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  • Concept Hair Learner Of The Year Finals 2026

    Concept Hair Learner Of The Year Finals 2026
    2026/05/04

    🎙️ The Learners Voice Podcast

    Live from The Concept Hair Learner of the Year Finals

    In collaboration with Belinda Mindset

    ⸻

    🎧 Episode Overview

    In this special live episode of The Learners Voice Podcast, we head behind the scenes at The Concept Hair Learner of the Year Finals—a celebration of emerging talent in the hair and beauty industry.

    You’ll hear directly from learners, finalists, and past winners as they share their real stories—navigating education, overcoming personal challenges, building confidence, and stepping into their future careers.

    This episode is packed with honest conversations, inspiration, and powerful reminders that every journey is unique—and every voice matters.

    ⸻

    🙌 Sponsored by Pivot Point

    A huge thank you to Pivot Point—a global leader in digital learning and education development for the hair and beauty industry. Their commitment to innovation, ethics, and high-quality educational tools continues to shape the future of beauty education worldwide.

    ⸻

    ✨ What You’ll Hear in This Episode

    💬 Real learner journeys

    • Overcoming struggles with school, mental health, and confidence
    • Finding purpose and passion through hair and beauty
    • The impact of supportive lecturers and mentors

    🎨 Creativity & self-expression

    • Why the industry allows learners to truly be themselves
    • Embracing individuality and attracting your “tribe”
    • The freedom of a creative career

    🏆 Competition experiences

    • What it feels like to compete at a national level
    • Nerves, mindset, and preparation tips
    • Why just reaching the finals is already a huge achievement

    🧠 Mindset & personal growth

    • Learning to manage nerves and self-doubt
    • The importance of self-belief and resilience
    • Tools and techniques to stay calm under pressure

    🌍 Career dreams & opportunities

    • From salon floors to cruise ships and global travel
    • Starting businesses, building brands, and teaching
    • The endless possibilities within the industry

    ⸻

    🔑 Key Takeaways

    • Don’t give up—even when things feel tough, keep showing up
    • Be yourself—your uniqueness is your strength
    • Practice builds confidence—growth comes with consistency
    • Find your people—supportive environments change everything
    • Mindset matters—how you think shapes how you perform
    • You belong here—if you made it this far, you’ve earned it

    ⸻

    💬 Memorable Moments

    • Learners opening up about mental health and finding confidence through hairdressing
    • A female barber breaking stereotypes and pursuing purpose-driven work
    • A returning winner sharing how competitions opened doors to major opportunities
    • Adult learners proving it’s never too late to follow your passion
    • Emotional reflections on family support, self-belief, and growth

    ⸻

    🌟 About This Series

    The Learners Voice Podcast is all about amplifying real voices in the hair and beauty industry—sharing authentic stories from learners at every stage of their journey.

    In collaboration with Belinda Mindset, this podcast supports personal growth, confidence, and success through mindset, education, and community.

    ⸻

    💻 Resources & Support

    If you’re a mentor, educator, or salon owner looking to support your learners:

    👉 Visit Belindamindset.com

    Scroll to the bottom of the store page to access free resources designed to help your team grow, thrive, and succeed.

    ⸻

    ❤️ Final Note

    Your journey matters.

    Your story matters.

    And most importantly—you matter.

    Book a course on Belindamindset.com
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    1 時間 37 分
  • My Mentor & Me Special guest Andrew Barton and Caitlin Joyce

    My Mentor & Me Special guest Andrew Barton and Caitlin Joyce
    2026/04/06

    🎙️ Belinda Mindset: The Learners Voice

    Episode Title: My Mentor and Me – Featuring Andrew Barton & Caitlin Joyce

    ✨ Episode Overview

    Welcome to The Learners Voice, a podcast by Belinda Mindset Education in collaboration with Concept Hair, where real learners share real stories from the hair and beauty industry.

    In this first episode of the “My Mentor and Me” series, host Belinda is joined by industry legend Andrew Barton and rising talent Caitlin Joyce from The Manchester College.

