What if money could be your greatest teacher in life and business?

In this Rewind episode of Hair Life, we get real about our journeys with money-from scraping by as single parents to building comfortable lifestyles. We chat about the highs and lows, how financial struggles sparked our drive, and why true joy comes from time with loved ones, not just the bank balance.

What You'll Learn

- Embracing Struggles: Turn financial hardships into motivation to push harder and grow personally.

- Smart Spending: Align your money with values by saving, investing wisely, and avoiding impulsive buys.

- Setting Targets: Use goals like funding dream holidays to fuel your business hustle and create lasting memories.

We share our tips like appreciating simple joys (dog walks or family time), educating yourself before big decisions, and remembering that freedom and time matter more than material things. 

This episode is your reminder that money's true value lies in the freedom and experiences it unlocks, not the stuff it buys.

Hair Life is produced by Urban Podcasts.

What if entering awards could transform your salon's reputation?

In this Rewind episode of Hair Life, we dive into the power of awards for salon owners. Callie shares her journey of winning nine awards, from Surrey Stylist of the Year to Marketing Trailblazer, and how these accolades boosted her business's credibility, team morale, and local profile. We discuss choosing awards that align with your brand, the benefits of regional recognition, and how even not winning can inspire growth.

What You'll Learn

- Strategic Award Selection: Pick awards that match your business model to maximise impact.

- Boosting Credibility: Use awards to enhance your salon's trust and local reputation.

- Inspiring Growth: Learn from finalists or winners to elevate your business practices.

We share tried and tested tips like celebrating wins with clients to make them part of the journey, taking a helicopter view to assess your business strengths, and networking with other hairdressers at award events.

This is your call to step out of your comfort zone and let awards fuel your salon's success.

Hair Life is produced by Urban Podcasts.

What if procrastination could spark a smarter way to work? 

In this Rewind episode of Hair Life, we dive headfirst into the messy world of procrastination, sharing our own tales of half-finished projects and broken salon heaters. We explore why we delay tasks, the mental toll it takes, and practical ways to break free from procrastination.

What You’ll Learn

- Spotting Triggers: Recognise tasks like admin that derail you and tackle them strategically.

- Smart Outsourcing: Hire a PA or delegate tasks outside your skillset to keep momentum.

- Accountability Boost: Team up with a coach or mate to turn intentions into action.

We share tips like setting dedicated task days (and sticking to them!), embracing your strengths, and leaning on a support network to stay focused. Whether it’s a brain dump to clear your mind or finding someone like our mate Graham to fix what’s broken, we’ve got you covered.

Hair Life is produced by Urban Podcasts.

Are you constantly scrolling or wondering why your kids can’t put their phones down at dinner? In this Rewind episode of Hair Life, we dive into social media’s grip on our lives - its effects on focus, self-esteem, and even our salons. Callie and I share honest stories about its influence on our work and families.

We unpack the psychological toll, like content overload and pressure to match filtered ideals, and provide actionable tips for a refreshing detox. You’ll discover how to balance social media to boost creativity and connections without sacrificing peace, with practical advice on setting boundaries, recognising addiction, and using it smartly in hairdressing.

Hair Life is produced by Urban Podcasts.

Would you let an untrained doctor operate on you? So why risk your hair with an unqualified stylist? In this episode of Hair Life, we sit down with Rae Palmer, a hairdressing legend with 40 years of experience and the founder of WELOVE. She shares her journey from sweeping floors in a barber shop to owning buzzing salons, driven by her passion for teaching and frustration with the UK’s wild-west hair industry - where anyone can grab scissors or chemicals without training.

Rae shares shocking salon mishaps and her fierce fight with the Hair and Barber Council to push for proper standards. This episode is a wake-up call for stylists and clients to demand better, stay safe, and help turn hairdressing into the respected craft it deserves to be.

Hair Life is produced by Urban Podcasts.
 

Welcome to the first Hair Life Rewind, where we revisit highlights from past episodes. Today, we’re diving back into our chat with PR expert Sally Learmouth.

In this episode you’ll learn how leveraging your salon’s USP can elevate your brand. Sally shares how she transformed freelancer Jack Howard into the “King of Balayage” with savvy PR strategies. This throwback uncovers how bold, decisive action can spark growth for your salon.

Hair Life is produced by Urban Podcasts.

Inspired by my 95-year-old client Leslie, who faces the physical and financial challenges of aging, Callie and I dive into whether we can afford our own futures. We question if retiring at 65 is outdated, especially for hairdressers and small business owners like us with limited pension options.

With raw honesty, we unpack the emotional toll of boredom and the search for purpose in later life.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why living to 100 is more likely than ever.
• How small pension pots could mean working into your 80s.
• Why inflation and mortgages might force you to rethink downsizing or side hustles to keep your lifestyle.

This episode is a wake-up call for anyone who wants to age with dignity, not desperation.

Hair Life is produced by Urban Podcasts.

Are hair industry awards the golden ticket for your salon or just a shiny distraction? In this episode of Hair Life, myself and Callie cut through the noise and get real about the value of chasing awards.

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• How regional wins can amplify your local rep and turn free press into marketing wins.
• Why awards season can light a fire under your team, boost morale, and spark industry connections.
• The hidden costs—entry fees, gala tickets, and time—that can drain your focus if you’re not strategic.

Packed with honest insights and practical tips, this episode is your guide to deciding whether to chase that trophy or keep your eyes on the salon floor.

Reflecting on our own childhood experiences, we reminisce about the joyous freedom we had back in the '90s, where our outdoor adventures were filled with simplicity and creativity—improvising games, exploring nature, and engaging in hands-on play without the distractions of screens.

In this episode, we grapple with the question of whether today's children are, in fact, over-protected from real-life experiences, yet simultaneously under-prepared to handle the digital interactions. I share personal insights, including my son’s first dating experience and my plan to introduce a month-long family experiment to disconnect from screens.

Curious how a Netflix show can reshape your take on parenting teens today? In this episode, we dive into Adolescence—a series sparking buzz among parents and teens alike.

We ask: who’s guiding kids through this digital maze—parents, schools, or tech giants?

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why Adolescence hits home for parents and teens.
• The big questions on who shapes kids today.
• Real ways to spark trust and talks with teens.

Raw and relatable, this episode’s for anyone navigating parenting in a digital world.

Hair Life is produced by Urban Podcasts.