Let’s hear it for the ladies today as we celebrate International Women’s Day. As a team of fabulous females we’ll be taking the opportunity to recognise the accomplishments of women globally and hope you can take a moment to appreciate all the amazing, powerful women in your lives too.
To mark the occasion we chatted with industry hairdressers about the women who inspire them the most! They also gave us insight into what advice they would give to women entering the industry…
Who inspires you as a woman and why?
Safy Burton from Safy B’s Salon: “My greatest inspiration as a woman must be my grandma. Her work ethic is beyond compare – she never called it a day until she was practically made to. She’s a shining example of resilience and unstoppable determination. Taking a cue from her, this is where my robust, downright crazy work ethic stems from.”
Tracey Ann Smith from French & Ivi: “I’m inspired by Antoinette Beenders in our industry. She is timeless in her creativity, and I love to watch her work. I’m also inspired by my sister, she runs a community choir and when I watch them, I’m so uplifted and the joy she brings to these women is unbelievable, it’s a beautiful thing to see!”
Lea Shaw from Rural Fringe Hair Salon: “Helen Mirren inspires me! I think she is amazing; she’s done it all from a really young age, she just doesn’t give up. She doesn’t care what people think, she does her own thing, she does her own style and I just think she’s awesome! She’s a great person for people to look up to!”
Alex Thaddeus from Alex Thaddeus Hairdressing: “Within the industry, Beverly C is a strong role model & mentor. She’s so talented and knowledgeable, but also humble and down to earth. She knows what it takes to succeed in the industry and motivates the next generations of hairdressers to be the best they can be!”
Suzie McGill from Rainbow Room: “My biggest inspiration is Linda Stewart, Co-Founder of Rainbow Room International with Alan Stewart. Linda has been a constant in British hairdressing for a long as I can remember! With a brilliant mind for business and an impeccable taste for our visionary. Linda has been a calm and collected individual on my career path and a brilliant mentor. She’s really encouraging and always supports the ladies.”
What advice would you give to women starting out in the industry?
Safy Burton from Safy B’s Salon: “My advice for women entering our industry would be – soak up every bit of knowledge and experience from the incredible individuals around you. Stay open-minded, as growth often blossoms with curiosity. Always remember, the real strength is found in the unity of a team; together, we can achieve far more than any individual effort.”
Tracey Ann Smith from French & Ivi: “Woman coming into our industry must be leaders and be strong in their conviction! It’s hard in a reasonably male led space to be relevant and heard, so keep pushing and just be you. You are always enough and never too much.”
Lea Shaw from Rural Fringe Hair Salon: “My advice for women in our industry would to not be intimidated by the fact that it’s mainly men at the top. Just because you’re a woman and you want to be able to have a career and a family or whatever, you can have it all and don’t be told otherwise. There is a place for every age. Whether you’re young, old, a mum, or you’re not – I think this is something that really needs to change and be pushed in our industry. I hope the next generation goes for it!”
Alex Thaddeus from Alex Thaddeus: “A piece of advice for women coming into the industry is empower yourself and your team. Big each other up and build self-confidence, as confidence is a key factor of a successful career as a hairdresser. And never stop educating yourself – trends change so quickly that it’s essential to keep on top of your game.”
Suzie McGill from Rainbow Room: “My biggest piece of advice to ladies working in our incredible industry is always reach for the top. Work hard, stay strong and remember that you are always good enough.”
Thanks ladies, we hope you’re all channeling your inner Spice Girl now!
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