    Together, they explore the power of mentorship, building confidence, and what it really takes to succeed in the hairdressing industry.

    🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode

    • The mission and impact of the ABLE Programme in supporting hairdressing students
    • Andrew Barton’s journey from leaving school with no qualifications to becoming a global hairdressing expert
    • How mentorship bridges the gap between college training and real salon experience
    • Caitlin’s personal journey—overcoming fear, building confidence, and finding her passion
    • Why making mistakes is essential for growth
    • The importance of mindset, positivity, and speaking up for opportunities
    • Career pathways in hairdressing, including salons, cruise ships, and trichology

    🌟 Guest Highlights

    Andrew Barton

    • International hairdresser and educator
    • Founder of the ABLE Programme
    • Extensive experience across fashion, celebrity styling, and salon ownership
    • Passionate about developing the next generation of hair professionals

    Caitlin Joyce

    • Level 3 student at The Manchester College
    • Aspiring hair professional with a passion for learning and growth
    • Known for her positivity, confidence, and strong client connection

    💬 Key Takeaways

    • “Never accept ‘OK’ as a standard.” – Andrew Barton
    • Confidence grows through action—not perfection
    • Mistakes are part of mastering your craft
    • A positive mindset can transform your learning experience
    • Being proactive and asking for opportunities is key to success

    🚀 Caitlin’s Career Goals

    • Gain salon experience after qualification
    • Explore working on cruise ships
    • Long-term ambition: specialise in trichology

    🙌 Shoutouts

    Special thanks to Caitlin’s tutors:

    • Lisa Breakey
    • Lindsay Carroll
    • Emma Gavin

    🤝 Sponsors

    Pivot Point

    A global leader in hair and beauty education, providing innovative digital learning tools, premium mannequins, and industry-leading resources—all built with ethical and sustainable practices.

    Colour Me Safe

    Smarter, safer, and simpler patch testing for hair professionals.

    Colour Me Safe is transforming allergy testing with an innovative method that allows you to test using the actual colour product being applied—delivering more accurate results and real peace of mind.

    • Fully UK compliant
    • Insured and salon-friendly
    • Designed to save time without compromising safety

    Join the movement setting a new standard in client care: ColourMeSafe.com

    🔗 Resources & Links

    https://belindamindset.com/

    Looking to support your learners?

    Visit BelindaMindset.com and explore free tools and resources available for mentors, educators, and salon owners.

    💬 Final Thoughts

    This episode is a powerful reminder that success in the hair industry isn’t just about skill—it’s about mindset, mentorship, and the courage to keep improving.

    Your voice matters. Your journey matters.
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    29 分
  • 1-2-1 mentoring session From overwhelm to on purpose

