🎙️ The Learner’s Voice Podcast

Episode Title: Purpose & Perseverance with Shakaia Powell

Host: Belinda Mindset

Guest: Shakaia Powell – Level 3 Beauty Learner, WorldSkills Silver Medallist

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✨ Episode Overview

In this inspiring episode of The Learner’s Voice Podcast, Belinda is joined by Shakaia Powell, a Level 3 Beauty learner from Coleg Gwent – Crosskeys Campus, who is already making waves in the industry.

With a Welsh Skills Bronze Medal and a WorldSkills Silver Medal to her name, Shakaia shares her journey from leaving sixth form to finding her confidence, passion, and purpose in beauty education. This conversation explores mindset, resilience, high standards, and what it really takes to succeed as a learner — both inside and outside the classroom.

We also proudly acknowledge Pivot Point, a global leader in digital learning and education development for the hair and beauty industry, whose ethical values, innovation, and global vision continue to shape the future of beauty education.

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🌍 About Our Partner: Pivot Point

Pivot Point is the driving force worldwide behind digital learning, education development, and premium educational tools for the hair and beauty industry. With a strong commitment to ethical manufacturing and social accountability, Pivot Point leads with integrity, innovation, and a learner-first mindset.

We’re proud to partner with a company that champions education on a global scale.

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💬 What We Talk About in This Episode

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🏆 Competition & Excellence Takeaways

Shakaia shares practical, real-world advice for learners aiming to raise their standards:

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❤️ A Powerful Conversation on Resilience

Shakaia opens up about personal loss and grief, sharing how she channels pain into motivation rather than stopping. Her honesty offers reassurance to learners navigating emotional challenges alongside their education — a reminder that strength looks different for everyone.

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🌱 What’s Next for Shakaia?

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📣 Shoutouts

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🎧 Final Thoughts

This episode is a reminder that:

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🔗 Support for Learners

If you’re navigating grief or emotional challenges, Belinda has created a free reflective booklet available at Belindamindset.com — designed to help you find the words that match how you’re feeling.

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💛 Thank You for Listening

Thank you for listening to The Learner’s Voice Podcast, in collaboration with Belinda Mindset Education and Concept Hair.

If you’re a mentor, educator, or salon owner and want to better support learners, visit blendomindset.com and explore the resources available in the store.

✨ Your voice matters. Your journey matters. And you deserve to thrive

Sponsor Colour me Safe

https://colourmesafe.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooY5LT-9L5K-LZLtvqRAJZyWJoSO9tgOOJjinpgucMXDZSKr3Ao

🎙️ The Learner’s Voice Podcast

Live from Leeds City College – The First Yorkshire Hair & Barbering Competition

In this special on-location episode of The Learner’s Voice, we are recording live at Leeds City College, the venue for the first-ever Yorkshire Hair and Barbering Competition, bringing seven colleges together in a powerful celebration of education, talent, and learner voice.

This landmark event creates a platform for learners to step outside the classroom, showcase their skills, and build confidence through competition, collaboration, and community.

🌍 Episode Sponsor

Pivot Point

Pivot Point is a global leader in digital learning, education development, and premium mannequins for the hair and beauty industry. Through ethical manufacturing and strong social accountability standards, Pivot Point continues to shape the future of beauty education worldwide.

We’re proud to partner with a company driven by innovation, integrity, and a global vision for learning.

✂️ What You’ll Hear in This Episode

🧠 Mindset Meets Industry

This episode highlights why mindset, self-awareness, and resilience are just as important as scissors and clippers.

Learners openly reflect on how patience, belief, and the right support systems help them move forward — especially in high-pressure environments like competitions.

🤝 Supported By

🧪 Additional Sponsor Feature

Colour Me Safe

Colour Me Safe is redefining patch testing for hair professionals with safer, smarter methods that use the actual product applied to the client. Fully UK compliant, insured, and designed to save time without compromising safety.

Visit ColourMeSafe.com to learn more.

🎧 Who This Episode Is For

💡 Final Message

Your voice matters.

Your journey matters.

And wherever you’re starting from — you belong here.

If you’re a mentor, educator, or salon owner and want to support learners, visit

👉 BelindaMindset.com and scroll to the bottom of the store page to access free mindset resources you can use with your teams today.

🎙️ Thank you for listening to The Learner’s Voice Podcast.

