What happens when life takes you on a completely unexpected journey—and those twists shape the dreams you were always meant to follow?

In this episode of Beyond the Salon Chair, Natasha sits down with Kirsty Louise Fensome, a former Virgin Atlantic cabin crew member turned creative entrepreneur, whose story is nothing short of inspiring. From her early dreams of acting and writing, to her life-changing experiences working in aviation during 9/11, Kirsty’s journey is filled with resilience, ambition, and a spark of creativity that never went away.

She opens up about the visionary business ideas she had long before platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn existed, her passion for writing, and the courage it takes to turn self-doubt into action. With her upcoming memoir New Found Land on the horizon, Kirsty’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to chase your ambitions and share your ideas with the world.

If you’ve ever felt held back by fear or wondered if your ideas are worth pursuing—this episode will give you the encouragement you’ve been waiting for.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Turning Ideas into Reality – Kirsty has a gift for spotting creative business opportunities—long before things like Facebook or LinkedIn even existed. Her story is a reminder that ideas are powerful, but they only matter if you act on them.

Life, Writing & Resilience – Her upcoming memoir New Found Land takes us inside her time as Virgin Airways cabin crew during 9/11 and how those experiences shaped her path as a writer.

Breaking the Cycle of Self-Sabotage – Like so many of us, Kirsty admits she’s held herself back at times. This conversation is about recognising that tendency, holding yourself accountable, and finally stepping into your potential.

Don’t Let Ideas Slip Away – Too many brilliant thoughts never leave the notebook. Kirsty challenges us to stop sitting on ideas and start bringing them to life.

A Message of Encouragement – At its heart, this episode is about believing your story, your talents, and your ideas matter. You never know who you might inspire when you share them.

BEST MOMENTS

"I just had like this kind of feeling that I was just going to have this incredible amazing life and I was going to do so much."

"I was actually on holiday with my parents in Prague and over dinner one evening, my mum just said to me, you know, you've always loved writing, why don't you write about your experience?"

"I definitely think you should get your creative genius out there in a book and let yourself be known so that if anything does pop up, it's always known that, well, [you] had the idea first."

"One of the richest places on earth is the cemetery, just meaning that so many people go without getting their ideas out there."

OUR LINKS

www.exquisitesalon.co

https://www.instagram.com/exquisite1hbs/

HOST BIO

Natasha is a seasoned hairdresser with over 14 years of experience in the beauty industry, renowned for her passion, skill, and dedication to her craft. Specializing in creating personalized, stunning styles, she has worked with clients of all hair types, consistently earning a reputation for boosting confidence and empowering individuals through their hair transformations. Natasha’s approach combines creativity with precision, ensuring each client feels valued and understood. Natasha looks to share insights from the world of hairstyling, creativity, and inspiration, alongside real conversations and meaningful discussions

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, Natasha welcomes industry expert Natasha Johnson, who brings over two decades of experience in the hair and beauty sector. They delve into Natasha's journey from a young salon manager in Holland Park to her current role as a business consultant, emphasising the importance of blending creative education with commercial growth. Natasha shares insights on the challenges faced by the industry post-pandemic, the impact of AI, and the necessity of maintaining a human touch in service.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Importance of Education in the Industry: Continuous education is crucial in the hair and beauty industry, as trends and techniques are constantly evolving.

Customer Experience Matters: Exceptional customer service and creating a personalised experience are vital for client retention. Clients are willing to travel for quality service, highlighting the importance of making them feel valued and cared for.

Well-being Focus: There is a growing emphasis on well-being and self-care in society, with more individuals recognising the importance of grooming and personal care as part of their overall health and happiness.

Challenges in the Industry: The hair and beauty industry faces challenges, particularly post-pandemic, including rising costs and the need for effective business management alongside creativity. Success requires balancing both aspects.

Human Connection Over Technology: While technology, including AI, can assist with administrative tasks, the essence of the hair and beauty industry lies in human interaction and the personal touch that professionals provide to their clients.

BEST MOMENTS

"I often think in our industry, we're very creative and we forget the business side of stuff. And I don't think it should just be a labour of love. We're here to make money too."

"I believe if you want to do something, if you put yourself to it, you 100% can do it. Everything is capable. But just don't join the industry if you imagine it's going to be a walk in the park."

"I think that there are lots of spaces now that are just exclusively for nails and give people that experience. I'm enjoying this higher-end side of nails."

"There's a lot of stress, there's a lot of stuff happening in life, sometimes we're overworked, sometimes you've just got a lot on, and it's that, okay, what about you? Your moment."

