset.com and explore free tools and resources available for mentors, educators, and salon owners.   💬 Final Thoughts   This episode is a powerful reminder that success in the hair industry isn’t just about skill—it’s about mindset, mentorship, and the courage to keep improving. Your voice matters. Your journey matters.    

Speaker 1: Before we dive into today's episode of The Learner's Voice, I want to take a moment to thank our sponsor PivotPoint. PivotPoint is the driving force worldwide behind digital learning, PivotPoint Lab and education development for the hair and beauty industry. PivotPoint proudly exhibits its responsibility as a company through ethica manufacturing and social accountability standards for producing its premium mannequins and educational tools. We are proud to partner with a company that's shaping the future of beauty education with innovation, integrity and a global vision for learning. Now let's get into the show. In today's episode I want to welcome Erin Ward. Thank you Erin for joining us today. You won a one-to-one mentoring session through concept hair competition and I'm just really excited to share your journey first year on the shop floor as a level three hairdresser and let's get into it. Are you struggling with anything at the minute? Like how's your journey going? Speaker 2: I just started in a new salon in December. I can't lie, I was so stressed. It was so bad. I actually got shingles because I was so stressed about stuff. I'm still in college now. I'm in level three but I've been doing hairdressing for four years. My first I say proper hairdressing job. Beforehand I was self-employed so I didn't have back-to-back clients, if that makes sense. I wasn't on a strict timing regime. The place I've gone to, it's like you have to be on this time. That's it. You can't go over. So it's quite stressful and I did think, I was like, oh my god, is this really what hairdressing is about? I think as well, I'm quite an anxious person as it is. I'm not very confident. If I know someone, I can talk for days to them, but if I don't know someone, I have to take people with me. I'm like, come over with me. I can't go by myself. So I am quite an anxious person but I think that's, I think it's through COVID. I used to be such a talkative person and then in COVID, just stops really. Speaker 1: You don't really get to talk to anyone. You've noticed the difference. Speaker 2: Yeah, and other people have said to me, they've noticed it as well. When I went back, everyone's like, you seem so different. It was like, oh, I don't realise it, but when someone points out to you, you finally realise, like, gosh, I have changed. But yeah. Speaker 1: Yeah. So what can be really helpful is if we do a bit of a brain dump of all every little thing that triggers that kind of stress and then we can look at what we can control and what we can't control. So I can kind of help you because sometimes just talking it through and having a few tools of how you would manage it can really help. So how are you coping right now on the shop floor? Do you still feel overwhelmed? Speaker 2: Yeah, I think it's just like the pressure of being on a strict regime because I've been at college for four years now. It's quite chilled. Like my college is very chilled. They'll be like, yeah, do this. But some days it can be like boom, boom, boom. It's like it's so different. Like when people say like you don't experience hedges until you go to salon, I get it now. I really do. So how long do you get for some lunch? 45 minutes. Speaker 1: OK. And then like what, an hour 15, hour 30 for followed foils? Yeah, hour 15. Hour 15. Do you get a lunch break? Yeah. Yeah. Is it an hour, half an hour? Half an hour. Is that it for the whole day? Yeah. And then do you sometimes use that half hour to catch up? Speaker 2: Oh, yeah, normally I have to catch up. But like on my lunch break, I am normally doing like social media because that's the thing we have to do. I think the big thing nowadays, social media is like how you get clients. So yeah, sometimes I'm doing that. Speaker 1: My lunch break. Taking a break. I don't. No. Speaker 2: And then I go home and I go to bed. I literally go home, go to bed and then I'm up again and then I go straight to work. Like I don't have like. Just relax. I just come home. I'm so tired. I was just fed. It's not like I have. I do have a social life, but it's not as big as it was before I started working. And I know that's the thing that happens when you get older and all that. The one person I do speak to is the apprentice. And that's because I think we're on the same kind of wavelength because she's just started college and I'm helping her with it because I've been doing so long now at college. I kind of know the structure of what they've got to do. So she's always like, what's this?   What's this? So I've bonded in that way, but with the older ones, like I'm the youngest person by one of the youngest in the salon now. It's hard to like connect to the older stylists. Is it's like what do you act like? I don't know what to say. Same with clients like I keep getting this. They keep saying to me like my work. They're like, you're just not talking to them as much as you could. The thing is I struggle to know what to talk about. So I say the same thing like Christmas time. It was fine. All I could say was what you do for Christmas. But now I've just gotten to clue what to say. And some of them just they don't like give you like they got you. It was good. And that's it. Like they don't give you like to expand on if that makes sense. OK. Speaker 1: So I can help you a little bit with that. So I think you need to take the pressure off yourself a little bit. You are lovely. I think a lot of the time we try we worry about what people think of us. Right. You have to know I know I'm lovely and they've got to bring their half as much as you've got to bring your half. OK. Yeah. So your job within that time when you've got them is not to have small talk. It's to do a professional service and to advise and give as much information on the hair as possible. Now you say you enjoyed college. Yeah. So could you tell me about what shampoos do they use? Speaker 2: They use Joico shampoos. Do you know the products? I know them kind of. I don't know them as detailed because at my college we're all L'Oreal. So that's this thing as well. I'm still trying to get to grip with colours and that kind of thing. So I think there's an attitude thing on to like. Speaker 1: I want you to take one product a day and I want you to look at it and you need to know what it is, how it works or is it a pump, is it a spray? But what are the benefits of that? So people want to hear the lovely words shiny, protected, like you want to say those words as much as possible. Yeah. Yeah. And maybe one ingredient. If you could pick up a product every day and really kind of get to know your products inside out. Have you read my card that says, don't assume what's in somebody's purse? I have read the one. You're really going to get a lot out of my cards. All right. There's so many tips like that in there. They're literally made for the stage that you are at right now. OK. And, you know, it actually gives you a list of what you should talk about in a service. OK, so we figured out so far, you bring your half of the relationship, they bring theirs. And that's the same with your team as well. All right, family, friends, team. You've got to really have that trust in yourself. I know I'm a good person. If somebody asks me a question, I'll answer them. Do you know what I mean? I'll engage in a great conversation. Don't worry too much. OK. I think what's going to really help you with your clients is I want you to care more than anybody else about that client. Yeah. OK. It's not our decision to decide if a client can or can't afford something. All right. Now, you spend your money on different things to what I would. Yeah. So in the past, I wanted the designer handbag, the designer watch. Now I'm selling everything. I'd rather a holiday. Yeah. But let me tell you, if I love like mini products, you know, like I don't want it is about a mini product. But if I love it. Yeah. The joy I get going into like Sephora or I love skincare right now, I'll spend a hundred pounds on like all the minis from that brand Skin Rocks. Like that was a treat for myself at Christmas. Christmas. The packaging, the excitement when it's coming or the bag where the product goes in. I mean, Joy is a stunning brand. And it's not about. You can recommend, you know, selling, you're saying, this is what I'm using. This is what it does. That's not emotional. That's a fact, isn't it? This is a bottle. This is what it does. That's how you apply it. Put it in front of them. Maybe put a bit on their hands. That's a really good tip. Let them smell it. And OK. And again, they might hold the product. And then, you know, it's kind of like you've got let them get close to it, have things in front of them. Also offer more than one choice. So have maybe three, you know, like your heat protection, a styling product and a finishing product. Yeah. Then they've got a choice of one of three or they might take all three. You can have a client, the same client for a whole year that never buys anything, but there's one day she'll come in, her husband's been a right. Right. She's being paid and she's like, sod it. Right. People buy not just logically because I need that. Right. Some people want all the information and they reason. Yeah. Right. And then other people just shoving in their bag, like, give me everything. I want everything because they want that quick fix to feel good. So yeah, for two different reasons. I just want you to do your job. This is what it is. This is what it does. I feel so lucky that you have those products on your shelf. Like, you work in such a beautiful space. And nothing worse than being in a salon where there's no products to sell. No, yeah. All right. So I need you to think like, and, you know, I do get you. I lived in a bed set on my own when I was 16, went into a salon, went on to cruise ships and it was five star. I shake people's hand, introduced my by my full name. You know what I mean? And it was a whole world. But the training was good and the products were beautiful. But what I did was I got this book called The One Minute Sales Person and I taught myself how to sell.   Now, when the penny drops, it's not sell a little. So head to toe you right now. There'll be something about yourself that bugs you or let's talk about hair. There'll be something about your hair that really bugs you. It's our job as a professional, I find that out. So I'll ask you questions, right? What are you using right now on your hair? Speaker 2: L'Oreal, Vitamino. Is it shampoo, conditioner? It's both. OK, any other anything else? Speaker 2: I use it in a lot. So, yeah, I've got like, I've got all that I have the mini stuff because I just find it's handy just to like have wherever you go. So is it a leave in? Speaker 1: Yeah, it's a leave in one. A leave in conditioner or a styling product? A leave in conditioner. Do they sell that in your salon? No. OK, quick tip. Try and use products that are in your salon. OK, because you've got to believe in what you're selling. All right. I know I don't know how much discount you get and I know it's not the cheapest. But is there like a hero popular product in the salon? Speaker 2: Yeah, I recommend it to all my clients and I've had like two buyer. It's called like this humidity blocker. And I know a lot about it because it's like the first product anyone said to me like, what is this for? And straight away, like someone said, oh, this is like the best product. Like all clients love it. And it just tells like if you it's like a finishing product and all you've got to do is spray on your hair and it goes with like of all the frizz that's there. Yeah. And I think my first ever client there on my first day bought it. And I was quite shocked because all I said was I was really good for frizz. And she literally bought it straight away. I was like, OK, yeah, that's fine. Speaker 1: So there's always going to be products that are easy. But you believe in it. Yeah, you've had proof of somebody else. And that's what you want to say to your clients. Honestly, this is on my first day, my first client, like everybody just honestly, everybody wants this. This is it every this is so popular. People. Yeah, it runs out every day. People want to hear that social proof. All right. Yeah. So how much are the products? Speaker 2: I think that's around 17 pounds.   Speaker 1: That's not bad at all, actually. I sell 11 Australia. And that was kind of a budget brand. And they've gone up to nearly twenty two pounds now per product. Oh, honestly, 17 pounds is not. It's really on the cheaper side. That's like, obviously, it's not your supermarket. But I want you to start going into shops, not Superdrag anymore. All right. I want you to just get your hands on as many professionals, not buy them, smell them, feel them, look at the packaging, the matching bag. I want you to fall in love with retail. All right. And I want you. So what do you think you could? Is there sachets that you could take home from work? Is that what else could you ask to borrow something to try it? Speaker 2: So we sometimes have like sessions where we can like play with the products and like do you like each other's blow dryers? Does that make sense? So like we put the product on our hair and then someone else will blow dry and that kind of thing because we also do treatments as well. And they were like, we want you to all experience it so you can actually sell it more. So I think if you don't know, like if you don't know how it feels yourself, then you can't really sell something. Speaker 1: Yeah. So how are you telling treatments? Is that easy because you've tried it? Speaker 2: I haven't tried them, but it's quite easy when someone goes, you think I need a treatment and I'll go, I think so. And I say, we do have time as well. And there's three different ones like one takes, actually like seven seconds and one takes 10 minutes and then one takes half an hour. So it's not like it's not long, long, if that makes sense. So it's like, I can just go, well, we've got something that's actually quite quick. And it still gives you the same effect, if that makes sense. I don't say that to them, but it does sort of give you the same shine that they want. Yeah. Normally, if someone has a restyle, I normally say, or I might need to put a treatment on just because you knew how you really need to look after it. Because a lot of people are coming, they have quite like matted hair. That's why they're having to have the restyle done. So you're OK with treatments? Speaker 1: Yeah, yeah. That's not a problem. Speaker 2: No, I do think I have a lot of people say that's like, they're like, you can do it. It's just like, I don't know. It's like, I can say it, but like it's quite. I don't know. I feel wrong for saying something like saying, oh, what about this product or this product? But I know I shouldn't because it's part of my job, but I still do. It's not that. Speaker 1: It's not that it's part of your job. I want you to really, generally care. And you look at that hair and go, if that was my hair, that's what I'd use. Yeah. If I didn't put heat protection on the straightener hair, it would burn it. I don't care about your hair that much. I want you to be that hairdresser that if they want a big bleach job and the hair is not strong enough, that you don't want to just be the nice person that says I could push it. I want you to go. You need to take your treatments home. Yeah. In six months time, we'll do a few cuts. Then be ready. People want to feel from you. And I think you want to be this person as well, because you know how you were saying you don't want to feel just salesy. Yeah. You need to be true to yourself, right? OK. It really helps me a lot. I always think, what would I do to my own hair? I