What does it really take to become a hairdresser and how do you turn a passion for hair into a career?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace speaks to Jomelyn about building a career in hairdressing, specialising in colour, and creating a private one-to-one hair experience for clients in Hackney Wick.

From doodling hairstyles in school books to running her own hair suite, Jonalyn shares the reality of breaking into the industry and carving out her own path.

She explains:

• What a day in the life of a hairdresser really looks like
• Why trust and client experience matter so much
• How apprenticeships helped her learn hands-on
• What it’s like to specialise in Asian hair and colour
• Why creativity and confidence go hand in hand in hairdressing

She also shares:

• Her early interest in theatrical hair and makeup
• Why she changed direction from makeup to hair
• How she learned through trial, error, and YouTube
• What it was like working in salons, wigs, and with cancer and alopecia patients
• How she built her own business around calm, personal, and ethical service

Plus, we get into:

• Starting again after COVID
• Growing a client base through word of mouth and social media
• Why finding your niche can change everything
• The importance of creating a space where clients feel seen, relaxed, and cared for
• If you’re interested in:
• Hairdressing careers
• Creative jobs and beauty careers
• Apprenticeships and specialist training
• Salon life and entrepreneurship
• Building a business in the beauty industry

This episode is an inspiring look at what it really means to become a hairdresser and how much artistry, patience, and personal connection sits behind the chair.

@jomelynferrashair

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at [email protected]

📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does a policy advisor actually do and how do you get into the civil service?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace speaks to Adam about building a career as a policy advisor in the UK civil service.

From working on Brexit to shaping tech regulation, Adam breaks down what policy work really looks like behind the scenes and why it’s one of the most impactful (and misunderstood) career paths out there.

He explains:

• What the civil service is (and how it differs from politicians)
• What policy advisors actually do day-to-day
• How policies are researched, designed, and turned into law
• Why policy can take years to develop and implement

He also shares:

• His journey from a sports degree → economics → civil service
• The Fast Stream application process (and how competitive it is)
• What assessment centres are really like
• How to break into government roles without a traditional path

Plus, we get into:

• Working on Brexit and major national decisions
• Balancing personal opinions with apolitical work
• Why curiosity about politics and society really matters
• How to build a meaningful career that impacts real lives

If you’re interested in:

• Civil service careers
• Government jobs UK
• Policy, politics, or economics
• Grad schemes and Fast Stream
• Meaningful, purpose-driven work

This episode is a fascinating look at how decisions that shape the country actually get made and the people behind them.

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at [email protected]

📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to build a career in football as a woman?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace speaks to Priyanka about working in football, from her role at Sky Sports to her powerful work tackling sexism in the game.

Priyanka shares how she combined a corporate marketing career with her passion for football, and how that passion led her into advocacy, public speaking, and real change within the sport.

She talks about:

• Breaking into Sky Sports through marketing
• Turning a love of football into real opportunities
• Building networks and getting your foot in the door
• Balancing a full-time job with passion projects
• She also opens up about:
• Experiencing sexism and racism in football
• Why representation matters, especially for women of colour
• The importance of speaking up and creating safer spaces
• Overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome

If you’re interested in:

• Working in sport or football
• Marketing & media careers
• Side hustles with purpose
• Women in male-dominated industries
• Building confidence and visibility

This episode is honest, inspiring, and a reminder that sometimes the best opportunities come from simply putting yourself out there.

Resources:

@priyankajasraj

@villa.bellas

@hergametoo

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at [email protected]

📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is a somatic coach and how do you actually become one?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Hannah to explore the world of somatic coaching, a fast-growing field focused on healing the nervous system and creating real, lasting change.

From studying criminology to travelling the world, discovering Pilates, and eventually finding somatic work, Hannah’s journey shows how following curiosity can lead to a completely unexpected career.

Hannah shares:

• How travel and personal healing led her to this work
• The connection between the body, stress and the nervous system
• Why traditional methods don’t always create lasting change
• Training as a somatic coach and what it really involves
• Building a coaching business from scratch

She also opens up about:

• Doing the deep personal work required to help others
• The emotional challenges of working in this space
• Navigating self-employment and social media
• If you’re interested in:
• Wellness careers
• Coaching or therapy
• Nervous system healing
• Personal development
• Starting your own business

This episode is for you.

Where to find her:

@hannahblackburncoach

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at [email protected]

📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Nikki, a DJ, producer, music director and founder of Mums That Rave, to unpack what a career in DJing actually looks like behind the scenes.

From playing illegal raves as a teenager to touring the world and working with global artists, Nikki shares the reality of building a long-term career in music, and why being a DJ today is more about entrepreneurship than ever before.

Nikki shares:

• Starting DJing at 15 and breaking into clubs early
• Why DJs need multiple income streams (radio, production, content, events)
• The reality of money, streaming and the modern music industry
• How working in advertising helped her build business skills
• Balancing creativity with motherhood and building Mums That Rave
• Why nightlife, culture and community matter more than ever
• She also opens up about:
• Misogyny in the music industry
• The pressure of social media and content creation
• Burnout, resilience and staying relevant over decades

If you’re interested in:

• Becoming a DJ
• Music industry careers
• Creative entrepreneurship
• Nightlife & culture
• Balancing creativity with real life

This episode is for you.

Resources:

@djnikkibeatnik

@mumsthatrave

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at [email protected]

📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does a graphic designer actually do?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Darren, Head of Design at digital brand experience agency Odd Common, to unpack what really goes into building powerful brands in the digital space.

From typography and visual storytelling to managing creative teams and pitching to global brands, Darren shares how he turned a childhood love of art into a career designing immersive digital experiences for companies like Nike and BMW.

