From leaving school at 16 and starting as a plasterer to finding hairdressing by chance, Mustafa Hassan maps a career built through apprenticeship, London training, and a Vidal Sassoon diploma. He talks about the people and moments that raised his standards, including mentors at John Frieda and a turning point in Kent that showed him he could build his own brand.

Plus: opening his first salon in Royal Tunbridge Wells, the challenge of staying true to his principles, and the discipline he says matters most—consistent practice, using time well, and developing physical skills over wasting time online. He also reflects on community, creative growth, and making career decisions that match your values.

Produced and published by How To Cut It Media

Spotd is the soon to launch professional opportunity platform built for the hair industry. Only. ✂️ Join the waitlist at getspotdapp.com

Connect with Spotd on Instagram @getspotdapp

Follow Spotd on TikTok @getspotdapp

Todays Guest

Mustafa Hassan is a renowned hairdresser and co-owner of The Studio Hair Salon in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent[. Established in 2010 with Natalie Hassan, The Studio celebrates creativity and is a cornerstone of the local community. Mustafa's journey into hair began unexpectedly, transitioning from an apprentice plasterer to a professional hairdresser. He has achieved recognition in the industry, including Wella Professionals Trend Vision, showcasing his commitment to excellence and continuous development in his craft. His career exemplifies passion, discipline, and a dedication to forging strong community connections.

The Studio @mustafa2184

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cherise Davies—an award-winning salon owner in North Wales—shares her journey from YTS apprentice and cruise-liner stylist to educator, salon owner, and now tech founder.

After leaving education when her standards were challenged, she opened her salon as a single parent with very little money, and today that business supports her next venture: ZigStock, an AI-powered, voice-controlled inventory app for the hair and beauty industry. She also underscores the importance of strong systems, stock control, consistency, and hiring the right people.

Produced and published by How To Cut It Media

Spotd is the soon to launch professional opportunity platform built for the hair industry. Only. ✂️ Join the waitlist at getspotdapp.com

Connect with Spotd on Instagram @getspotdapp

Follow Spotd on TikTok @getspotdapp

Todays Guest

Cherise Davies is an award-winning North Wales salon owner and founder of ZigStock—the simple, AI-powered, voice-controlled stock app built for hair and beauty pros who need every penny to count. Not a techie, just practical, she launched her salon as a single mum of two boys with 69 pence in the bank. After losing her dad young and watching her mum raise three kids alone, Cherise brings grit, grace, and a no-nonsense, people-first approach to building tools—and businesses—that work.

Zigstock.com

@zigstock_

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carla Kirkpatrick—founder of Hello You Studio and known as Carla the Curl Coach—shares how discovering a gap in her training pushed her to specialise in curls. After investing in curl education, her confidence (and business) took off: more ideal clients, stronger rebooking, and eventually her own studio.

In this episode, Carla breaks down her curl-first approach—next-level consultations, client education, and simple routines that help people finally understand and love their natural texture. She also dives into how she’s training other stylists through Hello Curls sessions and building community with Curls Club, so curls get the care (and respect) they deserve.

Produced and published by How To Cut It Media

Spotd is the soon to launch professional opportunity platform built for the hair industry. Only. ✂️ Join the waitlist at getspotdapp.com

Connect with Spotd on Instagram @getspotdapp

Follow Spotd on TikTok @getspotdapp

Todays Guest

Carla Kirkpatrick is the owner of Hello You Studio, a Nottingham-based hairdresser known for creating beautiful, personalised hair in a calm, friendly, inclusive space. With over 15 years’ experience, she combines creativity with a people-first approach that keeps clients feeling understood and looked after. Carla is committed to continual training, including specialist education in curly hair cutting and advanced cutting at the Sassoon Academy. Always curious about what’s next in hair, she brings fresh skills and excitement to every appointment.

@carlathecurlcoach

helloyouhairstyling.co.uk

@helloyoustudionottingham

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.