Celebrating learners. Building confidence. Creating opportunity

https://belindamindset.com/

I had the absolute pleasure of diving into the world of hair and beauty learners at Salon International 2025, and I left feeling inspired by the passion, determination, and creativity of these amazing students. In this episode, I share my conversations with learners from across the UK, including Kali, Molly, Ruby, Sophie, Mia, Soda, Isabella, and Jess, as they candidly reflect on their journeys in hairdressing and beauty therapy.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

Throughout our conversations, learners shared their highest highs—from the thrill of mastering a new technique, excelling in competitions, and finally feeling confident in their craft—to their lowest lows, which often included initial anxiety, challenging techniques, or self-doubt. Each learner had valuable advice for newcomers: take it slow, enjoy the process, embrace your individuality, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Mentorship came up repeatedly as a cornerstone of success, with shout-outs to teachers and industry professionals who encouraged, guided, and inspired them along the way.

From discussions about building confidence, pursuing further education, exploring creative treatments, and even dreaming about opening their own salons, this episode highlights that learning is a journey, not a destination. The energy, enthusiasm, and dedication these learners bring to their craft is infectious and a reminder that the hair and beauty industry thrives on curiosity, innovation, and resilience.

Tune in to hear these inspiring stories, learn actionable tips, and celebrate the voices shaping the future of hair and beauty. Your journey matters, your voice matters, and this episode proves that the next generation of hair and beauty professionals is ready to shine.

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Episode Title:

“Finding Your Creative Voice — with Makeup Artist Daniela Ramos”

The Learner’s Voice – Presented by Belinda Mindset in collaboration with Concept Hair Magazine

Sponsored by Pivot Point UK

🎙️ Episode Summary

In this inspiring episode, host Belinda sits down with makeup artist and Harper College graduate Daniela Ramos, whose creative journey took her from painting with crayons as a child in Tenerife to working backstage on professional body-painting gigs and brand events across the UK.

Daniela shares how she found confidence through creativity, the power of resourcefulness, and why beauty is truly in the eyes of the beholder. From last-minute competition nerves to becoming a working artist with her own unique style, Daniela’s story is a powerful reminder that your voice — and your art — matter.

💡 Key Moments

04:12 — The crayon beginnings: Daniela’s first makeup experiments

08:45 — How nature and creativity shaped her path

12:30 — The WorldSkills competition journey

20:15 — “Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder” — a lesson in confidence

25:40 — From Harper College to her first paid makeup gigs

33:10 — Landing creative work for major brands

36:20 — Daniela’s advice: Love yourself, trust yourself, and go for it.

🧠 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

💬 Guest Bio: Daniela Ramos

Daniela Ramos is a UK-based makeup artist known for her expressive, nature-inspired designs and fearless creativity. A graduate of Harper College, Daniela has gone from college competitions to professional artistry, including creative collaborations, body painting, and live events. Her work blends innovation, imagination, and artistry — proving that true beauty comes from self-expression.

📸 Instagram: @danielaramosmakeup

💛 About the Show

The Learner’s Voice celebrates the journeys, struggles, and successes of students and young professionals in the beauty and creative industries. Hosted by Belinda Mindset, each episode shares authentic conversations designed to inspire confidence, self-belief, and growth.

Learn more at belindamindset.com

Welcome to the Learners Voice Podcast! I’m your host, Belinda Hillman, and today I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Bobbie-Jo from Newcastle College. She’s a rising star in the hairdressing industry, and in our conversation, we explore her journey, her achievements, and the lessons she’s learning along the way.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

From starting out as a Saturday girl in her boyfriend’s mum’s salon, Bobbie-Jo quickly fell in love with the transformation that hairdressing brings to clients—the joy of watching someone leave the chair smiling brighter than when they arrived. Her ambition first led her to consider careers as varied as tattoo artistry and crime scene investigation, but her heart settled firmly on hair.

Bobbie-Jo shares openly about why she chose the college route over an apprenticeship, how that decision gave her both structure and freedom, and how competitions—like World Skills and Concept Hair—helped her find confidence she never knew she had. She also talks about the pivotal role her lecturers, especially Jo and Amanda, played in nudging her to take risks and believe in herself.

We also touch on Bobbie-Jo incredible achievement of winning Student of the Year at Newcastle College, an award that she initially couldn’t believe described her. Her story is a powerful reminder of how others often see our potential long before we do ourselves.

What stood out most was Bobbie-Jo resilience, her willingness to keep trying even when things felt overwhelming, and her top tip for other learners: push yourself beyond your limits, not just to them.

I can’t wait for you to hear this inspiring conversation and celebrate Bobbie-Jo journey.

👉 Tune in now to the Learners Voice Podcast and be inspired to push beyond your comfort zone too!

Special Guest: Jess Maundrell

In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with the incredibly talented Jess Maundrell—Concept Hair’s Overall Winner and Avant-Garde champion for 2025. At just 19 years old, Jess has already graced posters, magazine covers, and international competitions. Her journey is a true testament to what’s possible when passion, resilience, and creativity collide.

