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.

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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

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!

Special Guest: Jess Maundrell

In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with the incredibly talented Jess Maundrell—Concept Hair’s Overall Winner and Avant-Garde champion for 2025. At just 19 years old, Jess has already graced posters, magazine covers, and international competitions. Her journey is a true testament to what’s possible when passion, resilience, and creativity collide.

From the very beginning, Jess knew hairdressing was her path. What struck me most in our conversation was her honesty about the struggles—questioning whether to pursue an apprenticeship or a full-time course, battling through self-doubt, and learning to push through the “bad days.” Her decision to follow her gut and stay at West Suffolk College became one of the best choices she’s ever made, and it shows in her results.

We explored her love for avant-garde styling, her standout whale-tail design inspired by environmental themes, and the unique opportunities she’s embraced—from Concept Hair competitions to representing the UK at WorldSkills, even traveling to Japan to exchange skills with international students. Listening to Jess talk about stepping outside her comfort zone reminded me of the power of saying “yes” to opportunities, even when they feel scary.

My Key Takeaways:

• Success in this industry isn’t just about skill—it’s about mindset. Jess reminded me that bad days don’t mean you’re on the wrong path; they’re part of the process.
• Trusting your gut can change everything. Choosing a full course at college when everyone else told her to do an apprenticeship was a defining moment in her career.
• Competitions aren’t only about winning—they’re about confidence, exposure, and building lifelong connections.
• Support systems matter. From mentors like Jo and her lecturers to friends and family, Jess thrived because she leaned on her network.
• Resilience and determination are what set extraordinary learners apart. Jess didn’t give up when things got tough—she kept practicing until she achieved her vision.

I left our chat so inspired, not only by Jess’s talent but also by her humility and drive. She’s proof that age doesn’t define your impact—you do.

Special Guest: Morgan Brown

Welcome to Learner’s Voice! I’m your host, Belinda Hillman, and today’s episode is one that’s incredibly close to my heart. I sit down with my own apprentice, Morgan Brown, for an honest, inspiring, and emotional conversation. From sweeping floors as a Saturday girl to making the bold decision to move to Australia, Morgan’s journey is proof that with passion, grit, and mindset—anything is possible.

Morgan opens up about the influence of her mum and grandma in sparking her love for hairdressing, how school-based training gave her a powerful head start, and why an apprenticeship—not a classroom—was the key to her success. She shares the highs and the hard truths of the apprentice life: the ego, the burnout, the breakthroughs… and learning how to accept feedback without losing herself.

We talk about her mindset transformation, her surprising decision to skip Level 3 (for now!), and what drove her and her partner Reese to book a one-way ticket to Australia. She didn’t just dream about it—she mapped it out with pen and paper, planned each step, and made it happen. From contacting salons on Instagram to fast-tracking her EPA before flying out, Morgan has truly shown what it means to take action.

Key Takeaways:

• The first 6 months of an apprenticeship can make or break you—lean into support, ask for help, and keep pushing.

• Don’t let your ego get in the way of your growth—feedback is fuel.

• Use social media as a professional tool—it can open doors you never imagined.

• Planning with pen and paper can help declutter your mind and turn dreams into plans.

• Courage doesn’t always come with confidence—sometimes you leap anyway.

Tune in to hear a real, raw, and motivating story that will inspire you to chase your goals—no matter how far away they seem.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs to hear this story!

In today’s episode, I sit down with the incredibly inspiring Heather Jane Wayne—an adult learner from Coleg Menai in North Wales—whose journey into hairdressing began not in a salon, but through sheer grit, self-teaching, and an unshakable desire to create something of her own.

Heather didn’t take the traditional route. Originally studying to become a teacher, she started doing hair-up styles as a side hustle while working long hours as a care worker. That “side hustle” soon blossomed into a thriving bridal hair business—and opened the door to a complete career transformation.

What struck me most was how Heather refused to let her circumstances define her. As a single mum to two children, one of whom has additional needs, she has consistently shown determination, heart, and a love of learning that radiates in everything she does.

We talk about how she battled imposter syndrome, what gave her the courage to go back to college, and how competitions like UK Skills, Welsh Skills, and Concept Hair helped shape her confidence. She’s even been nominated for Student of the Year and is a finalist for multiple Purple Hearts Awards.

