ACTIVATOR 2026
Is business proving a headache? Need someone to talk to about it? For the fifth year running we’re delighted to bring you Activator, the free mentoring scheme from Creative HEAD and The Industry, providing help and support for all hairdressing business owners.
Applications close Friday 28 November 2025
Running a hairdressing business can be a lonely experience – something you may not feel qualified, or experienced enough, to do. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by yours, want to change direction or simply have a good idea and don’t know how to take it forward, you may well benefit from a mentor – someone who understands your work environment, has experience of the kind of hurdles you’re facing and can provide practical and personal support.
Activator is the free mentoring scheme from Creative HEAD and The Industry, open to all business owners at any stage of their careers, that could see you being paired with a top industry name – an Activator – who will act as your mentor for a full 12 months, commencing January 2026.
During this time your Activator will act as your sounding board, provide honest advice, introduce relevant and valuable contacts and networks and help you learn and grow.
Activators and mentees together can also take advantage of a series of business-building workshopsthroughout the year, meaning everyone can become part of a like-minded Activator community.
MEET OUR 2025 ACTIVATORS
LAUREN BELL - Freelance
My ideal mentee: “Someone who is looking to go into session and wants to build a clientele.”
Former-mentee-turned-Activator-mentor, London-based Lauren spent years honing her craft before going freelance in January 2020. She is self-represented, but this hasn’t held her back in her career, with highlights including prestigious publications such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and Elle, as well as working regularly with artist and performer Bimini and Self Esteem, plus brands like Juicy Couture and Sephora. From assisting Sam McKnight to being Richard Phillipart’s first assistant, Lauren’s stellar trajectory saw her win the Most Wanted Session award in 2025. Now she is keen to offer help to those on the way up.
MIKE COOPER - Inspiring Salons
My ideal mentee: “Someone who believes in the process of mentoring and who has the time and dedication to attend the process and see it through from beginning to end. Sometimes mentoring benefits don’t materialise until after a few sessions.”
As well as offering mentoring to small business owners via Government programmes ‘Help to Grow’ and ‘Enterprise Nation’, Mike’s background includes 30 years in salon design and project management, meaning he has a wealth of knowledge and experience at his fingertips. His business, Inspiring Salons, is completely independent, allowing him to offer not only the complete package of salon design and build, but also advice on everything from finance and digital marketing to staff mentoring.
CRISTINA FAZZONE - Freelance
My ideal mentee: “Someone who has an idea or goal but lacks the confidence to get going with it, or a hairdresser who is focused on hair colouring and works independently/freelance as I have my expertise in these areas.”
An expert colourist, qualified educator and Creative Mindset Coach, Cristina is passionate about helping hairdressers feel more confident with their craft, both practically and mentally. “Through my own journey I realised how much we, as a collective group of artists, are limiting ourselves in our craft due to our mindset,” she says. “We have a skill, yet we doubt it.” Cristina is all about finding strategies for longterm success, helping you always achieve your career dreams.
CHRIS FOSTER - Freelance
My ideal mentee: “An independent stylist who wants to amplify their profile.”
Men’s hair specialist Chris boasts a unique approach to men’s hairstyling, blending modern elements with traditional techniques. This distinctive perspective has positioned him as a sought-after expert, collaborating with top names at fashion week events. Throughout his career, Chris has made significant contributions at renowned salons such as The Refinery, Gentlemen’s Tonic in Mayfair, and the Harrods Barbershop in Knightsbridge. In 2023, he took the Men’s Hair Specialist and Independent Stylist titles at Creative HEAD’s Most Wanted awards. In addition, Chris is a brilliant mentor, who has a passion for nurturing people to get the best out of their career.
ANGIE GOUDIE - Owner, Gaudi Hair
My ideal mentee: “I’m passionate about mind health, effective communication, leadership, team-building and salon culture and operations. I’ve spent years doing CPD so have lots to share!”
Angie opened Gaudi Hair over 25 years ago – its longevity a testament to her determination, perseverance and commitment to training. Team culture is outstanding here: they share an ethos, “We learn, we share, we grow”, and have become experts in colour, cutting and Afro hair through regular skills sharing sessions. Angie’s passion for personal development has led her to launch Gaudi Lifestyle, combining everything Gaudi knows about hair, beauty and style with powerful coaching techniques to help clients achieve their personal goals.
RACHAEL LOMAX - Salon owner and educator
My Ideal Mentee: “I would definitely be able to help someone who is looking to create a niche within the industry – or someone looking to grow their existing business.”
With over 17 years as a salon owner at Copper Queen Salon and over 20 years of specialist copper experience, mainly focused on copper hair and working with warmth in other shades, Rachael Lomax is the authority on copper hair in the industry. She is a forward thinking, award winning creative colour specialist, a trusted educator – and winner of Creative HEAD’s Most Wanted award for Education 2025 – and for the the past two years has been a mentor for The Fellowship’s Project Colour, as well as at her local college.