wouldn't do it at anybody else's, OK? That can go a bit awry with a hairdresser sometimes because we might push our own hair more than others, but as a rule, right? Yeah. I want you to generally care and be so truthful and honest, even if it's because it's okay to say no. Yeah. Yeah. I want you to get that level of trust and respect off your client, that when you pick up a product and you tell them this will really benefit you, you've paid it, you know what it does and you mean it. And now let's take a moment for our sponsor. Welcome to Colour Me Safe, smarter, safer, simpler patch testing for hair professionals. Colour Me Safe is changing the way allergy testing is done with the first of its kind method that lets you test using the actual product you will apply, giving accurate results and real peace of mind. Fully UK compliant, insured and designed to save time without compromising safety. Join the movement, setting a new standard in client care. Visit ColourMeSafe.com. I've had a salon for 20 years and we weren't in the city centre or on the outside and honestly it's a stunning salon. When I, because I'd worked on cruise ships, I wanted it to have that, I wanted people that feel special in an environment and I didn't listen to anybody else just because I was in the city centre. Why couldn't I have that? Yeah. It's always about like the experience. So how can you care more than anybody else by learning what you've got and it's okay if you don't like a product, don't sell it. All right. I mean, there are times where people say because you don't like it doesn't mean somebody else won't like it. But when you get to know your products, you know when you get something good. All right. People really respect that. Honestly. I mean, don't get me wrong. Your salon manager might say slightly different. All right. Yeah. But as a rule, it's okay to say this is better. This would suit you better. Yeah. So even if you could take a few little, you don't get the little jars and you can fill the products. Why don't you have a word to your manager and say I really think it'll help if I get a bit more hands on with the products. Can I just take a few? If you've got any samples or can I take? Yeah. Really hard on learning these products because I think it's going to help on your conversation. Howard Press do things should be. Speaker 2: Yeah. She would because we have like staff meetings about that. She was like, you need to like see more like confident. See, it's not like, it's not a bad time not because I can talk. It's just like someone from my clients just sit there. They don't really want to talk. And that's fine. But then it's like, oh, but I've been told I have to say something. And then I have some people, it's really easy to talk to like some clients come in, they can talk to me for the whole time. It's like two hours. Absolutely fine. But I have some that just sit there and they don't want to talk. Speaker 1: But as you, you're reading their body language and that's absolutely fine. Okay. What you can do is tell them what you put on and why. You're not asking them to give you anything. Yeah, that's you bringing your half. Yeah. And so you're not annoying them and even like educating them about the color that you're putting on. There's a reason for everything that you do. Sometimes they like to know. Do you know what I mean? Yeah. I'm applying this color here because do you know what I mean? Yeah. Don't get me wrong. Sometimes clients can, sometimes you bring their attention to something and they're like, all of a sudden they're really looking like, do you know what I mean? Yeah. Give me an example. It's a minefield work of a customer's, right? Yeah. You will gain experience every single day. Don't be too hard on yourself. Okay. But when you feel like you don't know what to talk about, bring it back to being professional. Yeah. So when you leave the staff room, just think professional. Yeah. I'm going to do it their time and I'm going to care the most and I'm going to learn all this stuff and I'm going to tell them what would be good for them. The rest of it is their choice. Yeah. If you did want to get a bit more confident with sales, you can put the things out. You know, remind them, this is what I used on you to do. You normally get an inkling if they like something. Say you've done your bit and then you've had a chat and then you want to come back round because once they're out of the chair, you sometimes lost it. I want you to try this. It might feel a bit uncomfortable, but saying, would you like to take one of those today? Yeah. That's called closing a sale and you might want to work up to that. So maybe start with get to know the products so you want to learn what the benefits are, which was all the nice words. Yeah. And maybe one ingredient because that'll make you sound fancy. Yeah. And how to apply it. Let them touch it, smell it. And yeah, and just have fun with it. Like, do you know what I mean? Because I want you to fall in love with products. Yeah. Start to see the difference on your own hair and try and treat yourself and like start to use because you want to become the shopper that you want your. Yeah. What your clients to be. Is that being helpful? Yes, thank you. It's all right. Now, is there a salon closer to where you live? Speaker 2: I've been like a few because I didn't want to first started out. I didn't know what kind of salon I really wanted to be in. My dream is to work on a cruise ship. Like I've always wanted to do it since I was a child. I said, I want to work on a cruise ship. I also would love to work on the West End. Like that is my it's my kind of thing. I don't want to be like a normal hairdresser.   Speaker 1: That makes sense. I want to do something different. Speaker 2: Like I do I do a lot of competition still. And it's like, I don't know if I want to do something. I don't know what I had to say it really. But I have seen like a few like kind of I have been to a few kind of salons where it's kind of very laid back. And that's it's not that's not for me. Speaker 1: I don't think that's to be honest with you. As soon as you said I want to go on cruise ships, the sound you're in right now is where you should be. Really? Yeah. OK. All right. And you need to have a bit of an identity shift, whereas like. You you are worthy of being in that space. OK. And they're not better than you. They're human. Yeah. They're more professional. Are they more knowledgeable? If you feel uncomfortable in that way. You need to be in a room where you're not the cleverest in the room. Because you want to be a different level of you. Yeah. Does that make sense? Now, whenever you take that jump on the shop floor, no matter what salon you're in, right? Yeah. It's it's off a cliff. It's so it's fast paced. You don't know all the clients. You don't know what colour every single consultation feels like hard. Yeah. If you, as you say, you haven't settled in yet. OK. But yeah, you get your regulars. Yeah. Yeah. Obviously, you want to change it up and recommend things. But it is nice to go. She's an 80. I'm just going to mix it. You know what I mean, all right? Yeah. Like. But that's fine. It will get easier. How long have you been there? Speaker 2: Since sorry. Since December, like the start of December. OK. Speaker 1: Yeah. This time, like December. Twenty twenty six. You were going to be a short hairdresser. You were going to feel like I'm getting a grip. So this. Yeah. All right. Because as you said, you've done training and you know what you're doing. But it that year on the shop floor, it's the hardest year of your life as a hairdresser. OK. And if you want to be on ships, I'm the standard of hairdressing where you are. Just from what you've told me and I know, Michelle. And is there training opportunities there? Speaker 2: Yeah, I'm going next next Monday to Redin to do a blow dry course with Lacy's. Speaker 1: OK. Amazing. You are exactly where you're meant to be. OK. All right. And I think sometimes we need to hear that. Yeah. Now, it's so weird that we've had this conversation. So the recruiter of cruise ships is a friend of mine. She lived in the time in the northeast. She only lives 45 minutes. From me, she does all her interviews online now. OK. You can I can send you on Instagram her page. Her name's Janine. OK. OK. You can apply six months before you actually want to go. OK. You can do the interview process, get the job. Now, this year on the shop floor is really important for you because that's where you're going to gain your speed, your confidence. Yeah. Knowledge blow drying, like, because that's what you do. Seventy five percent of the time ship. Yeah. Hair up blow drying. You have your you don't have an apprentice. You have to do all the shampooing yourself. Yeah. But retail, you are one step ahead if you can get a grip for that. OK. All right. Because that is high pressure and expected. There's no if, buts or maybes. You've got to get it. You've got to hit them. It is an emotional roller coaster. But like I said, if you get a good relationship with it, once it clicks, they've got to need what I'm putting on. Yeah. You'll be fine. So I'll send you the details for her so you know exactly what you want to do. And have you got any more questions for me? Speaker 2: I definitely think so, no. But yeah, it's been really nice to talk because my best friends obviously have spoken to you and my other friends spoken to you. So it's like kind of like being able to speak to you as well. So it's like, I kind of know what they're saying now to me when they're like, I was a little bit like, OK, and then they've been on your podcast as well. So it's really nice to like see kind of what they're saying. Like it's really helpful to like get to grips of what like because I was like the other day I just like I was really down with myself on whether hairdressing was for me. And I thought, I don't know what else I'd do, though. Like that's the thing because you spend so many years at college. Like when I first left college, I'd no clue. I was like, I don't know what I want to do, but my sister was a hairdresser. So I was like, oh, maybe I'll do that then. And then I just I went into makeup because I was like it's hairdressing and makeup. So I guess if I find something there, yeah, that could help. So then I went into the hair part. Speaker 1: Full time work is hard. And you need to be a bit kind to yourself. You don't have to make any harsh decisions. But I do think putting your head down and investing all of your energy into training this year, see how you feel after Christmas. Yeah, yeah, you're right. There are different salons and different. But you've already answered your question. Yeah. And it's you should be proud to say that. I've got standards. Yeah. Yeah. And and ships is the biggest standard you'll ever go on. Yeah, you don't complain about a client. You don't complain tired. There's no no time for that. So if you think where you are now is hard. Yeah. And I'm not putting you off. I'm just that it's excellence. You know, whereas where you are now, you probably can is probably more relaxed than you think compared to that. Speaker 2: Yeah, I have. I do know. I know some people have been on cruise ships, but not doing hairdressing, doing other things. And they're like, is very boom, boom. You like there's no like way for error. You have to be kind of the best of the best to do it. And I was like, it's good to know, because like I've never met anyone like that does hairdressing. So it's nice to have a conversation with someone that's done that kind of thing. Because like my mum says to me like, how do you know you're going to like it? And I was like, I don't. But I don't know anyone else that's done hairdressing on a cruise ship. But I've always said I want to be a bit different. I don't I want to be a bit different in life. Like that's kind of my goal to do. Well, one tip I would Speaker 1: give you is would you write to somebody or like go in their DMs and Instagram and say, look, if you ever need anyone to assist, I would love to join you. Speaker 2: Yeah, I was. So the thing is I was going to I've done a did a fashion show for my friend. And then she was like, why don't you try London Fashion Week? And I know Janine, she comes to our college all the time and she was looking for someone. But it's just because I would do it. I definitely would. But I always work the days they need someone to do it. And I can't just be like, oh, no, I can't come into work today. So that's that's the barrier there. So if I wasn't. So when is London Fashion Week? I know it's in February sometime. Because it's the other day in. So the thing is. Speaker 1: And you were you were allowed to take days off or doesn't have to be full weeks? Speaker 2: It can be days off. And it's just like I don't know. It's kind of you have to put it in like a couple of months in advance. And no one told me to like a couple of weeks ago that it was on. So I would definitely do it because the hustle and bustle is I think I do work a lot better under the pressure. Like everyone at my college says Erin works so much better under pressure. If someone puts a time limit on me, I'm trying to get there as soon as possible. Because I feel like if you don't have any anything, I'm just like chilling. Well, I'll just take my time. But if someone goes, no, you need to in this time, I'll do it. That's the thing like competition wise. You've got 45 minutes of cake or do it. And then I've done it in less than that. It's just like I don't know what it is. I think it's because like people stare at you as well. They're like, Sarah, I know what you're doing. Oh, my God, can't make any mistakes quick. And I have other clients complain that they're sat there for too long. And it's just like, I don't I don't really know what to say when someone goes, I've been sat here for so long because that's the. You say I'm worth it. Is this just like you go? Speaker 1: I'll try to be quick next time, but I'm worth it. And one client said to me the other day, she went, I was just about to say your cheeky you. And then she went, I realized you are. You've got to have like. It's you've got to be professional, but lighten up a little bit as well. Like you've just got to be how would your mom feel? Do you mean like what would you do? Mom or your grandma? You'd be like, and do you want another cup? But little things I do with my clients, like, you know, if a magazine comes through the post, I open it. I look who's having their color done and go, do you want the new magazine? I get excited for them to sit there with the new magazine. That's what I mean. Like if you care about your clients on that level, they won't. They won't win. OK, yeah. Yeah, care the most and you can't lose. And. Let's see what time is it. How long have I kept you talking? Yeah, crap. And. You're going to be fine. I think don't be hard on yourself. Look at this year as it's OK to make mistakes. OK. Care the most, learn your products and just put your head down, work hard. And honestly, this time next year, everything will feel way easier, I promise. OK. You can message me anytime. You can't ask me like ask me as many questions as you like. I don't mind. I love to help. So you're never going to annoy me. If you're having a day where it just feels really hard, just message. OK. OK, thank you. You're welcome. Right, good luck. Thank you for your time. Bye. Thank you for listening to today's episode of The Learner's Voice, our collaboration with Blindermindset Education and Concept Hair. Your voice matters and you matter. And we really want you to thrive on your journey. If you are a mentor or Salad owner and you want to support your learners, go to Blindermindset.com. Scroll right down to the bottom of the store page and you can access loads of free resources that you can use with your teams and learners today.   https://belindamindset.com/   https://colourmesafe.com/?srsltid=AfmBOordWGKexeyW3iklIgyCSg4edGkoj-nF-a5MhUU-vmmtb69zz9UI   https://www.pivotpoint.co.uk/  