    1-2-1 mentoring session From overwhelm to on purpose
    2026/03/02
    Speaker 1: Before we dive into today's episode of The Learner's Voice, I want to take a moment to thank our sponsor PivotPoint. PivotPoint is the driving force worldwide behind digital learning, PivotPoint Lab and education development for the hair and beauty industry. PivotPoint proudly exhibits its responsibility as a company through ethica manufacturing and social accountability standards for producing its premium mannequins and educational tools. We are proud to partner with a company that's shaping the future of beauty education with innovation, integrity and a global vision for learning. Now let's get into the show. In today's episode I want to welcome Erin Ward. Thank you Erin for joining us today. You won a one-to-one mentoring session through concept hair competition and I'm just really excited to share your journey first year on the shop floor as a level three hairdresser and let's get into it. Are you struggling with anything at the minute? Like how's your journey going? Speaker 2: I just started in a new salon in December. I can't lie, I was so stressed. It was so bad. I actually got shingles because I was so stressed about stuff. I'm still in college now. I'm in level three but I've been doing hairdressing for four years. My first I say proper hairdressing job. Beforehand I was self-employed so I didn't have back-to-back clients, if that makes sense. I wasn't on a strict timing regime. The place I've gone to, it's like you have to be on this time. That's it. You can't go over. So it's quite stressful and I did think, I was like, oh my god, is this really what hairdressing is about? I think as well, I'm quite an anxious person as it is. I'm not very confident. If I know someone, I can talk for days to them, but if I don't know someone, I have to take people with me. I'm like, come over with me. I can't go by myself. So I am quite an anxious person but I think that's, I think it's through COVID. I used to be such a talkative person and then in COVID, just stops really. Speaker 1: You don't really get to talk to anyone. You've noticed the difference. Speaker 2: Yeah, and other people have said to me, they've noticed it as well. When I went back, everyone's like, you seem so different. It was like, oh, I don't realise it, but when someone points out to you, you finally realise, like, gosh, I have changed. But yeah. Speaker 1: Yeah. So what can be really helpful is if we do a bit of a brain dump of all every little thing that triggers that kind of stress and then we can look at what we can control and what we can't control. So I can kind of help you because sometimes just talking it through and having a few tools of how you would manage it can really help. So how are you coping right now on the shop floor? Do you still feel overwhelmed? Speaker 2: Yeah, I think it's just like the pressure of being on a strict regime because I've been at college for four years now. It's quite chilled. Like my college is very chilled. They'll be like, yeah, do this. But some days it can be like boom, boom, boom. It's like it's so different. Like when people say like you don't experience hedges until you go to salon, I get it now. I really do. So how long do you get for some lunch? 45 minutes. Speaker 1: OK. And then like what, an hour 15, hour 30 for followed foils? Yeah, hour 15. Hour 15. Do you get a lunch break? Yeah. Yeah. Is it an hour, half an hour? Half an hour. Is that it for the whole day? Yeah. And then do you sometimes use that half hour to catch up? Speaker 2: Oh, yeah, normally I have to catch up. But like on my lunch break, I am normally doing like social media because that's the thing we have to do. I think the big thing nowadays, social media is like how you get clients. So yeah, sometimes I'm doing that. Speaker 1: My lunch break. Taking a break. I don't. No. Speaker 2: And then I go home and I go to bed. I literally go home, go to bed and then I'm up again and then I go straight to work. Like I don't have like. Just relax. I just come home. I'm so tired. I was just fed. It's not like I have. I do have a social life, but it's not as big as it was before I started working. And I know that's the thing that happens when you get older and all that. The one person I do speak to is the apprentice. And that's because I think we're on the same kind of wavelength because she's just started college and I'm helping her with it because I've been doing so long now at college. I kind of know the structure of what they've got to do. So she's always like, what's this? What's this? So I've bonded in that way, but with the older ones, like I'm the youngest person by one of the youngest in the salon now. It's hard to like connect to the older stylists. Is it's like what do you act like? I don't know what to say. Same with clients like I keep getting this. They keep saying to me like my work. They're like, you're just not talking to them as much as you could. The thing is I struggle to know what to talk about. So...
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    36 分
  • YOU HAVE TO WANT IT A JOURNEY to world skills silver medal

