When I look back at my life and career, one truth stands taller than anything else: I am here because someone cared enough to guide me. Mentors have shaped every step of my journey – from bosses who pushed me, colleagues who believed in me and clients… my most unexpected and most powerful teachers.
In the chair – where our guards come down and the truth comes out – I learnt that our superpower isn’t just cutting hair. It’s connection. But here’s the thing… no one actually teaches us how to connect or how to communicate. No one tells us how to listen without losing ourselves or how to speak up when confidence feels like a foreign language.
For years, I didn’t know how to do this. I masked insecurity with noise, and I sought validation in the wrong places. Low self-esteem, confusion and the fear of being seen – truly seen – kept my voice silent.
We’re expected to be therapists, artists, healers, best friends, confidants, cheerleaders and problem-solvers, but what happens when we need a mentor, a guide or a reminder of who we are?
That is why I created Reset to Rise. A toolbox for when the toolbox feels empty. A place to rebuild confidence, clarity, boundaries, communication skills and, most importantly, self-respect. Because connection shouldn’t cost us our wellbeing and communication shouldn’t feel terrifying.
Remember, we deserve the same care we give out every day. Reset to Rise is built on: Community, culture and care. It’s for the version of you who is ready to speak their truth, to rise with purpose and to become the mentor you once needed. This may be the end of this written series in Pro Hair… but it is the beginning of our movement, together.
Together we will create a future where every hairdresser is seen, supported and guided. Where mentorship is not a privilege; it is the standard. Where connection fuels us instead of draining us, and where communication becomes our craft.
In our industry: • 92% of professionals say clients come to them for emotional support. • 1 in 4 stylists struggle with anxiety every single year. • 80% report feeling drained from giving away so much of themselves. • 50% consider leaving because of stress and overwhelm.
Sign up to ‘Reset to Rise’ today – your £1 mental fitness toolbox. Visit www.iciaiw.com and join the movement.