🎙️ The Learner’s Voice Podcast   Episode Title: Purpose & Perseverance with Shakaia Powell Host: Belinda Mindset Guest: Shakaia Powell – Level 3 Beauty Learner, WorldSkills Silver Medallist   ⸻   ✨ Episode Overview   In this inspiring episode of The Learner’s Voice Podcast, Belinda is joined by Shakaia Powell, a Level 3 Beauty learner from Coleg Gwent – Crosskeys Campus, who is already making waves in the industry.   With a Welsh Skills Bronze Medal and a WorldSkills Silver Medal to her name, Shakaia shares her journey from leaving sixth form to finding her confidence, passion, and purpose in beauty education. This conversation explores mindset, resilience, high standards, and what it really takes to succeed as a learner — both inside and outside the classroom.   We also proudly acknowledge Pivot Point, a global leader in digital learning and education development for the hair and beauty industry, whose ethical values, innovation, and global vision continue to shape the future of beauty education.   ⸻   🌍 About Our Partner: Pivot Point   Pivot Point is the driving force worldwide behind digital learning, education development, and premium educational tools for the hair and beauty industry. With a strong commitment to ethical manufacturing and social accountability, Pivot Point leads with integrity, innovation, and a learner-first mindset. We’re proud to partner with a company that champions education on a global scale.   ⸻   💬 What We Talk About in This Episode Leaving school, navigating pressure, and choosing a different path Why beauty education is challenging, stimulating, and often misunderstood How the right teacher can change everything Developing elite standards through competitions Behind-the-scenes competition tips (setup, transitions, timing & mindset) Turning mistakes into medals Training your model as part of your success strategy Dealing with grief, loss, and emotional resilience as a learner Finding motivation through purpose and perseverance Why it’s okay not to have everything figured out   ⸻   🏆 Competition & Excellence Takeaways   Shakaia shares practical, real-world advice for learners aiming to raise their standards: Prepare exactly how you plan to perform on the day Pre-roll, prep, and organise everything in advance Practice under timed conditions Learn to improvise when things go wrong Treat competitions like a performance — intentional, focused, and confident Client care and model training are non-negotiable   ⸻   ❤️ A Powerful Conversation on Resilience   Shakaia opens up about personal loss and grief, sharing how she channels pain into motivation rather than stopping. Her honesty offers reassurance to learners navigating emotional challenges alongside their education — a reminder that strength looks different for everyone.   ⸻   🌱 What’s Next for Shakaia? Completing Level 3 Beauty this summer Progressing to Level 4 Aspiring to work in a spa environment Continuing to grow as a professional with high personal standards   ⸻   📣 Shoutouts Kirsty Jones, lecturer and mentor, for believing, pushing, and inspiring A loyal competition model who played a key role in success All learners who are showing up, trying again, and trusting their journey   ⸻   🎧 Final Thoughts   This episode is a reminder that: You don’t need to have everything figured out Mistakes don’t define you — standards do The journey shapes who you become Your voice matters, and you matter   ⸻   🔗 Support for Learners   If you’re navigating grief or emotional challenges, Belinda has created a free reflective booklet available at Belindamindset.com — designed to help you find the words that match how you’re feeling.   ⸻   💛 Thank You for Listening   Thank you for listening to The Learner’s Voice Podcast, in collaboration with Belinda Mindset Education and Concept Hair. If you’re a mentor, educator, or salon owner and want to better support learners, visit blendomindset.com and explore the resources available in the store.   ✨ Your voice matters. Your journey matters. And you deserve to thrive Sponsor Colour me Safe   https://colourmesafe.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooY5LT-9L5K-LZLtvqRAJZyWJoSO9tgOOJjinpgucMXDZSKr3Ao  

