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:

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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.

✨ Push past self-doubt—competitions can boost confidence and skill development.

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.

✅ 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:

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!

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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:

Why Mindset Matters:

Stories to Inspire:

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.

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