    YOU HAVE TO WANT IT A JOURNEY to world skills silver medal
    2026/02/02
    🎙️ The Learner’s Voice Podcast Episode Title: Purpose & Perseverance with Shakaia Powell Host: Belinda Mindset Guest: Shakaia Powell – Level 3 Beauty Learner, WorldSkills Silver Medallist ⸻ ✨ Episode Overview In this inspiring episode of The Learner’s Voice Podcast, Belinda is joined by Shakaia Powell, a Level 3 Beauty learner from Coleg Gwent – Crosskeys Campus, who is already making waves in the industry. With a Welsh Skills Bronze Medal and a WorldSkills Silver Medal to her name, Shakaia shares her journey from leaving sixth form to finding her confidence, passion, and purpose in beauty education. This conversation explores mindset, resilience, high standards, and what it really takes to succeed as a learner — both inside and outside the classroom. We also proudly acknowledge Pivot Point, a global leader in digital learning and education development for the hair and beauty industry, whose ethical values, innovation, and global vision continue to shape the future of beauty education. ⸻ 🌍 About Our Partner: Pivot Point Pivot Point is the driving force worldwide behind digital learning, education development, and premium educational tools for the hair and beauty industry. With a strong commitment to ethical manufacturing and social accountability, Pivot Point leads with integrity, innovation, and a learner-first mindset. We’re proud to partner with a company that champions education on a global scale. ⸻ 💬 What We Talk About in This Episode Leaving school, navigating pressure, and choosing a different path Why beauty education is challenging, stimulating, and often misunderstood How the right teacher can change everything Developing elite standards through competitions Behind-the-scenes competition tips (setup, transitions, timing & mindset) Turning mistakes into medals Training your model as part of your success strategy Dealing with grief, loss, and emotional resilience as a learner Finding motivation through purpose and perseverance Why it’s okay not to have everything figured out ⸻ 🏆 Competition & Excellence Takeaways Shakaia shares practical, real-world advice for learners aiming to raise their standards: Prepare exactly how you plan to perform on the day Pre-roll, prep, and organise everything in advance Practice under timed conditions Learn to improvise when things go wrong Treat competitions like a performance — intentional, focused, and confident Client care and model training are non-negotiable ⸻ ❤️ A Powerful Conversation on Resilience Shakaia opens up about personal loss and grief, sharing how she channels pain into motivation rather than stopping. Her honesty offers reassurance to learners navigating emotional challenges alongside their education — a reminder that strength looks different for everyone. ⸻ 🌱 What’s Next for Shakaia? Completing Level 3 Beauty this summer Progressing to Level 4 Aspiring to work in a spa environment Continuing to grow as a professional with high personal standards ⸻ 📣 Shoutouts Kirsty Jones, lecturer and mentor, for believing, pushing, and inspiring A loyal competition model who played a key role in success All learners who are showing up, trying again, and trusting their journey ⸻ 🎧 Final Thoughts This episode is a reminder that: You don’t need to have everything figured out Mistakes don’t define you — standards do The journey shapes who you become Your voice matters, and you matter ⸻ 🔗 Support for Learners If you’re navigating grief or emotional challenges, Belinda has created a free reflective booklet available at Belindamindset.com — designed to help you find the words that match how you’re feeling. ⸻ 💛 Thank You for Listening Thank you for listening to The Learner’s Voice Podcast, in collaboration with Belinda Mindset Education and Concept Hair. If you’re a mentor, educator, or salon owner and want to better support learners, visit blendomindset.com and explore the resources available in the store. ✨ Your voice matters. Your journey matters. And you deserve to thrive Sponsor Colour me Safe https://colourmesafe.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooY5LT-9L5K-LZLtvqRAJZyWJoSO9tgOOJjinpgucMXDZSKr3Ao
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    21 分
  • Yorkshire Hair & Barbering Compitition

    Yorkshire Hair & Barbering Compitition
    2026/01/05

    🎙️ The Learner’s Voice Podcast

    Live from Leeds City College – The First Yorkshire Hair & Barbering Competition

    In this special on-location episode of The Learner’s Voice, we are recording live at Leeds City College, the venue for the first-ever Yorkshire Hair and Barbering Competition, bringing seven colleges together in a powerful celebration of education, talent, and learner voice.

    This landmark event creates a platform for learners to step outside the classroom, showcase their skills, and build confidence through competition, collaboration, and community.

    🌍 Episode Sponsor

    Pivot Point

    Pivot Point is a global leader in digital learning, education development, and premium mannequins for the hair and beauty industry. Through ethical manufacturing and strong social accountability standards, Pivot Point continues to shape the future of beauty education worldwide.

    We’re proud to partner with a company driven by innovation, integrity, and a global vision for learning.