  🎙️ The Learner’s Voice Podcast   Live from Leeds City College – The First Yorkshire Hair & Barbering Competition   In this special on-location episode of The Learner’s Voice, we are recording live at Leeds City College, the venue for the first-ever Yorkshire Hair and Barbering Competition, bringing seven colleges together in a powerful celebration of education, talent, and learner voice.   This landmark event creates a platform for learners to step outside the classroom, showcase their skills, and build confidence through competition, collaboration, and community.   🌍 Episode Sponsor   Pivot Point   Pivot Point is a global leader in digital learning, education development, and premium mannequins for the hair and beauty industry. Through ethical manufacturing and strong social accountability standards, Pivot Point continues to shape the future of beauty education worldwide.   We’re proud to partner with a company driven by innovation, integrity, and a global vision for learning.   ✂️ What You’ll Hear in This Episode 🎓 Learners from seven colleges across Yorkshire sharing their real journeys 🏆 First-time competitors experiencing a live competition environment 💭 Honest conversations about confidence, nerves, comparison, patience, and pressure 🧠 How mindset education supports learner growth alongside technical skill 🙌 Shout-outs to tutors, mentors, and colleges championing learner success 🌱 Stories of finding passion, changing direction, and trusting the process 🚀 Big goals including apprenticeships, self-employment, salons, and brand careers   🧠 Mindset Meets Industry   This episode highlights why mindset, self-awareness, and resilience are just as important as scissors and clippers.   Learners openly reflect on how patience, belief, and the right support systems help them move forward — especially in high-pressure environments like competitions.   🤝 Supported By Belinda Mindset Education – Supporting learners and educators through mindset-focused education and industry-ready resources Concept Hair – Proudly supporting education and future talent within the hair and barbering industry   🧪 Additional Sponsor Feature   Colour Me Safe   Colour Me Safe is redefining patch testing for hair professionals with safer, smarter methods that use the actual product applied to the client. Fully UK compliant, insured, and designed to save time without compromising safety.   Visit ColourMeSafe.com to learn more.   🎧 Who This Episode Is For Hair and barbering learners Tutors, lecturers, and educators Salon owners and employers Anyone considering a career in hair or barbering Those who believe confidence and growth start with mindset   💡 Final Message   Your voice matters. Your journey matters. And wherever you’re starting from — you belong here.   If you’re a mentor, educator, or salon owner and want to support learners, visit 👉 BelindaMindset.com and scroll to the bottom of the store page to access free mindset resources you can use with your teams today.   🎙️ Thank you for listening to The Learner’s Voice Podcast. Celebrating learners. Building confidence. Creating opportunity   https://belindamindset.com/  