We discuss:

• Wanting to be an artist (and why graphic design felt “safer”)

• Studying art and design at university

• Building a portfolio with no industry connections

• Sending cold emails and facing rejection

• Landing his first junior design role

• Working on global campaigns for major brands

• Why design is about problem-solving, not just visuals

• The impact of AI on the creative industry

• How to stand out as a junior designer

• The importance of curiosity and creative hunger

Darren also opens up about:

• Being dyslexic and finding confidence through creativity

• Feeling stuck early in his career

• Why recruiters can be powerful allies

• Staying outside your comfort zone

• Supporting underrepresented talent in the creative industries

If you’ve ever wondered how brands create unforgettable digital experiences, or how to turn creativity into a career, this episode is for you.

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at [email protected]

📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Grace sits down with Daisy, a Strategic Partnerships Lead at Treatwell, to explore what it actually means to build powerful brand collaborations.

From dreaming of a creative career to navigating sales, marketing, and eventually partnerships, Daisy shares her non-linear path, including working abroad in Madrid and building partnerships with major brands like John Lewis.

Together, they break down:

• What a strategic partnerships role really involves
• How brands collaborate (and why some partnerships fail)
• Moving from sales → marketing → partnerships
• Building relationships that drive real business growth
• Working abroad and stepping outside your comfort zone
• The importance of saying yes and figuring it out later

They also discuss the launch of Daisy's own podcast 'The Daisy Chain' and why this project is so personal to her, but with a mission to help other in the same 'lost feeling' in their thirties.

✨ “It’s all about finding businesses that help you grow — together.”

Whether you're curious about partnerships, marketing, or working in fast-growing tech companies, this episode gives a behind-the-scenes look at a career that’s all about connection and creativity.

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at [email protected]

📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

*Trigger warning for this episode: discussion of infertility and baby loss*

What does it really take to start a charity from scratch?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Bex and Laura, founders of 'The Worst Girl Gang Ever Foundation', a charity supporting women and families through miscarriage, baby loss and infertility.

What started as two strangers connecting over shared experiences during lockdown quickly grew into a powerful community, a podcast, a book, and eventually a registered charity helping thousands of people feel less alone.

Bex and Laura share:

• How their personal experiences of miscarriage and baby loss led them to start something bigger
• Meeting through Instagram and instantly connecting over the lack of support
• Why they started a podcast with zero experience (and a “Podcasting for Dummies” book)
• How honest, raw storytelling helped break the taboo around baby loss
• Growing a community organically through Instagram
• Turning listener demand into courses, support groups and resources
• Why they initially charged for support, and why it didn’t sit right
• The process (and challenges) of applying for charitable status
• Why having the right board of trustees is crucial
• How fundraising actually works (grants, campaigns and community challenges)
• Building campaigns like “Run 10K to Raise 10K”, and raising £36K instead
• Creating safe spaces through both online and in-person communities
• The reality of running a charity alongside jobs, families and life

If you’re interested in:

• Starting a charity
• Turning personal experience into purpose
• Community building
• Mental health & grief support
• Social impact work

This episode is for you.

Take a look at the charity here: https://theworstgirlgangever.co.uk/

@the_worstgirlgang_ever

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at [email protected]

📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it really mean to be an ethical queer brand owner?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Adam, founder of Rainbow & Co, to talk about building an LGBTQIA+ apparel and accessories brand that puts community, representation and integrity first.

From studying graphic design and advertising to running a business from his apartment, Adam shares how personal experience, creative instinct and a strong moral compass led him to create queer merch that actually reflects the full community, not just the parts that are most visible.

Adam shares:

• Why he always wanted to do something creative
• How studying graphic design, media and advertising shaped his path
• Why university was harder than expected as an autistic person
• How early side hustles on Etsy gave him his first taste of selling online
• What he learned from working for a luxury leather jacket brand
• Why burnout pushed him to leave full-time employment
• How an autism diagnosis helped him understand his working style
• Why he started Rainbow & Co after noticing a gap in Pride merch
• How he taught himself to build a website, design products and run the business
• Why trans, lesbian and bi-focused products became so important to customers
• How he turned a pocket guide into one of the brand’s bestsellers
• Why subtle queer design can matter just as much as bold statements
• What “rainbow washing” means and why he refuses to do it
• How Access to Work and support workers helped him build a sustainable business
• What it means to grow slowly, ethically and on your own terms
• He also opens up about:
• Masking, burnout and late diagnosis
• Working from home while others do 9–5 jobs
• Why he wants to hire based on values, not just experience
• Creating a business culture that reflects the ethics of the brand
• Why queer-owned businesses matter in Pride season and beyond

If you’re interested in:

• Queer-owned businesses
• Ethical branding
• Pride merch
• Small business journeys
• Autistic entrepreneurs
• Creative careers
• LGBTQIA+ representation

This episode is for you.

Visit his business here: https://rainbowandco.uk/

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at [email protected]

📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Grace sits down with Paul, founder of BOL Foods, a leading plant-based, nutrition-focused food brand.

Paul’s journey is anything but traditional. From dreaming of becoming a professional footballer, to working on a game reserve in South Africa, to breaking bones as a snowboard instructor… his path zig-zagged before leading him into the world of food.

After 14 years helping scale Innocent Drinks, Paul took a leap into entrepreneurship, building BOL into a brand focused on making healthy, convenient food accessible to everyone.

We talk about:

• Taking unconventional career paths (and why they matter)
• What working at Innocent Drinks taught him about business
• How BOL Foods was born from a real gap in the market
• The realities of launching and scaling food products
• Why most ideas don’t work, and why that’s okay
• Building a strong team and company culture
• The importance of passion in business

✨ “If you don’t truly care about what you’re building, it’s very hard to get through the tough times.”

This episode is perfect for anyone interested in startups, food & drink, or building a purpose-driven brand.

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at [email protected]

📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.