"I think it's really important we don't lose that human touch. People come to us because they want to feel touched."

OUR LINKS

www.exquisitesalon.co

https://www.instagram.com/exquisite1hbs/⁠

⁠HOST BIO

Natasha is a seasoned hairdresser with over 14 years of experience in the beauty industry, renowned for her passion, skill, and dedication to her craft. Specialising in creating personalised, stunning styles, she has worked with clients of all hair types, consistently earning a reputation for boosting confidence and empowering individuals through their hair transformations. Natasha’s approach combines creativity with precision, ensuring each client feels valued and understood. Natasha looks to share insights from the world of hairstyling, creativity, and inspiration, alongside real conversations and meaningful discussions

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this inspiring episode, Natasha welcomes Claire Stanley, founder and owner of Ghost Post Pro, a social media agency dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and businesses enhance their brands through organic ghostwriting. Claire shares her remarkable journey, which began after a life-changing accident led her to explore the world of property and social media. Claire discusses the challenges she faced in mastering social media, the importance of building a network, and how her experiences in adult social care helped her develop transferable skills for her new venture. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Embrace Self-Learning: Claire's journey highlights the importance of self-education and stepping out of one's comfort zone. Despite initial struggles with technology and social media, she taught herself how to navigate these platforms.

Building a Network: Claire emphasizes the significance of networking and building genuine connections. By sharing her journey and being authentic online, she attracted opportunities for collaborations, partnerships, and speaking engagements.

Organic Growth: Claire advocates for organic social media growth over paid advertising. She successfully built her personal brand and client base through authentic engagement.

Training and Empowerment: Through her agency, Claire offers training that focuses on personal branding and social media strategies. Her approach empowers individuals to understand their unique voice and how to effectively communicate it across different platforms.

Adaptability Across Platforms: Claire discusses the necessity of adapting content for different social media platforms. Each platform has its own audience and tone.

BEST MOMENTS

"I was finding deals. I had nowhere to showcase them. I had no network... It was a case of working it out for yourself. And that is literally what I did."

"I could literally emulate your voice that even your friends and family wouldn't know who, that it's not you posting."

"It just shows really anybody listening out there that feels that they can't do it... you can still progress and do what you need to do quite efficiently."

"I am a massive advocate for AI, but use it as a framework... The algorithm knows when it is AI and they know that we play around with them."

"You need to take time out of your business to spend on your business... but when it is always Monday to Fridays... people struggle."

OUR LINKS

www.exquisitesalon.co

https://www.instagram.com/exquisite1hbs/

HOST BIO

Natasha is a seasoned hairdresser with over 14 years of experience in the beauty industry, renowned for her passion, skill, and dedication to her craft. Specializing in creating personalized, stunning styles, she has worked with clients of all hair types, consistently earning a reputation for boosting confidence and empowering individuals through their hair transformations. Natasha’s approach combines creativity with precision, ensuring each client feels valued and understood. Natasha looks to share insights from the world of hairstyling, creativity, and inspiration, alongside real conversations and meaningful discussions

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, Natasha welcomes Tina Clark, a seasoned professional in the beauty industry with over 20 years of experience. Tina shares her inspiring journey from starting her career with a basic manicure course while pregnant to establishing her own community interest company, Simply Beauty Pamper Services, in London. Tina discusses the importance of location, marketing, and networking for aspiring salon owners, as well as the challenges of securing funding for training programs.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Importance of Location and Target Audience: When starting a beauty business, it's crucial to consider the location and the target audience.

Value of Networking: Building a strong network within the beauty industry can open doors to opportunities, clientele, and collaborations.

Quality Over Cost: Investing in high-quality products and tools is essential for long-term success. While it may be tempting to choose cheaper options, quality products can lead to better results and customer satisfaction.

Embracing Digital Skills: As the beauty industry evolves, incorporating digital skills, including social media marketing and AI tools, is becoming increasingly important.

Passion and Persistence: Overcoming challenges, such as securing funding, requires a strong passion for the work and a commitment to helping others. Persistence in pursuing goals can lead to success, even in the face of obstacles.

BEST MOMENTS

"I always had an admin job and worked in the charity sector... in 2020, I decided to open my own community interest company."

"You really need to make your branding stand out, raise awareness about your services."

"If you buy a really good quality product or tool, it will last you. And that makes a real difference."

"You need to think about your target audience and location."

"If you've got a passion for your work and for helping others, you're just going to keep at it." 

