When Jack and Ross Williams-Hirst opened their co-working space, Williams & Hirst, in the heart of Soho, their goal was to create a space that supports and celebrates this new era of the independent hairdresser that we find ourselves in. In the last of their series for Pro Hair, Jack and Ross share their experience as skilful solos stylists and business entrepreneurs. This month, they discuss the power of ongoing education.
At Williams & Hirst, we’re constantly inspired by the independent stylists we work alongside, and one thing we’ve all learnt is how important it is to keep growing. As a freelancer or self-employed stylist, your development is completely in your hands. However, whilst that freedom is amazing, it also means it’s completely up to you to keep things fresh, exciting and moving forward.
- Don’t Fall Into a Creative Rut
When you’ve been working for yourself for a while, it’s easy to fall into a routine – especially when clients keep coming back for the same styles – but that’s exactly when it’s time to shake things up. Continuing your education not only keeps you motivated, but it also stops your work from going stale. Learning new techniques, exploring different trends or even just brushing up on the basics helps keep your work modern and relevant. It reignites your passion and gives your clients something new to get excited about.
- Training = More Services = More Revenue
Education isn’t just about creativity; it’s also a smart business move. Every new skill you learn can become a new service you offer – that might mean branching into extensions, mastering advanced colour correction or offering the latest hair health treatments. Even something as simple as learning a quicker or more efficient way of doing something you already offer can make a huge difference to your day-to-day. More services means more options for your clients and more opportunities for you to grow your income.
- Make Learning Part of Your Routine
You don’t need to sign up for a huge course every month to stay inspired. Sometimes, watching an online tutorial, attending a one-day workshop or going to an industry event is all it takes to give you a boost. At Williams & Hirst, we often share courses and training opportunities between stylists. Being part of a co-working community means you’re surrounded by other passionate professionals who are always trying new things, and that alone can be incredibly motivating.
- Show Your Clients You’re Evolving
Clients love to know their stylist is ahead of the game. When you’ve just completed a new course or learnt a new technique, talk about it! Share it on your social media, chat about it during appointments and let clients know when something new is on the menu. It shows that you’re invested in your work and invested in giving them the best service possible.
- Keep the Passion Alive
The best stylists are the ones who never stop learning. When you’re passionate about what you do, it shows in every cut, colour and conversation. Staying inspired through education helps you stay connected to why you started this journey in the first place.
