Sheila: Hi Rachael. You’ve built a strong identity as ‘The Copper Queen’ – how did finding this niche help you grow as a freelancer and educator?
Rachael: Finding my niche allowed me to focus on my true passion – colour. Or, more specifically, copper! Copper hair isn’t something that’s typically taught in traditional college settings, so I believed it was important to fill that gap and build an education platform around it.
As a freelancer, I had the freedom to be more experimental and open-minded with colour brands, which gave me the flexibility to really refine my approach. Combining my deep knowledge of copper with the freedom that comes with freelancing helped me to build this recognition for what I do. Not just in the salon, but also as a specialist educator in this space.
If you’re looking to find your niche, it should come from a place of deep passion – the kind that keeps you experimenting, growing and learning. So, I would recommend finding out what makes you really excited; find the thing that sets your soul on fire and build everything else around it.
Sheila: I couldn’t agree more! When you lead with passion, it shows in your work. As a freelancer, why do you feel it’s important to say yes to opportunities like education and networking events?
Rachael: It’s these opportunities that help you to build genuine relationships within the industry. It’s not just about personal growth; it’s about showing up to support fellow educators and colleagues. Being present at events and involved in education puts you in a positive light, showing to others that you truly care about contributing to the industry you are part of.
Sheila: You’re an educator yourself – what inspired you to step into that role, and how has it changed the way you work?
Rachael: Education was a natural step for me because I’ve always been passionate about sharing knowledge, especially in areas that aren’t widely taught. I wanted to create the kind of education I wish I had access to when I was learning. Stepping into this role has definitely changed the way I work. It’s made me more reflective, more intentional and constantly curious. Teaching others pushes me to keep evolving and really deepen my own understanding so I can pass it on with confidence. Remember, education isn’t about showing off what you know; it’s about helping others grow in a way that works for them.
Sheila: That’s such a grounded approach. So, do you think the industry is shifting in terms of how it supports freelancers?
Rachael: Definitely! More people are looking for a less hectic, more balanced way of working. There’s a growing desire for flexibility, not just in schedules, but in choosing which brands, products and opportunities to align with. It’s encouraging to see brands becoming more supportive of this mindset too. Overall, I feel the industry is moving in a really positive direction for freelancers.
Sheila: It’s exciting to see this progress, especially for the next generation coming through. For freelancers just starting out, what’s your advice when it comes to carving out your space and embracing ongoing learning?
Rachael: I believe the key to starting out is building a solid foundation of knowledge and skills. It’s so important to take the time to really understand the basics and gain confidence in your abilities. Once you’ve reached that point, you can start exploring what truly draws you in within the industry. That’s when it makes sense to think about finding your niche or deciding whether you want to go into salon work, education or freelancing.
Sheila: And finally, what part of your work do you love most right now?
Rachael: Oh wow, this is a tough one because I’m genuinely loving every part of my career right now! From the education side, I’m loving how more and more professionals are recognising the importance of truly understanding copper, especially how it behaves differently and how to work with it in a new way. Teaching these classes and then seeing the transformation in my students’ confidence is incredibly rewarding. Knowing that what I’m sharing is making a real impact on their careers really makes me proud. It’s this passion for the craft that keeps me inspired every single day.
Sheila: Your passion is infectious, Rachael. It’s been a pleasure hearing about your journey.