JAYE MACDONALD - Co-owner, Linton & Mac
Co-owner of Linton & Mac, alongside Jennifer Linton, and a training assessor for the salon assistants, Jaye is passionate about building her team and helping make their dreams a reality. A social media geek (“It’s a slight obsession of mine!”), she’s an open-minded out-of-the-box thinker who pays attention to detail – and is currently figuring out how to get the right work/life balance juggling her young son with a 40-hour working week.
CYRIL MORGAN - Owner, Cyril Morgan Hair
My ideal mentee: “Someone who needs help leading or growing a team, including planning education plans. I can also help someone wanting to move into photographic work, from creating a collection to organising shoots.”
After almost 40 years in hairdressing, including a stint running salons in Dubai, Cyril launched Cyril Morgan Hair in 2019, a five-star luxury salon on Limerick’s Riverside area. Among the high-quality services on offer are private consultations for women and men experiencing hair loss – for over two decades Cyril has been helping clients navigating hair loss challenges, offering compassionate support alongside his extensive expertise as a hairdresser. He brings that same empathy and attentiveness to his team of 15 staff, to whom he sees himself as a mentor and coach. “You’ve got to lead from the front,” he says. “Lead by example.” Cyril is also an accomplished session stylist and has worked as creative director on a number of high-profile published shoots.
LEE NASH-JONES AND ROB WHITE - Co-owners, NashWhite
Our ideal mentee: “A business or individual who is open-minded, isn’t so driven by numbers (as we’re not) and has a desire to do things a little differently.”
Lee Nash-Jones and Rob White started their brand Nashwhite in 2010. Fast-forward 13 years and they have two destination spaces in Warwick and Stratford-upon-Avon, 30 employees and a turnover in the millions. Their largest space, the Heist House opened in 2021 as the “ultimate community destination”, it’s a space where stylists, clients, freelancers, and locals mix. A synergy of hair, coffee, yoga, events, photography, work, and hair education, it’s the community that creates the space, and the fresh concept has boosted business profits, too. Creative director and extraordinary stylist Lee, leads the creative and visual side of the business while Rob White, spearheads strategic planning.
NICHOLAS NICOLA - Owner, Allertons
My Ideal Mentee: “I’d love to work with someone who wants to supercharge their business – ideally, someone who is opened–minded to the fact that the business and creative sides are completely different, and someone who truly wants to grow.”
Nicholas Nicola has taken his Allertons brand from a single tiny salon to a rapidly growing empire that includes a huge flagship in the Victoria Gate shopping centre in Leeds and a revolutionary space within the John Lewis store in Nottingham. Nicholas is not a hairdresser – he learned everything he needed to know about how to please customers selling luxury beauty on the floor of department stores like Harvey Nichols and Selfridges – and his unique approach to the customer experience earns him five-star customer reviews every time. “No matter what the business climate is right now, I believe it’s time to step up, not step out,” he says.
RICHARD PHILLIPART - Salon owner and session stylist
My ideal mentee: “A salon owner looking to improve staff retention / performance, launch or improve apprenticeships, and find their own passion and creative inspiration again.”
Richard opened his own salon aged just 22, and over the past 14 years in business has expanded The Boutique Atelier from four chairs to 21 and across three different locations; he now commands a team of 23 and is fully committed to their personal and professional development (“If you’re not inspired and motivated that translates into your team”). Alongside the increasing salon workload, he’s forged a major name for himself in the session world, leading shows in London, Paris and New York and shooting regularly for magazines including Vogue. He’s also been named ambassador for global brand, MyOrganics.
PONT SMITH - Owner, bebop
My Ideal Mentee: “An independent salon owner or creative founder who’s a few years in and at that point where their brand and team need structure to match their ambition. Someone who’s building something with personality, not just a salon, but a culture, and who wants to evolve it into a sustainable, standout business. I can help most with brand identity, leadership, and education, especially for those who want to challenge industry norms and do things differently without losing authenticity.”
Pont Smith launched bebop in 2017 with a mission to rebuild salon culture from the inside out. What started as a small, ethics-led studio pioneering gender-neutral pricing and eco-conscious practices has evolved into one of London’s most talked-about creative spaces. Known for his forward-thinking approach to branding, education and team culture, Pont focuses on doing things differently; questioning old industry habits and building a salon model that feels more human, modern and creatively alive. A finalist for Creative HEAD’s Most Wanted Leadership Award, he continues to push for progress across the industry.
KAYE SOTOMI - Owner, ChopChop, London
My ideal mentee: “I can help with issues around recruitment and creating a culture in business or simply someone who’s low on motivation. Alternatively, I can advise someone looking for ways to integrate environmentally sustainable solutions into their business.”
An experienced marketing and business development executive, Kaye is also the co-founder of Chop Chop, a group of London salons that offers services for all, regardless of gender or hair texture, and a gender-neutral pricing structure that charges by time (£20 for every 20 minutes spent). He’s also a big believer in sustainable practices and a boxing and fitness enthusiast!
DARREL STARKEY - Salon owner and educator
My Ideal Mentee : “Someone looking to build a successful education platform or seeking branding and presentation skills.”
Darrel Starkey started his hairdressing training at age 17 and in 2017 opened his own salon. An accomplished session stylist, he honed his skills in the Fellowship FAME Team of 2022 and is now an ambassador for the brand Milkshake. Darrel is also a self-taught (and incredible) wig-maker, and has launched the three-day Wig-torship Weekender course, combining wig-making skills with photographic work.