OUR LINKS

⁠https://www.instagram.com/exquisite1hbs/

www.exquisitesalon.co

HOST BIO

Natasha is a seasoned hairdresser with over 14 years of experience in the beauty industry, renowned for her passion, skill, and dedication to her craft. Specializing in creating personalized, stunning styles, she has worked with clients of all hair types, consistently earning a reputation for boosting confidence and empowering individuals through their hair transformations. Natasha’s approach combines creativity with precision, ensuring each client feels valued and understood. Natasha looks to share insights from the world of hairstyling, creativity, and inspiration, alongside real conversations and meaningful discussions

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/exquisite1hbs/

In this inspiring episode, Natasha welcomes award-winning entrepreneur and business mentor Tracy Fensome. Tracey shares her remarkable journey, starting her first business at just 23 and navigating through challenges, including a life-altering health issue that reshaped her path. With a passion for helping women overcome self-doubt and build successful beauty businesses, Tracey discusses her transition from the construction industry to the beauty sector, her experiences in teaching, and the establishment of her training academy. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Overcoming Adversity: The journey of building a successful business often involves overcoming significant personal challenges. Visualisation and mindset can play crucial roles in navigating difficult times and reshaping one's path.

Diverse Career Path: Starting a career in construction at a young age and transitioning into the beauty industry highlights the importance of exploring various interests and experiences.

Importance of Education and Training: Continuous learning and obtaining qualifications, such as teaching certifications, can enhance credibility and effectiveness in a chosen field.

Finding Your Niche: Identifying a specific area of passion, whether in beauty or another industry, can lead to greater fulfilment and success. Focusing on a niche allows for targeted growth and the ability to offer specialised training or services.

Work-Life Balance: Achieving a balance between professional ambitions and personal life is essential. Taking time off to recharge and enjoy life can lead to greater productivity and satisfaction in both personal and professional realms.

BEST MOMENTS

"I tapped into my mind because it's the only thing I had control over... I did visualization every day, and it completely shifted my mind to have that belief."

"I think it's all about seeing what makes us spark, what's that spark within us that we enjoy and just pursuing that."

"Teaching takes a lot of energy, and start there. Start thinking about what could be in your course, and who is going to be your client."

"I didn't want to sit waxing people or doing nails all day... I just knew I wanted to do something else."

"Your energy is brilliant. If anyone knew Tracey, they would know that she is like a 16 year old."

OUR LINKS

www.exquisitesalon.co

⁠https://www.instagram.com/exquisite1hbs/⁠

HOST BIO

Natasha is a seasoned hairdresser with over 14 years of experience in the beauty industry, renowned for her passion, skill, and dedication to her craft. Specializing in creating personalized, stunning styles, she has worked with clients of all hair types, consistently earning a reputation for boosting confidence and empowering individuals through their hair transformations. Natasha’s approach combines creativity with precision, ensuring each client feels valued and understood. Natasha looks to share insights from the world of hairstyling, creativity, and inspiration, alongside real conversations and meaningful discussions

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, Natasha welcomes beauty industry veterans Nicola, Maria, and Belli, who have over 25 years of experience and run the Hampson Training Academy. They share their journey from opening their first salon at the age of 20 to launching an online course and promoting the Japanese Head Spa globally. Nicola, Maria, and Belli also introduce their innovative Japanese Head Spa treatment, highlighting its benefits for mental well-being and scalp health. As they expand their business internationally, they emphasize the significance of collaboration and maintaining human interaction in the beauty sector. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Industry Evolution: The beauty industry has significantly changed over the past 25 years, with advancements in treatments and a greater emphasis on wellness and mental health. Professionals must continuously adapt and stay updated with new trends and regulations.

Importance of Education: Continuous education is crucial for success in the beauty industry. The guests emphasize the need for proper training and qualifications, as hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge are essential for providing high-quality services.

Hampson Training Academy: The academy was established to provide high-quality training for beauty professionals, addressing gaps in existing training programs. It aims to create a supportive ecosystem for staff development and improve industry standards.

Japanese Head Spa: This holistic treatment combines elements of Indian head massage with water and sound, promoting relaxation and mental well-being. It is gaining popularity and is offered through specialized training and products by the guests' company.

AI and Technology in Beauty: While AI and automation are becoming more prevalent in the beauty industry, the guests believe that human interaction remains vital. They foresee a split in the industry where some businesses may adopt technology for efficiency, while others will prioritize personal connections with clients.

