We recently nabbed award-winning, Scottish hairdresser Brian Leo McCallum for a chat. Talking all things hairdressing, business, and personal strengths – we’ve cherry-picked the important stuff to give you five inspiring minutes with Brian.
People Person
Helping others has always been my passion. As a child, I dreamed of becoming a paramedic. But when I first set foot in a salon for work experience, something clicked. I instantly knew this was how I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. There’s something magical about making people look and feel amazing through hair. It satisfies that deep-rooted desire I have to positively impact people’s lives, just in a more glamorous way than I’d initially imagined!
Ambitious Visionary
When I opened the first ROAR salon in 2017, I had big dreams. I wanted to create more than just a hair salon – I envisioned a space that offered a complete experience. Being one of the youngest Goldwell Educators pushed me to think bigger. Within five years, I’ve managed to open three salons. It’s been a whirlwind, but seeing my vision come to life has been incredibly rewarding.
Lifelong Learner
I’ll be the first to admit – when I started, I was a hairdresser with limited business knowledge. But I knew that to succeed, I needed to learn. So, I enrolled myself in courses with the Prince’s Trust. It was eye-opening and gave me the tools I needed to grow ROAR. I believe in constantly improving and adapting – it’s how we stay ahead in this industry.
Inclusive Environment
As an LGBTQ+ business owner, creating a safe, inclusive space is paramount to me. At ROAR, we celebrate Pride every day, not just once a year. Our gender-neutral pricing is just one way we show our commitment to inclusivity. I take pride in showing that LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs can succeed and hope to inspire others in our community.
Resilient Optimist
Let me tell you, things don’t always go to plan in business! Our third salon took six months to open instead of two. But you know what? These challenges are part of the journey. I’ve learned to embrace them and keep moving forward. After all, the beautiful thing about plans is that they never go exactly as expected!
Creative Spirit
When I’m not in the salon, you might find me binge-watching Netflix, walking my dog, or performing as my drag alter ego, Ginger Rogers. Life’s too short not to express yourself fully. This industry is all about creativity, and I try to bring that spirit into everything I do.
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