I had the absolute pleasure of diving into the world of hair and beauty learners at Salon International 2025, and I left feeling inspired by the passion, determination, and creativity of these amazing students. In this episode, I share my conversations with learners from across the UK, including Kali, Molly, Ruby, Sophie, Mia, Soda, Isabella, and Jess, as they candidly reflect on their journeys in hairdressing and beauty therapy. Key Takeaways from This Episode: I learned that embracing challenges with a positive mindset can transform struggles into growth. I discovered that patience, persistence, and self-belief are essential in learning new skills, whether it’s perfecting foils, mastering pedicures, or finding your own signature style in treatments. I was reminded that building confidence, making meaningful connections, and celebrating small wins are just as important as technical skills. Most importantly, I saw that every learner’s journey is unique, and showing up authentically and staying passionate makes all the difference. Throughout our conversations, learners shared their highest highs—from the thrill of mastering a new technique, excelling in competitions, and finally feeling confident in their craft—to their lowest lows, which often included initial anxiety, challenging techniques, or self-doubt. Each learner had valuable advice for newcomers: take it slow, enjoy the process, embrace your individuality, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Mentorship came up repeatedly as a cornerstone of success, with shout-outs to teachers and industry professionals who encouraged, guided, and inspired them along the way. From discussions about building confidence, pursuing further education, exploring creative treatments, and even dreaming about opening their own salons, this episode highlights that learning is a journey, not a destination. The energy, enthusiasm, and dedication these learners bring to their craft is infectious and a reminder that the hair and beauty industry thrives on curiosity, innovation, and resilience. Tune in to hear these inspiring stories, learn actionable tips, and celebrate the voices shaping the future of hair and beauty. Your journey matters, your voice matters, and this episode proves that the next generation of hair and beauty professionals is ready to shine.   https://belindamindset.com/  