NANCY STRIPE - Salon owner and educator
My ideal mentee: “Someone who wants to craft their ideal clientele through social media and who wants to learn how to utilise it to attract the dream team and achieve personal objectives.”
Nancy’s business, Stripe Colour Studio in Handforth, near Manchester, is powered by colour. Not only is she an award-winning expert at consultations, a L’Oréal Guest Artist and a balayage specialist, Nancy’s decision to market to grey conversion clients has been lucrative (clients have been known to spend upwards of £600 in a single appointment) and it’s also led to launching Grey Empowerment Education, which took Nancy all at the way to the 2025 Most Wanted Grand Final in the Education award category.
CAROLYN SWEENEY - Salon owner and educator
My Ideal Mentee: Someone who is ready to grow either by expanding their existing team or by building one for the first time with a clear focus on improving profit and sustainable growth. Ideally, they would be running an employed or hybrid team, but that’s not essential. They may also be someone who has been successful as an independent stylist and is now looking to open a salon and develop a strong, motivated team.
Carolyn Sweeney has been in the salon industry for over 35 years, working her way up as manager, then salon owner looking after a team of over 50. She’s well aware of all the challenges that brings, and understands how, in the times we are in, to plan your future business accordingly. Carolyn loves seeing smaller businesses take on bigger challenges to grow, and says, “Adding value to a business is the most important thing to me.”
ANNE VECK & KEITH MELLEN - Environmentalists
Our ideal mentee: “A salon owner or freelancer who is keen to go green, and is relatively early in their sustainability journey.”
Anne and Keith are former winners of the Most Wanted Sustainability Hero award and offer a free Salon Re:Source toolkit to all hairdressing businesses, packed with ideas and practical solutions. In their salon, CO2 emissions have been slashed by more than 50 per cent since 2013. Water use has been reduced by 65 per cent, salon stationery is being phased out and you’ll find no single-use cups or bottles. Team members are Eco Hair & Beauty certified, with all travelling to work by foot, bike or public transport.
KAREN WHARTON - Owner, Obsessions
My ideal mentee: “I’d be good with a start-up, focusing on setting up vision and KPIs. I like the foundations of great business – it’s important to get this set up for the future.”
For five years the founder and director of Obsession Salon and Spa in Branston and Lichfield fought a fierce legal battle with her insurance company following a fire that destroyed what was then her third salon in Birmingham. Twenty-seven hearings, five trials, a potential £2million legal bill… for the duration of the court case life for Karen was traumatic, to say the least (“We continued to trade in our two remaining salons, clinging on by the skin of our teeth”), but with a loyal team behind her, and staying strong despite the extreme circumstances, she and her business made it through and out the other side. Today, with 35 years of business ownership under her belt, Karen has a wealth of experience to share and a listening ear for her future mentee.
SHEONA WILL - Owner, Bloom Lifestyle
My Ideal Mentee: “I could be of particular help with numbers and benchmarks, team engagement, client recruitment and culture. But honestly, I’m open to anyone!”
It’s always been business first for Sheona Will. From starting her career at 15 as a Saturday girl to running her thriving three-salon Bloom group, located across three different cities, she’s committed to success – but on a sustainable basis. A self-confessed spreadsheet nerd, Sheona is hell-bent on profitability. “I refuse to be a low-margin business anymore,” she says. “When it came to looking at how I do things, I decided what profit I wanted to make and worked back from there.”
JACK AND ROSS WILLIAMS-HIRST - Owners, Williams & Hirst
Our Ideal Mentee: “Is curious, open-minded and ready to challenge the norm. Whether you already run a salon and want to evolve your model, or you’re at the start of creating your own space, we’re looking for someone who’s questioning the future of the industry — and ready to build it.”
Ross and Jack Williams-Hirst are seasoned independent hairdressers who spent years freelancing before turning their vision into reality. With a shared ambition to elevate the independent stylist, they converted a former 3,200sq ft storefront in Soho into a bold new co–work/salon model – one where every stylist works for themselves, yet thrives within a collaborative, design-led environment. With over 29 independent stylists and growing, it is proof of their vision that you can work Independent, not alone. Together Jack and Ross have won multiple awards within a year of opening, including the trophy for New Space in Creative HEAD’s 2025 Most Wanted awards.
LYDIA WOLFE - Co-founder and creative director, Jack & The Wolfe
My ideal mentee: “Someone seeking a balance between the artistic, freelance side of hairdressing and the responsibilities of running their own business or businesses.”
In 2019 award-winning colourist and educator Lydia co-founded boutique salon Jack & The Wolfe in Lymington alongside husband Jack Meade, with the duo driven by a passion for wellness that sees clients coming back again and again. Living and working together, alongside raising their daughter, the couple’s passion for hairdressing continues to unite them: “We’re really lucky that we found in each other somebody who is equally obsessed with the industry and looking after our clients and running a happy team. We don’t mind that it completely takes over our everyday life.”
Applications close Friday 28 November 2025