From the very beginning, Jess knew hairdressing was her path. What struck me most in our conversation was her honesty about the struggles—questioning whether to pursue an apprenticeship or a full-time course, battling through self-doubt, and learning to push through the “bad days.” Her decision to follow her gut and stay at West Suffolk College became one of the best choices she’s ever made, and it shows in her results.

We explored her love for avant-garde styling, her standout whale-tail design inspired by environmental themes, and the unique opportunities she’s embraced—from Concept Hair competitions to representing the UK at WorldSkills, even traveling to Japan to exchange skills with international students. Listening to Jess talk about stepping outside her comfort zone reminded me of the power of saying “yes” to opportunities, even when they feel scary.

My Key Takeaways:

I left our chat so inspired, not only by Jess’s talent but also by her humility and drive. She’s proof that age doesn’t define your impact—you do.

Special Guest: Morgan Brown

Welcome to Learner’s Voice! I’m your host, Belinda Hillman, and today’s episode is one that’s incredibly close to my heart. I sit down with my own apprentice, Morgan Brown, for an honest, inspiring, and emotional conversation. From sweeping floors as a Saturday girl to making the bold decision to move to Australia, Morgan’s journey is proof that with passion, grit, and mindset—anything is possible.

Morgan opens up about the influence of her mum and grandma in sparking her love for hairdressing, how school-based training gave her a powerful head start, and why an apprenticeship—not a classroom—was the key to her success. She shares the highs and the hard truths of the apprentice life: the ego, the burnout, the breakthroughs… and learning how to accept feedback without losing herself.

We talk about her mindset transformation, her surprising decision to skip Level 3 (for now!), and what drove her and her partner Reese to book a one-way ticket to Australia. She didn’t just dream about it—she mapped it out with pen and paper, planned each step, and made it happen. From contacting salons on Instagram to fast-tracking her EPA before flying out, Morgan has truly shown what it means to take action.

Key Takeaways:

Tune in to hear a real, raw, and motivating story that will inspire you to chase your goals—no matter how far away they seem.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs to hear this story!

In today’s episode, I sit down with the incredibly inspiring Heather Jane Wayne—an adult learner from Coleg Menai in North Wales—whose journey into hairdressing began not in a salon, but through sheer grit, self-teaching, and an unshakable desire to create something of her own.

Heather didn’t take the traditional route. Originally studying to become a teacher, she started doing hair-up styles as a side hustle while working long hours as a care worker. That “side hustle” soon blossomed into a thriving bridal hair business—and opened the door to a complete career transformation.

What struck me most was how Heather refused to let her circumstances define her. As a single mum to two children, one of whom has additional needs, she has consistently shown determination, heart, and a love of learning that radiates in everything she does.

We talk about how she battled imposter syndrome, what gave her the courage to go back to college, and how competitions like UK Skills, Welsh Skills, and Concept Hair helped shape her confidence. She’s even been nominated for Student of the Year and is a finalist for multiple Purple Hearts Awards.

Her honesty, energy, and growth mindset are infectious—and I know her story will ignite something in anyone who’s ever doubted themselves or wondered if it’s too late to start over.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

Tune in and get ready to be inspired by Heather’s journey from side hustle to a professional hairdresser with big dreams ahead.

💡 Let’s Connect: Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that it’s never too late.

Guest: Rhys Hillman

In this episode, I sit down for one of the most personal and proudest interviews I’ve ever done—chatting with my son, Rhys Hillman, about his incredible journey into the barbering industry. At just 19, Rhys is already carving out a name for himself in the high-end world of men’s grooming, but his story starts long before his first fade.

We talk about the early days—those Saturday shifts in our family salon when he was just nine, and the detour he took into graphic design during the pandemic. What stands out most is the moment barbering clicked for him: not as an add-on to hairdressing, but as a unique, expressive craft he could call his own.

Rhys opens up about his bold decision to move away from home for hands-on training at Crate Cheshire and how he hustled for models any way he could—knocking on doors, even trying Grindr! We explore how working on a Christmas tree farm gave him the grit and work ethic he now brings into every haircut.

This isn’t just a story of talent—it’s about persistence, growth, and creating something that feels personal and powerful for every client who sits in his chair. From his first editorial photo shoot to making it to the finals of the Modern Barber Awards, Rhys has stayed humble, hungry, and always willing to learn.

Key Takeaways (from me, as a mum and a host):

This episode is more than just a career story. It’s a reflection on resilience, family, and the power of backing your passion with everything you’ve got. Rhys reminds us that chasing the cut isn’t just about technique—it’s about creating a life you love, one haircut at a time.

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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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