BEST MOMENTS

"We wanted to keep all these customers and we want to put a standard out there that customers will enjoy their treatment rather than being put off by someone who perhaps maybe hasn't been educated the right way."

"It's a holistic treatment that includes water, sound, and everything, so all of the senses will be stimulated at the same time."

"I think there will be two sides of it. I think the industry will split in two."

"Invest in your education for sure. It's crucial. It will catapult you into the industry but it'll also gain you that following because you'll be knowledgeable."

"We genuinely believe that you will not get that education anywhere else in any other training." 

GUESTS LINKS

https://hampsontraining.co.uk/ 

https://www.instagram.com/hampson_training/ 

OUR LINKS

www.exquisitesalon.co

https://www.instagram.com/exquisite1hbs/⁠

HOST BIO

Natasha is a seasoned hairdresser with over 14 years of experience in the beauty industry, renowned for her passion, skill, and dedication to her craft. Specialising in creating personalised, stunning styles, she has worked with clients of all hair types, consistently earning a reputation for boosting confidence and empowering individuals through their hair transformations. Natasha’s approach combines creativity with precision, ensuring each client feels valued and understood. Natasha looks to share insights from the world of hairstyling, creativity, and inspiration, alongside real conversations and meaningful discussions.

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this inspiring episode, Natasha welcomes Elizabeth Morley, an empowerment social media strategist and founder of the Ellie M.J. Chat Show. Elizabeth shares her journey from being a fashion influencer to establishing her agency, emphasising the importance of self-belief and continuous learning. Elizabeth discusses the challenges she faced while transitioning into the online business world, particularly as a mother, and how she managed to balance her family life with her entrepreneurial aspirations. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

BEST MOMENTS

"I am an empowerment enthusiast, and one of the ways that I empower people is by supporting business owners to get more clarity about taking their business online and offline."

"Self-belief is magic. It is key to life. It is key to nearly everything you do."

"I want to create a platform whereby I can bring the key influential people together to ensure that they can use their skillset to empower anybody on the planet."

"What you're doing right there is that you're letting people know that they might have a thought, and you followed it through."

"You must always do whatever it takes in good ways to believe in your dreams, to believe in yourself."

OUR LINKS

⁠https://www.instagram.com/exquisite1hbs/

www.exquisitesalon.co

HOST BIO

Natasha is a seasoned hairdresser with over 14 years of experience in the beauty industry, renowned for her passion, skill, and dedication to her craft. Specialising in creating personalised, stunning styles, she has worked with clients of all hair types, consistently earning a reputation for boosting confidence and empowering individuals through their hair transformations. Natasha’s approach combines creativity with precision, ensuring each client feels valued and understood. Natasha looks to share insights from the world of hairstyling, creativity, and inspiration, alongside real conversations and meaningful discussions.

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this inspiring episode, Natasha welcomes Taran Bansal, a multi-award-winning entrepreneur and renowned acquisition specialist. Taran shares her journey from being mesmerized by her mother's makeup application to building a successful career in the beauty industry, including her time at Bobbi Brown and her transition to freelance work. As a mother of three, Taryn discusses the importance of creating a work-life balance and how the pandemic prompted her to pivot into online business and client acquisition.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Inspiration from Family: The journey into the beauty industry began with a personal connection, as the guest was inspired by her mother's use of quality makeup, highlighting the importance of early influences in shaping career paths.

Adaptability in Business: The guest emphasised the need for adaptability in business, especially during challenging times like the pandemic, which forced many to rethink their strategies and pivot towards online opportunities.

Work-Life Balance: Achieving a balance between work and family life is crucial. The guest shared her experience of building businesses that allow her to be present for her children, demonstrating that it is possible to design a life that accommodates both personal and professional aspirations.

Continuous Learning and Growth: The importance of learning from experiences, whether successes or failures, was highlighted. The guest encouraged others to embrace change and view setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than reasons to give up.

Empowering Others: A significant focus of the guest's current work is helping others, particularly parents, to create side hustles and online businesses. She advocates for accessible opportunities that allow individuals to earn extra income without significant upfront investment.

BEST MOMENTS

"I always say to those that are in an industry, and even if you're in a job, if you don't like it, change it. Make your life yours."

"There's so much more that you can do just with the physical business, but also with the online industry."

"You can go all the places you want to if you have children, if you don't, but it's how you manage your time and structure your lifestyle."

"Don't let that be the reason why you don't start something because you're scared that it won't work out. Learn from it and move on."

"Life doesn't stop. You are able to still create that lifestyle that you want."