Her honesty, energy, and growth mindset are infectious—and I know her story will ignite something in anyone who’s ever doubted themselves or wondered if it’s too late to start over.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• You’re never “too old” or “too busy” to start again.
• A growth mindset and the willingness to say yes can open doors you never imagined.
• Self-belief doesn’t come first—it grows as you show up.
• Competitions, mentors, and community can fast-track both confidence and career.
• You can balance motherhood and ambition—with the right support and self-compassion.

Tune in and get ready to be inspired by Heather’s journey from side hustle to a professional hairdresser with big dreams ahead.

💡 Let’s Connect: Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that it’s never too late.

Guest: Rhys Hillman

In this episode, I sit down for one of the most personal and proudest interviews I’ve ever done—chatting with my son, Rhys Hillman, about his incredible journey into the barbering industry. At just 19, Rhys is already carving out a name for himself in the high-end world of men’s grooming, but his story starts long before his first fade.

We talk about the early days—those Saturday shifts in our family salon when he was just nine, and the detour he took into graphic design during the pandemic. What stands out most is the moment barbering clicked for him: not as an add-on to hairdressing, but as a unique, expressive craft he could call his own.

Rhys opens up about his bold decision to move away from home for hands-on training at Crate Cheshire and how he hustled for models any way he could—knocking on doors, even trying Grindr! We explore how working on a Christmas tree farm gave him the grit and work ethic he now brings into every haircut.

This isn’t just a story of talent—it’s about persistence, growth, and creating something that feels personal and powerful for every client who sits in his chair. From his first editorial photo shoot to making it to the finals of the Modern Barber Awards, Rhys has stayed humble, hungry, and always willing to learn.

Key Takeaways (from me, as a mum and a host):

• The beginning is hard, but the hustle builds character.
• Relationships matter—real connection turns clients into loyal regulars.
• Don’t compare, be inspired—growth takes time.
• Confidence isn’t perfection; it’s progress.
• Define who you want to be early on, then chase it unapologetically.
• Keep learning—education and discomfort are both fuel for greatness.

This episode is more than just a career story. It’s a reflection on resilience, family, and the power of backing your passion with everything you’ve got. Rhys reminds us that chasing the cut isn’t just about technique—it’s about creating a life you love, one haircut at a time.

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Special Guests: Milly Ockmore, Rosie Davies, and Katie Sime

In this powerful and heartwarming episode, I sit down with three incredible young women—Milly Ockmore, Rosie Davies, and Katie Sime—each a medalist from the prestigious WorldSkills competition. What starts as a conversation about styling and skills turns into a beautiful exploration of confidence, growth, and how saying “yes” to an opportunity can change your life.

Milly, shares how finishing school during COVID left her feeling uncertain—until she discovered hairdressing and found her spark. I encouraged her to enter WorldSkills, and to her surprise, she kept progressing… all the way to a medal. Her journey reminds me—and all of us—that even when we’re unsure, showing up and finishing what we start can unlock potential we didn’t know we had.

Rosie brings such depth and thoughtfulness to our chat. She opens up about her experiences in both AHT and WorldSkills competitions, sharing how breaking styles down into simple sections helped her succeed. Her go-to product? Wella Shine Spray! And she’s gearing up for her End Point Assessment, which I was thrilled to support with a guided visualisation tool—because yes, mental rehearsal isn’t just for athletes.

Then comes Katie, the gold medalist from Red Hair Company, whose quiet determination and resilience stole my heart. She credits her success to the incredible mentors around her—including Rosie—and the courage to step outside her comfort zone, even when the pressure was high.

Together, these women are proof that talent flourishes in the right environment—with belief, guidance, and community. Whether you’re a learner, a mentor, or someone searching for your “thing,” this episode is a celebration of grit, growth, and girl power. Tune in—you’ll leave inspired to take your own leap.

Here are the key takeaways from the episode:

1. Confidence grows when we say “yes” before we feel ready. Saying yes, even when unsure, opens doors to growth and opportunity.
2. Mentorship—and a little healthy pressure—can be life-changing. Support from mentors can help push us out of our comfort zones and guide us to success.
3. Hands-on learning builds real-world skills—and real-world belief. Practical experience in the field teaches not only technical skills but also boosts self-confidence.
4. Simplify, practice, and trust the process. Break tasks down into manageable steps, keep practicing, and trust that progress will come.
5. The right support system makes all the difference. Being surrounded by a supportive community can inspire motivation and success, especially when challenges arise.

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