Hayley Jepson began her hairdressing career at just 17, quickly finding her niche as a colour technician. After working with Tony & Guy and an independent salon in Manchester city centre, she was thriving professionally — working hard, playing hard and feeling at the top of her game. But beneath the surface, burnout was quietly taking hold.

Having experienced depression on and off since her teenage years, the pressures of busy salon life became increasingly difficult to manage. Seeking therapy proved to be life-changing, giving Hayley not only the tools to support herself, but sparking a deeper curiosity about the profession itself.

Hayley made the decision to retrain as a psychotherapist and today, she combines both passions — delivering workshops and training designed specifically for hair professionals, equipping them with the emotional resilience, self-awareness and practical tools they need to avoid stress, anxiety and burnout.

Her mission is clear: to help change the culture of salons by making resilience and wellbeing just as important as technical excellence.

You can follow Hayley and find out more about the Resilient Hairdresser through the links below: 

Hayley: https://www.instagram.com/the.resilient.hairdresser/

https://www.theresilienthairdresser.co.uk/

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Amelia Wilmott is a rising star with an already impressive list of achievements to her name. A member of the Fellowship for British Hairdressing’s ClubStar Art Team, she went on to win the Quif Centre Stage Colour Competition and is now enrolled on the prestigious Fellowship Project X scheme.

Her creative journey has seen her work alongside Simon Townley’s Hair Socials Influencers, gaining invaluable experience in the world of digital and session styling. Alongside this, Amelia works as a freelance colourist and stylist in Blackpool, building a reputation for her technical skill and modern, wearable colour work.

Driven, ambitious and passionate about her craft, Amelia represents the next generation of hair professionals — embracing opportunity, education and creativity at every stage of her career.

In this episode, she shares her journey so far, the power of industry initiatives like the Fellowship, and her aspirations for the future as her career continues to evolve.

You can follow Amelia here: https://www.instagram.com/hairbyameliawilmott/

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Appointed Chief Executive of the National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) in 2023, after serving as Director of Quality and Standards since 2017, Caroline Larrisey leads corporate decision-making and directs workforce and resources towards the organisation’s strategic goals. 

A proud former hairdresser, therapist, business owner, lecturer and training provider, she combines hands-on industry experience with extensive leadership and management expertise. Caroline plays a crucial role in bridging industry and government — collaborating with professional bodies, agencies and ministers on standards, training, funding and regulation to support NHBF members and the wider sector. 

In this episode, Caroline shares her vision for the future of the sector and the work being done to strengthen, protect and elevate the professional hair and beauty community.

You can follow Caroline and find out more about the NHBF through the links below: 

Caroline: https://www.instagram.com/caroline_larissey/

NHBF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhbfsocial/

https://www.nhbf.co.uk/home/

Follow the Alan Howard Podcast here: https://www.instagram.com/alanhowardpodcast/

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Darcey Clarke made her mark on the industry early, being named ‘Junior of the Year’ at the British Hairdressing Business Awards at just 18 years old. A rising talent with drive and determination, she has continued to build an exciting and diverse career ever since.

Throughout her journey, Darcey has worked closely with the Fellowship for British Hairdressing and is a regular presence backstage at London Fashion Week, gaining invaluable experience at the forefront of fashion and editorial styling. Since 2021, she has also been proudly mentored by Errol Douglas MBE, further refining her craft under one of the industry’s most respected names.

Specialising in bridal and occasion hair alongside barbering, Darcey’s versatility sets her apart — blending creativity, precision and professionalism across multiple disciplines.

In this episode, Darcey shares her journey so far, the lessons she’s learned from working at the highest levels of the industry, and her ambitions for the future as one of hairdressing’s brightest young talents.

You can follow Darcey here: https://www.instagram.com/darceymariahair/

Follow the Alan Howard Podcast here: https://www.instagram.com/alanhowardpodcast/

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Melanie has led En Route Hair and Beauty for 28 years, but it was a life-changing trip to the rainforest that truly reshaped her perspective. Witnessing firsthand the environmental impact of everyday business decisions inspired her to introduce bold, meaningful and sustainable changes within her own salon.