Episode Title: “Finding Your Creative Voice — with Makeup Artist Daniela Ramos”   The Learner’s Voice – Presented by Belinda Mindset in collaboration with Concept Hair Magazine Sponsored by Pivot Point UK   🎙️ Episode Summary   In this inspiring episode, host Belinda sits down with makeup artist and Harper College graduate Daniela Ramos, whose creative journey took her from painting with crayons as a child in Tenerife to working backstage on professional body-painting gigs and brand events across the UK.   Daniela shares how she found confidence through creativity, the power of resourcefulness, and why beauty is truly in the eyes of the beholder. From last-minute competition nerves to becoming a working artist with her own unique style, Daniela’s story is a powerful reminder that your voice — and your art — matter.   💡 Key Moments   04:12 — The crayon beginnings: Daniela’s first makeup experiments 08:45 — How nature and creativity shaped her path 12:30 — The WorldSkills competition journey 20:15 — “Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder” — a lesson in confidence 25:40 — From Harper College to her first paid makeup gigs 33:10 — Landing creative work for major brands 36:20 — Daniela’s advice: Love yourself, trust yourself, and go for it.   🧠 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:   How to overcome creative self-doubt The importance of resourcefulness as an artist Ways competitions can open unexpected doors How mentorship and support shape a learner’s journey Tips for turning passion into a professional path 💬 Guest Bio: Daniela Ramos   Daniela Ramos is a UK-based makeup artist known for her expressive, nature-inspired designs and fearless creativity. A graduate of Harper College, Daniela has gone from college competitions to professional artistry, including creative collaborations, body painting, and live events. Her work blends innovation, imagination, and artistry — proving that true beauty comes from self-expression.   📸 Instagram: @danielaramosmakeup   💛 About the Show   The Learner’s Voice celebrates the journeys, struggles, and successes of students and young professionals in the beauty and creative industries. Hosted by Belinda Mindset, each episode shares authentic conversations designed to inspire confidence, self-belief, and growth.   Learn more at belindamindset.com    

Welcome to the Learners Voice Podcast! I’m your host, Belinda Hillman, and today I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Bobbie-Jo from Newcastle College. She’s a rising star in the hairdressing industry, and in our conversation, we explore her journey, her achievements, and the lessons she’s learning along the way. Key Takeaways from this Episode: Pushing yourself outside your comfort zone can unlock new opportunities you never imagined. Confidence grows through practice, competitions, and the belief of supportive mentors. Finding balance between studies, work, and social life is key to thriving in college. Journaling and mindset tools can make a real difference in managing challenges and mental health. From starting out as a Saturday girl in her boyfriend’s mum’s salon, Bobbie-Jo quickly fell in love with the transformation that hairdressing brings to clients—the joy of watching someone leave the chair smiling brighter than when they arrived. Her ambition first led her to consider careers as varied as tattoo artistry and crime scene investigation, but her heart settled firmly on hair. Bobbie-Jo shares openly about why she chose the college route over an apprenticeship, how that decision gave her both structure and freedom, and how competitions—like World Skills and Concept Hair—helped her find confidence she never knew she had. She also talks about the pivotal role her lecturers, especially Jo and Amanda, played in nudging her to take risks and believe in herself. We also touch on Bobbie-Jo incredible achievement of winning Student of the Year at Newcastle College, an award that she initially couldn’t believe described her. Her story is a powerful reminder of how others often see our potential long before we do ourselves. What stood out most was Bobbie-Jo resilience, her willingness to keep trying even when things felt overwhelming, and her top tip for other learners: push yourself beyond your limits, not just to them. I can’t wait for you to hear this inspiring conversation and celebrate Bobbie-Jo journey. 👉 Tune in now to the Learners Voice Podcast and be inspired to push beyond your comfort zone too!    

Special Guest: Jess Maundrell   In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with the incredibly talented Jess Maundrell—Concept Hair’s Overall Winner and Avant-Garde champion for 2025. At just 19 years old, Jess has already graced posters, magazine covers, and international competitions. Her journey is a true testament to what’s possible when passion, resilience, and creativity collide. From the very beginning, Jess knew hairdressing was her path. What struck me most in our conversation was her honesty about the struggles—questioning whether to pursue an apprenticeship or a full-time course, battling through self-doubt, and learning to push through the “bad days.” Her decision to follow her gut and stay at West Suffolk College became one of the best choices she’s ever made, and it shows in her results. We explored her love for avant-garde styling, her standout whale-tail design inspired by environmental themes, and the unique opportunities she’s embraced—from Concept Hair competitions to representing the UK at WorldSkills, even traveling to Japan to exchange skills with international students. Listening to Jess talk about stepping outside her comfort zone reminded me of the power of saying “yes” to opportunities, even when they feel scary. My Key Takeaways: Success in this industry isn’t just about skill—it’s about mindset. Jess reminded me that bad days don’t mean you’re on the wrong path; they’re part of the process. Trusting your gut can change everything. Choosing a full course at college when everyone else told her to do an apprenticeship was a defining moment in her career. Competitions aren’t only about winning—they’re about confidence, exposure, and building lifelong connections. Support systems matter. From mentors like Jo and her lecturers to friends and family, Jess thrived because she leaned on her network. Resilience and determination are what set extraordinary learners apart. Jess didn’t give up when things got tough—she kept practicing until she achieved her vision. I left our chat so inspired, not only by Jess’s talent but also by her humility and drive. She’s proof that age doesn’t define your impact—you do.

Special Guest: Morgan Brown Welcome to Learner’s Voice! I’m your host, Belinda Hillman, and today’s episode is one that’s incredibly close to my heart. I sit down with my own apprentice, Morgan Brown, for an honest, inspiring, and emotional conversation. From sweeping floors as a Saturday girl to making the bold decision to move to Australia, Morgan’s journey is proof that with passion, grit, and mindset—anything is possible. Morgan opens up about the influence of her mum and grandma in sparking her love for hairdressing, how school-based training gave her a powerful head start, and why an apprenticeship—not a classroom—was the key to her success. She shares the highs and the hard truths of the apprentice life: the ego, the burnout, the breakthroughs… and learning how to accept feedback without losing herself. We talk about her mindset transformation, her surprising decision to skip Level 3 (for now!), and what drove her and her partner Reese to book a one-way ticket to Australia. She didn’t just dream about it—she mapped it out with pen and paper, planned each step, and made it happen. From contacting salons on Instagram to fast-tracking her EPA before flying out, Morgan has truly shown what it means to take action. Key Takeaways: The first 6 months of an apprenticeship can make or break you—lean into support, ask for help, and keep pushing. Don’t let your ego get in the way of your growth—feedback is fuel. Use social media as a professional tool—it can open doors you never imagined. Planning with pen and paper can help declutter your mind and turn dreams into plans. Courage doesn’t always come with confidence—sometimes you leap anyway. Tune in to hear a real, raw, and motivating story that will inspire you to chase your goals—no matter how far away they seem. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs to hear this story!    

