The Learners Voice Podcast – Show Notes

Episode Title: Concept Hair 2026 Winners Special: Creativity, Confidence & Competition Success

Welcome to The Learners Voice Podcast, a collaboration with Belinda Mindset, Education and Concept Hair, where we amplify the voices of learners across the hair and beauty industry. Through honest conversations, we celebrate creativity, resilience, and the journeys that shape the next generation of professionals.

In this special episode, host Belinda speaks with two inspiring Concept Hair 2026 winners:

* Freya Cullen-Jones – Winner of the Avant Garde category.

* Freya Field – Overall Concept Hair 2026 Winner and Art Deco Level 3 Champion.

Both guests share their unique journeys into hairdressing, the challenges they’ve overcome, and how competitions have transformed their confidence, creativity, and career aspirations.

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Episode Highlights

Freya Cullen-Jones

* Finding a creative career after feeling uncertain about her future.

* Why hairdressing offered a different path from traditional education.

* Discovering a passion for Avant Garde styling.

* Creating a Wonderland-inspired competition look using unexpected materials, including pipe insulation and wire.

* Overcoming self-doubt and embracing creativity.

* The confidence gained from competing on stage.

* Advice for learners: “Just do it. If you don’t try, you’ll never know.”

* Future ambitions to own her own salon while continuing creative and session work.

Freya Field

* Growing up inspired by a family friend working in the industry.

* Using college as a fresh start after experiencing bullying at school.

* Why she waited until Level 3 before entering competitions.

* Winning both the Art Deco category and the Overall Concept Hair 2026 title.

* How experimentation, practice and creativity led to her award-winning look.

* Managing self-doubt after major success and finding new motivation.

* Building a professional profile and networking within the industry.

* Advice for learners: Keep pushing yourself, listen to those who believe in you, and don’t let fear of failure stop you.

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Key Takeaways

* Creativity grows through experimentation and persistence.

* Competitions build confidence as much as technical skill.

* Self-belief develops by taking opportunities—even when they feel daunting.

* Great educators and mentors can change the course of a learner’s career.

* Success isn’t about being fearless—it’s about moving forward despite uncertainty.

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Thank You to Our Sponsors

Pivot Point

A global leader in digital learning and education for the hair and beauty industry. Pivot Point continues to shape the future of beauty education through innovation, premium educational resources, and a commitment to ethical manufacturing and social responsibility.

Color Me Safe

Changing the future of allergy testing with a smarter, safer and simpler patch-testing system that uses the actual colour product being applied. Fully UK compliant, insured, and designed to improve client safety while saving valuable salon time.

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Special Thanks

A special thank you to:

* Concept Hair for creating opportunities that showcase emerging talent.

* The lecturers and mentors who continue to inspire the next generation, including Suzanne Muggleton, Joanne DeWitt, and Karen Baldwin.

* All the learners who continue to share their stories and inspire others.

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The Learners Voice Podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Belinda Mindset, Education and Concept Hair.

Your voice matters. Your journey matters. Keep learning, keep creating, and keep believing in what’s possible.

https://belindah5.sg-host.com

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