    ✂️ What You’ll Hear in This Episode

    • 🎓 Learners from seven colleges across Yorkshire sharing their real journeys
    • 🏆 First-time competitors experiencing a live competition environment
    • 💭 Honest conversations about confidence, nerves, comparison, patience, and pressure
    • 🧠 How mindset education supports learner growth alongside technical skill
    • 🙌 Shout-outs to tutors, mentors, and colleges championing learner success
    • 🌱 Stories of finding passion, changing direction, and trusting the process
    • 🚀 Big goals including apprenticeships, self-employment, salons, and brand careers

    🧠 Mindset Meets Industry

    This episode highlights why mindset, self-awareness, and resilience are just as important as scissors and clippers.

    Learners openly reflect on how patience, belief, and the right support systems help them move forward — especially in high-pressure environments like competitions.

    🤝 Supported By

    • Belinda Mindset Education – Supporting learners and educators through mindset-focused education and industry-ready resources
    • Concept Hair – Proudly supporting education and future talent within the hair and barbering industry

    🧪 Additional Sponsor Feature

    Colour Me Safe

    Colour Me Safe is redefining patch testing for hair professionals with safer, smarter methods that use the actual product applied to the client. Fully UK compliant, insured, and designed to save time without compromising safety.

    Visit ColourMeSafe.com to learn more.

    🎧 Who This Episode Is For

    • Hair and barbering learners
    • Tutors, lecturers, and educators
    • Salon owners and employers
    • Anyone considering a career in hair or barbering
    • Those who believe confidence and growth start with mindset

    💡 Final Message

    Your voice matters.

    Your journey matters.

    And wherever you’re starting from — you belong here.

    If you’re a mentor, educator, or salon owner and want to support learners, visit

    👉 BelindaMindset.com and scroll to the bottom of the store page to access free mindset resources you can use with your teams today.

    🎙️ Thank you for listening to The Learner’s Voice Podcast.

    Celebrating learners. Building confidence. Creating opportunity

    https://belindamindset.com/
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    1 時間 12 分
  • Learners Live at Salon International: Inspiration from Across the UK

    Learners Live at Salon International: Inspiration from Across the UK
    2025/12/01

    I had the absolute pleasure of diving into the world of hair and beauty learners at Salon International 2025, and I left feeling inspired by the passion, determination, and creativity of these amazing students. In this episode, I share my conversations with learners from across the UK, including Kali, Molly, Ruby, Sophie, Mia, Soda, Isabella, and Jess, as they candidly reflect on their journeys in hairdressing and beauty therapy.

    Key Takeaways from This Episode: I learned that embracing challenges with a positive mindset can transform struggles into growth. I discovered that patience, persistence, and self-belief are essential in learning new skills, whether it’s perfecting foils, mastering pedicures, or finding your own signature style in treatments. I was reminded that building confidence, making meaningful connections, and celebrating small wins are just as important as technical skills. Most importantly, I saw that every learner’s journey is unique, and showing up authentically and staying passionate makes all the difference.

    Throughout our conversations, learners shared their highest highs—from the thrill of mastering a new technique, excelling in competitions, and finally feeling confident in their craft—to their lowest lows, which often included initial anxiety, challenging techniques, or self-doubt. Each learner had valuable advice for newcomers: take it slow, enjoy the process, embrace your individuality, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Mentorship came up repeatedly as a cornerstone of success, with shout-outs to teachers and industry professionals who encouraged, guided, and inspired them along the way.

    From discussions about building confidence, pursuing further education, exploring creative treatments, and even dreaming about opening their own salons, this episode highlights that learning is a journey, not a destination. The energy, enthusiasm, and dedication these learners bring to their craft is infectious and a reminder that the hair and beauty industry thrives on curiosity, innovation, and resilience.

    Tune in to hear these inspiring stories, learn actionable tips, and celebrate the voices shaping the future of hair and beauty. Your journey matters, your voice matters, and this episode proves that the next generation of hair and beauty professionals is ready to shine.

    https://belindamindset.com/
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    28 分
  • Finding your voice in The Beauty Industry

    Finding your voice in The Beauty Industry
    2025/11/03

    Episode Title:

    “Finding Your Creative Voice — with Makeup Artist Daniela Ramos”

    The Learner’s Voice – Presented by Belinda Mindset in collaboration with Concept Hair Magazine

    Sponsored by Pivot Point International

    🎙️ Episode Summary

    In this inspiring episode, host Belinda sits down with makeup artist and Harper College graduate Daniela Ramos, whose creative journey took her from painting with crayons as a child in Tenerife to working backstage on professional body-painting gigs and brand events across the UK.