OUR LINKS

www.exquisitesalon.co

https://www.instagram.com/exquisite1hbs/

HOST BIO

Natasha is a seasoned hairdresser with over 14 years of experience in the beauty industry, renowned for her passion, skill, and dedication to her craft. Specializing in creating personalized, stunning styles, she has worked with clients of all hair types, consistently earning a reputation for boosting confidence and empowering individuals through their hair transformations. Natasha’s approach combines creativity with precision, ensuring each client feels valued and understood. Natasha looks to share insights from the world of hairstyling, creativity, and inspiration, alongside real conversations and meaningful discussions

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk

In this episode of Beyond the Salon Chair, Natasha welcomes Sudeshna Choudhury, a passionate storyteller and creator of an upcoming storytelling podcast. Sudeshna shares her journey from her childhood in Uganda, where her mother’s captivating storytelling ignited her love for narratives, to her experiences in Toastmasters, where she honed her public speaking skills and earned the nickname "Queen of Storytelling."

KEY TAKEAWAYS

BEST MOMENTS

"The biggest heirloom in the family is not the jewellery, but the stories of the family."

"I think stories are very inspirational because it's not just that we have life lessons in them; we have eternal truths of wisdom that come from our past."

"If the story can go on forever and be told through generations and generations, it's such a wonderful thing."

"Our brains literally are wired to take information as stories... That's how we passed on our knowledge was through stories."

"We need to get them to communicate and break the gap between the two generations as well."

OUR LINKS

www.exquisitesalon.co

https://www.instagram.com/exquisite1hbs/

HOST BIO

Natasha is a seasoned hairdresser with over 14 years of experience in the beauty industry, renowned for her passion, skill, and dedication to her craft. Specializing in creating personalized, stunning styles, she has worked with clients of all hair types, consistently earning a reputation for boosting confidence and empowering individuals through their hair transformations. Natasha’s approach combines creativity with precision, ensuring each client feels valued and understood. Natasha looks to share insights from the world of hairstyling, creativity, and inspiration, alongside real conversations and meaningful discussions

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, Natasha welcomes Rosalind Guy, a business leader and mentor who specialises in empowering executives to unlock their potential, purpose, and passion. Rosalind shares her inspiring journey, beginning with her teenage entrepreneurial aspirations and her experience presenting a business plan to potential investors. Despite facing challenges, including gender biases and financial hurdles, she pivoted her career towards helping others transform their businesses across various industries.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Early Entrepreneurial Experience: The journey began in the late teenage years with a youth enterprise scheme, where a business plan was created and presented to potential backers, highlighting the importance of mentorship in business development.

• Overcoming Challenges: Despite receiving backing from four dragons for a travel agency business idea, financial constraints and gender biases led to the decision to pivot towards helping others set up their businesses instead.

• Diverse Career Path: The individual has worked across various industries, including travel, manufacturing, and FinTech, focusing on business transformation and system implementation, which has contributed to their expertise in empowering business leaders.

• Clipper Round the World Yacht Race: Participating in this challenging sailing race not only provided a unique travel experience but also demonstrated the importance of stepping out of comfort zones and embracing new challenges, despite personal limitations like seasickness.

• Value of Travel: Travelling is viewed as a means to broaden perspectives and understand different cultures, emphasising that such experiences can be transformative and enriching, both personally and professionally.

BEST MOMENTS

"I received four backers for the business... the only challenge was as I had to get 4,000 pounds, but back then that was a lot of money."

"I think it's incredible. I've had lots of opportunities that when you look back across your career, you've always have these glimmers or doors that if you'd gone through different doors, it would have happened differently."

"You know, the younger Rosalind had that entrepreneurial-ness within you already because you wanted to set up a travel agency."

"I think travelling broadens the mind and it lets you experience different cultures in different ways."

"Being seasick doesn't stop you from doing this. If that's what you want to do, do it."

OUR LINKS

www.exquisitesalon.co

https://www.instagram.com/exquisite1hbs/

HOST BIO

Natasha is a seasoned hairdresser with over 14 years of experience in the beauty industry, renowned for her passion, skill, and dedication to her craft. Specializing in creating personalized, stunning styles, she has worked with clients of all hair types, consistently earning a reputation for boosting confidence and empowering individuals through their hair transformations. Natasha’s approach combines creativity with precision, ensuring each client feels valued and understood. Natasha looks to share insights from the world of hairstyling, creativity, and inspiration, alongside real conversations and meaningful discussions

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/