Together, Melanie and her Salon Manager, Shannon Giblin, have transformed their business into an industry-leading example of what responsible, future-focused hairdressing looks like — earning accolades including Sustainable Salon of the Year, alongside recognition for their team culture and creative excellence.

The success of their salon sparked a bigger mission. Through En Route to Sustainability, they are now helping the wider industry improve business performance, strengthen reputation, build client loyalty and take genuine environmental responsibility.

You can follow En Route here: https://www.instagram.com/enroutehair/

Follow the Alan Howard Podcast here: https://www.instagram.com/alanhowardpodcast/

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Annie Franklin is the proud owner of Prestige Hair in Stockport. A British Hairdressing Awards finalist, member of both the Fellowship for British Hairdressing Project X & F.A.M.E Team and now an international session stylist assisting at Paris, NYC and London Fashion Weeks, her journey to success has been anything but ordinary.

From building her reputation behind the chair to working backstage at some of the world’s most prestigious fashion events, Annie’s career is a testament to resilience, determination and passion for the craft.

Her life wasn’t always so charmed, and in this episode, Annie shares her inspiring story — opening up about the challenges she’s faced, the lessons she’s learned and the drive that’s propelled her onto the global stage.

You can follow Annie here: https://www.instagram.com/anniefranklinhair/

Follow the Alan Howard Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alanhowardpodcast/

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John Anthoney has recently been appointed as Education Manager for Alan Howard overseeing the entire education program curated by Alan Howard as well as delivering in-depth stylist training and creating trend-led content for digital platforms. 

He leads the Seamless Grey Blending Course guiding hair professionals on techniques for blending and toning grey hair naturally and turning these services into profitable salon offerings.

He has previously owned his own salon in Blackpool and collaborated with well known brands such as L’Oreal and Matrix with national training responsibilities.

You can follow John here >

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Justin Mackland is an award-winning hairstylist based in Aberdeen, known for his creative vision and passion for pushing boundaries within the hairdressing industry.

In this episode, Justin opens up about his journey — from collaborating with the prestigious hair brand Alfa Italia to being selected for the first ever Project Scotland team with the Fellowship for British Hairdressing.

His energy, innovation, and dedication to the craft have made him a standout talent in the UK hair scene. Justin shares insights into his creative process, his industry highlights, and what drives him to keep evolving in the ever-changing world of hair.

You can follow Justin here: https://www.instagram.com/justinmackland/

Follow the Alan Howard Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alanhowardpodcast/

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Brooke Evans is an award-winning stylist, F.A.M.E Team member, and the owner of the Grid Collective, situated in a beautifully converted garage in the stunning world heritage site in Ironbridge, Shropshire. 

Formerly known as multi-award-winning salon BE Ironbridge, Brooke has recently made the move from managing a fully employed salon team to offering a creative space for self-employed, freelance stylists that still prioritises sustainable ethics and a community hub for anyone who visits.

Brooke is also the lead ambassador and artist of the Quif Art Team and offers an in-person education course: Quif Colour Contouring.

You can follow Brooke here: https://www.instagram.com/br00ke.evans/

Follow the Alan Howard Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alanhowardpodcast/

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Ben Lifton is a Content Creation & Digital Capability Consultant with a unique career journey that began in hairdressing before evolving into entrepreneurship. In 2018, Ben founded Big Little Content (formerly Content Kweens), a dynamic agency that to date has helped global brands and over 6,800 hairdressers worldwide transform their approach to social media and digital content. 

With over seven years of experience consulting for global hair brands like Keune, Redken, Wella, GHD, K18, Schwarzkopf, and Goldwell, Ben specialises in empowering educators and teams to become forward thinking content creators. His proven strategies have consistently driven multiple seven-figure EMV (Earned Media Value) for some of these leading brands. 

With a rare blend of expertise in marketing, business development, education, brand strategy, and content creation – all grounded in emotional intelligence – Ben helps brands, both big and little, create content that converts followers into loyal clients, grow social media footprints, and streamline their marketing to scale their businesses and boost profits.

You can follow Ben here: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/benlifton/⁠ 

Follow The Alan Howard Podcast on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/alanhowardpodcast/⁠

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