    Daniela shares how she found confidence through creativity, the power of resourcefulness, and why beauty is truly in the eyes of the beholder. From last-minute competition nerves to becoming a working artist with her own unique style, Daniela’s story is a powerful reminder that your voice — and your art — matter.

    💡 Key Moments

    04:12 — The crayon beginnings: Daniela’s first makeup experiments

    08:45 — How nature and creativity shaped her path

    12:30 — The WorldSkills competition journey

    20:15 — “Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder” — a lesson in confidence

    25:40 — From Harper College to her first paid makeup gigs

    33:10 — Landing creative work for major brands

    36:20 — Daniela’s advice: Love yourself, trust yourself, and go for it.

    🧠 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

    • How to overcome creative self-doubt
    • The importance of resourcefulness as an artist
    • Ways competitions can open unexpected doors
    • How mentorship and support shape a learner’s journey
    • Tips for turning passion into a professional path

    💬 Guest Bio: Daniela Ramos

    Daniela Ramos is a UK-based makeup artist known for her expressive, nature-inspired designs and fearless creativity. A graduate of Harper College, Daniela has gone from college competitions to professional artistry, including creative collaborations, body painting, and live events. Her work blends innovation, imagination, and artistry — proving that true beauty comes from self-expression.

    📸 Instagram: @danielaramosmakeup

    💛 About the Show

    The Learner’s Voice celebrates the journeys, struggles, and successes of students and young professionals in the beauty and creative industries. Hosted by Belinda Mindset, each episode shares authentic conversations designed to inspire confidence, self-belief, and growth.

    Learn more at belindamindset.com
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    40 分
  • Bobbie-Jo’s Journey to Confidence and Success in Hairdressing

    Bobbie-Jo’s Journey to Confidence and Success in Hairdressing
    2025/10/06

    Welcome to the Learners Voice Podcast! I’m your host, Belinda Hillman, and today I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Bobbie-Jo from Newcastle College. She’s a rising star in the hairdressing industry, and in our conversation, we explore her journey, her achievements, and the lessons she’s learning along the way.

    Key Takeaways from this Episode:

    • Pushing yourself outside your comfort zone can unlock new opportunities you never imagined.
    • Confidence grows through practice, competitions, and the belief of supportive mentors.
    • Finding balance between studies, work, and social life is key to thriving in college.
    • Journaling and mindset tools can make a real difference in managing challenges and mental health.

    From starting out as a Saturday girl in her boyfriend’s mum’s salon, Bobbie-Jo quickly fell in love with the transformation that hairdressing brings to clients—the joy of watching someone leave the chair smiling brighter than when they arrived. Her ambition first led her to consider careers as varied as tattoo artistry and crime scene investigation, but her heart settled firmly on hair.

    Bobbie-Jo shares openly about why she chose the college route over an apprenticeship, how that decision gave her both structure and freedom, and how competitions—like World Skills and Concept Hair—helped her find confidence she never knew she had. She also talks about the pivotal role her lecturers, especially Jo and Amanda, played in nudging her to take risks and believe in herself.

    We also touch on Bobbie-Jo incredible achievement of winning Student of the Year at Newcastle College, an award that she initially couldn’t believe described her. Her story is a powerful reminder of how others often see our potential long before we do ourselves.

    What stood out most was Bobbie-Jo resilience, her willingness to keep trying even when things felt overwhelming, and her top tip for other learners: push yourself beyond your limits, not just to them.

    I can’t wait for you to hear this inspiring conversation and celebrate Bobbie-Jo journey.

    👉 Tune in now to the Learners Voice Podcast and be inspired to push beyond your comfort zone too!
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    24 分