In today’s episode, I sit down with the incredibly inspiring Heather Jane Wayne—an adult learner from Coleg Menai in North Wales—whose journey into hairdressing began not in a salon, but through sheer grit, self-teaching, and an unshakable desire to create something of her own. Heather didn’t take the traditional route. Originally studying to become a teacher, she started doing hair-up styles as a side hustle while working long hours as a care worker. That “side hustle” soon blossomed into a thriving bridal hair business—and opened the door to a complete career transformation. What struck me most was how Heather refused to let her circumstances define her. As a single mum to two children, one of whom has additional needs, she has consistently shown determination, heart, and a love of learning that radiates in everything she does. We talk about how she battled imposter syndrome, what gave her the courage to go back to college, and how competitions like UK Skills, Welsh Skills, and Concept Hair helped shape her confidence. She’s even been nominated for Student of the Year and is a finalist for multiple Purple Hearts Awards. Her honesty, energy, and growth mindset are infectious—and I know her story will ignite something in anyone who’s ever doubted themselves or wondered if it’s too late to start over. 🔑 Key Takeaways: You’re never “too old” or “too busy” to start again. A growth mindset and the willingness to say yes can open doors you never imagined. Self-belief doesn’t come first—it grows as you show up. Competitions, mentors, and community can fast-track both confidence and career. You can balance motherhood and ambition—with the right support and self-compassion. Tune in and get ready to be inspired by Heather’s journey from side hustle to a professional hairdresser with big dreams ahead. 💡 Let’s Connect: Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that it’s never too late.    

Guest: Rhys Hillman In this episode, I sit down for one of the most personal and proudest interviews I’ve ever done—chatting with my son, Rhys Hillman, about his incredible journey into the barbering industry. At just 19, Rhys is already carving out a name for himself in the high-end world of men’s grooming, but his story starts long before his first fade. We talk about the early days—those Saturday shifts in our family salon when he was just nine, and the detour he took into graphic design during the pandemic. What stands out most is the moment barbering clicked for him: not as an add-on to hairdressing, but as a unique, expressive craft he could call his own. Rhys opens up about his bold decision to move away from home for hands-on training at Crate Cheshire and how he hustled for models any way he could—knocking on doors, even trying Grindr! We explore how working on a Christmas tree farm gave him the grit and work ethic he now brings into every haircut. This isn’t just a story of talent—it’s about persistence, growth, and creating something that feels personal and powerful for every client who sits in his chair. From his first editorial photo shoot to making it to the finals of the Modern Barber Awards, Rhys has stayed humble, hungry, and always willing to learn. Key Takeaways (from me, as a mum and a host): The beginning is hard, but the hustle builds character. Relationships matter—real connection turns clients into loyal regulars. Don’t compare, be inspired—growth takes time. Confidence isn’t perfection; it’s progress. Define who you want to be early on, then chase it unapologetically. Keep learning—education and discomfort are both fuel for greatness. This episode is more than just a career story. It’s a reflection on resilience, family, and the power of backing your passion with everything you’ve got. Rhys reminds us that chasing the cut isn’t just about technique—it’s about creating a life you love, one haircut at a time.   https://belindamindset.com/store https://belindamindset.com/belinda-hillman  

Special Guests: Milly Ockmore, Rosie Davies, and Katie Sime   In this powerful and heartwarming episode, I sit down with three incredible young women—Milly Ockmore, Rosie Davies, and Katie Sime—each a medalist from the prestigious WorldSkills competition. What starts as a conversation about styling and skills turns into a beautiful exploration of confidence, growth, and how saying “yes” to an opportunity can change your life. Milly, shares how finishing school during COVID left her feeling uncertain—until she discovered hairdressing and found her spark. I encouraged her to enter WorldSkills, and to her surprise, she kept progressing… all the way to a medal. Her journey reminds me—and all of us—that even when we’re unsure, showing up and finishing what we start can unlock potential we didn’t know we had. Rosie brings such depth and thoughtfulness to our chat. She opens up about her experiences in both AHT and WorldSkills competitions, sharing how breaking styles down into simple sections helped her succeed. Her go-to product? Wella Shine Spray! And she’s gearing up for her End Point Assessment, which I was thrilled to support with a guided visualisation tool—because yes, mental rehearsal isn’t just for athletes. Then comes Katie, the gold medalist from Red Hair Company, whose quiet determination and resilience stole my heart. She credits her success to the incredible mentors around her—including Rosie—and the courage to step outside her comfort zone, even when the pressure was high. Together, these women are proof that talent flourishes in the right environment—with belief, guidance, and community. Whether you’re a learner, a mentor, or someone searching for your “thing,” this episode is a celebration of grit, growth, and girl power. Tune in—you’ll leave inspired to take your own leap. Here are the key takeaways from the episode: Confidence grows when we say “yes” before we feel ready. Saying yes, even when unsure, opens doors to growth and opportunity. Mentorship—and a little healthy pressure—can be life-changing. Support from mentors can help push us out of our comfort zones and guide us to success. Hands-on learning builds real-world skills—and real-world belief. Practical experience in the field teaches not only technical skills but also boosts self-confidence. Simplify, practice, and trust the process. Break tasks down into manageable steps, keep practicing, and trust that progress will come. The right support system makes all the difference. Being surrounded by a supportive community can inspire motivation and success, especially when challenges arise. https://belindamindset.com/store https://belindamindset.com/belinda-hillman    

