How To Cut It in the Hairdressing Industry

In this episode of How To Cut It, we dive deep into Grid Studios, the innovative creative space designed specifically for professionals in the hair and beauty industry. Nestled in the vibrant Old Street, London, Grid Studios fills a crucial gap in the market by offering tailor-made amenities for hairstylists, barbers, and content creators. Join me as I sit down with Grid Studios' co-founder Danny Mendoza and his talented team members, Aoife and Annie, to uncover the inspiration behind this game-changing studio and explore how it's revolutionising the way hair professionals create and share their work. You'll learn about the unique features that set Grid Studios apart from traditional studios. From custom lighting setups that ensure consistent colour temperature, to versatile spaces perfect for mini set builds and live events, Grid Studios is meticulously designed to overcome common challenges such as inadequate lighting and unsuitable backdrops. We also highlight the versatility and community-building aspect of Grid Studios. And the Grid team share what makes the studio a hub for content-driven projects, including styling stations, diverse backdrops, and even a cozy coffee bar designed to enhance the overall experience. Annie, the social media manager, shares the vibrant energy that comes from collaborating with various professionals and the excellent feedback from first-time users. Danny also breaks down the flexible membership options that make Grid Studios accessible to creators with different budgets. Whether you're looking to book a one-off session or become a regular member, Grid Studios is committed to supporting hairdressers and other creatives in elevating their content without the prohibitive costs typically associated with studio rentals. Don't miss this exciting conversation that offers a glimpse into how Grid Studios is fostering a creative community and paving the way for the future of content creation in the hair and beauty industry. It could be your next go-to destination for capturing beautiful content and advancing your creative journey!

Welcome to the first episode of our new series, Introducing with Dom Lehane, where I spotlight the industry's hottest new names, rising stars, and undiscovered hair artists. This week, we're excited to introduce Guy Kleinhaus, a big name in the making. In this episode I have the pleasure of exploring Guy's journey from Cape Town to London's vibrant hair scene. As the artistic director at Cobella Salon and an educator with Hair In Motion, Guy's story is a testament to stepping out of your comfort zone for career growth. We first learn how Guy first felt the urge to move to London after being inspired by the city's rich hairdressing history. Leaving a strong foundation in Cape Town, he embraced the chance to learn from industry leaders in London. Upon arrival, Guy hit the ground running, forming invaluable connections with Jordanna Cobella at Cobella Salon. We discuss the transformative impact of these relationships and how networking can reignite passion and drive creative breakthroughs. Guy shared milestone moments, from winning competitions like the Wella Destination event. We also delved into current trends and Guy's signature style—lived-in textures and organic looks. I highly recommend you check out his work on his Instagram under the handle @GuyDoesHair. Tune in to hear Guy's inspiring journey and his vision for the future of hairdressing. This episode is a must-listen for any hairdresser looking to make waves in the industry. Join us as Guy Kleinhaus shares wisdom and experiences that will ignite your passion and inspire your own journey in hairdressing.

In today's episode, I'm joined by Ashley Gamble. We'll be discussing how he went from being a stylist to achieving salon success with his wife Stephanie—and what it took for them both to get there! For the past 12 years, Ashley and Stephanie have been the owners of Ashley & Gamble, an award-winning salon in Shifnal, Shropshire UK. They have worked together for over 20 years, and their name is well respected in UK hairdressing. They have won many awards—including the UK Colour Salon of the Year and UK Salon Hairdresser of the Year awards—and are also British and multiple international award winners. Ashley and Stephanie's journey as a married entrepreneurial team offers a unique perspective on balancing work and personal life to ensure long-term success. In our conversations, Ashley is to provide valuable advice to all you salon owners looking for new motivations, and for new stylists entering the industry, emphasising the benefits of specialising in a skill set that can lead to greater success. This podcast covers a wide range of topics, from the importance of investing in your salon and choosing the right location for your business to discussing effective pay structures that reflect performance and contribution. So get ready to hear Ashley’s firsthand experiences and actionable tips—this episode is filled with indispensable advice.

Welcome to a special episode of the How To Cut It podcast. Today we are marking the sad passing of an extraordinary figure in the world of hairdressing, Trevor Sorbie MBE. Trevor Sorbie MBE, who was born in Paisley, Scotland in 1949 and rose to become one of the most influential hairdressers of all time. With unparalleled creativity and kindness, Trevor left an indelible mark on our industry. From creating iconic styles like the wedge cut to establishing the charitable foundation, My New Hair, his work transformed hairdressing into both an art and a form of heartfelt care. In this episode, we’re revisiting an incredible conversation recorded back in August 2017—Trevor's first-ever podcast interview. Trevor shared with me his humble beginnings and his unwavering passion for the craft, which remained with him throughout his remarkable journey. Trevor was much more than a stylist; he was a visionary whose artistry continues to inspire us. He taught us to "be bold, be different, but always do everything in good taste." Today, we celebrate his remarkable contributions and honor his legacy. Thank you, Trevor, for everything. Trevor Sorbie MBE, 1949 - 2024. Enjoy this special episode.