Special Guest: Lilia Grace Jones In this episode of Learner’s Voice in collaboration with Concept Hair, I sit down with Lilia Grace Jones from Coleg Cambria, who is currently completing her Level 3 Beauty Therapy. Lilia’s passion for beauty started at a young age, and she has been inspired by professionals, clients, and her work environment. Lilia shares her incredible experience participating in World Skills Beauty Therapy, a competition that tested her technical skills and resilience. She opens up about the intense training process, the support she received from mentors and peers, and how the competition pushed her beyond self-doubt, ultimately strengthening her confidence and abilities. Her advice? Take the leap—competitions are a great way to grow personally and professionally. We also explore the challenges of working in the beauty industry, particularly overcoming confidence issues and seeking mentorship. Lilia’s mantra, “Don’t let the fear of standing out keep you from playing the game,” is a powerful reminder to push past self-doubt, embrace learning opportunities, and stay focused on personal goals. Despite not being in a managerial role, Lilia has built a strong client base while working in a salon, reinforcing the importance of gaining hands-on experience and building relationships. She also highlights the supportive learning environment at Glow, where collaboration and continuous improvement are encouraged. Mindset training was another key topic—we discussed how initial skepticism turned into appreciation for its impact on personal and professional growth. From Welsh language flashcards to competition preparation, Lilia reflects on how these tools enhanced her learning experience. One of the standout moments of our conversation was Lilia’s recognition as Dermalogica Student of the Year 2024. She shares her love for skincare, the brand’s excellent training, and the importance of product knowledge in delivering high-quality beauty treatments. Key Takeaways: ✨ Push past self-doubt—competitions can boost confidence and skill development. ✨ Seek mentorship and build a supportive learning environment. ✨ Hands-on experience and client relationships are key to success. ✨ Mindset training plays a crucial role in professional growth. ✨ Embrace unexpected opportunities—you may discover new passions along the way. This episode is a must-listen for beauty therapy students and professionals looking for inspiration, confidence-building tips, and industry insights!      

Special Guest:  Herb Bishop   Welcome to the Belinda Mindset podcast, The Learner's Voice! Today's episode features Herb Bishop, a 17-year-old barber from Cornwall, sharing his inspiring journey in the world of barbering. Herb's story is a testament to following passion and seizing opportunities. Herb left his A Levels to pursue barbering, driven by his love for the craft. He shares how a chance encounter with a barber in Bristol and later Plymouth sparked his interest, leading him to apprentice at a local shop and eventually start his own business from his garden. Despite initial challenges and skepticism, Herb's determination and family support propelled him forward. Reflecting on his journey, Herb discusses the importance of confidence and seizing opportunities, even when they seem unconventional. His journey from reluctant A Level student to thriving barber showcases the power of following one's passion and taking calculated risks. Throughout the episode, Herb emphasizes the role of mentorship and continuous learning in his growth. He discusses the evolution of his skills, from initial struggles to gaining confidence through client feedback and social media exposure. Herb's approach to self-promotion on platforms like Instagram underscores his commitment to growth and transparency in his craft. As Herb continues to expand his skills through hairdressing courses and self-study, he remains optimistic about his future in the industry. His entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to embrace challenges serve as an inspiration to aspiring barbers and entrepreneurs alike. Key Takeaways: ✅ Follow What You Love – Herb made the courageous decision to leave traditional education behind because he knew his passion lay elsewhere. He reminds us that doing what you love is key to long-term fulfillment. ✅ Say Yes to Opportunities – The only student to raise his hand to be on this podcast, Herb believes in taking chances. He shares how stepping forward, even when uncertain, can open unexpected doors. ✅ The Power of Role Models – A single haircut with an inspiring barber in Bristol changed Herb’s perspective on what a career in barbering could be. Mentors and role models can shape our ambitions in ways we don’t anticipate. ✅ Learn by Doing – Herb's journey into barbering started with hands-on experience. He took the initiative to shadow a barber and practice, reinforcing that real-world learning is invaluable. ✅ Embrace Criticism and Growth – From taking countless photos of his work to seeking feedback, Herb has learned that constructive criticism fuels improvement. He shares how his confidence has grown over time. ✅ Build Your Own Path – Running his own barbering business from his garden, Herb values independence and flexibility. His entrepreneurial mindset proves that success doesn’t have to follow a traditional path. Join us as Herb shares his insights and experiences, offering valuable lessons on resilience, passion, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment in one's career. Herb's journey is a reminder that success often stems from embracing one's unique path and staying true to one's passions.

Special Guest:  Linda Bennett   In this episode of The Learner’s Voice, I sit down with Linda Bennett, a 57-year-old former mental health nurse who took a bold leap into a brand-new career in hairdressing. After retiring at 55 from a fulfilling 33-year nursing career, Linda found herself searching for her next purpose—until a simple salon visit sparked an unexpected realization. She shares how the core skills of nursing—empathy, connection, and a desire to make people feel better—perfectly align with hairdressing. But stepping into a completely new industry wasn’t without its challenges. From self-doubt about age and skill to shifting from a leadership role to being a learner again, Linda opens up about the mindset shifts and personal growth that have shaped her journey. We also explore the incredible support available for learners in the hairdressing industry, including financial aid, uniforms, meals, and game-changing mindset training. Linda highlights the transformative impact of educators like Emma and the "Belinda Mindset" approach, which fosters confidence, resilience, and a deep belief in one’s potential. Key Takeaways: 🔹 It’s never too late to reinvent yourself and pursue a new passion. 🔹 The transition from expert to beginner is humbling but filled with growth. 🔹 Mindset training and a strong support system can make all the difference. 🔹 Career shifts challenge societal norms, but personal fulfillment matters more than status. 🔹 Passion, not age, determines success in any field. Linda’s story is a powerful reminder that learning is a lifelong journey. If you’ve ever considered making a change but felt held back by fear or doubt, this episode will inspire you to take the leap. 🎧 Listen now and embrace the possibility of reinvention at any stage of life!    

https://belindamindset.com/store https://belindamindset.com/belinda-hillman   In this episode, I, Belinda Hillman, take you behind the scenes to share the inspiration and purpose of this podcast. As your host, I’ll be diving into the transformative power of mentorship, the importance of mindset in the hair and beauty industry, and why this podcast is here to give apprentices the tools and motivation to succeed. Key Takeaways: I reflect on my journey in the industry, where it all started, and how one mentor, Kitty, changed the trajectory of my career by instilling in me the confidence to dream bigger. I share how mentorship has become the foundation of my passion—helping others see beyond their immediate circumstances and empowering them to achieve their goals. Through my brand, Belinda Mindset, I’ve developed resources and training programs like the two-hour CPD mindset course and motivational training cards that blend industry knowledge with personal growth strategies. I explain how I work directly with salons and colleges to help apprentices build self-awareness, develop a growth mindset, and find clarity in their goals. Why Mindset Matters: In this episode, I explain how mindset goes beyond technical skills—it’s the key to thriving in the industry. From boosting team morale to improving client relationships, I show how a positive mindset benefits not only the apprentice but also the salon as a whole by increasing happiness, retention, and financial success. Stories to Inspire: I share honest, real-life stories of learners who’ve faced challenges but transformed their thinking and approach. From breaking free of "plan B" mentalities to learning the value of pausing and reflecting, these moments highlight the power of believing in yourself and staying focused. Join me on this journey as we celebrate lifelong learning and inspire the next generation of industry professionals. Let’s create a community where everyone has the chance to thrive. Be sure to subscribe for more episodes filled with actionable advice, inspiring stories, and expert insights!