My name is SIAN ROSCOE. I’m a freelance hairdresser and UK Ambassador for Indola. I started my freelance journey in July 2021, soon after Covid, and it was the best career decision I’ve ever made.
After taking the plunge into the world of freelancing, so many doors opened for me. I threw my all into building my business, building connections within my local community and speaking to other freelancers for advice. The freelance community is huge, and everyone is so kind and helpful. I always thought it would be a solitary journey, but I have made so many connections with people that I have looked up to throughout my career (I never thought in a million years that they would even know my name!). I recommend you:
• Connect yourself with your local community; there are so many artists and communities out there that want to collaborate.
• Start locally; embed yourself in the local art and music scene, as well as local charities. This will not only help your business, but it will inspire you to be more creative and collaborative on projects too.
• Attend local events; participate in community projects and make a genuine effort to support others. Building strong, local connections will provide a solid foundation for your freelance career.
Networking is the best way to get your name out there in the industry. Go to all the hairdressing events and just introduce yourself! Get talking to your hair heroes – the ones that inspired you to become the hairdresser you are today – and soak up any advice they give you. Put yourself forward to help them with any upcoming projects they might have, you’ll learn so much about the way shoots and shows work, and you’ll get to see how amazing collections are created. Don’t be too shy to follow up and maintain relationships with the contacts you make. My first step was to become a member of the Fellowship’s Project Colour Team. During this time, I gained so much knowledge from networking with the very best in the industry, forming some solid friendships that I still hold so close to my heart. I later became a member of the Fellowship’s Project X Team and applied for the F.A.M.E Team 2022 where I became a finalist. I took all the knowledge I had gained throughout these experiences and applied it to my business.
Your vibe attracts your tribe! When you turn up as your most authentic self, you’ll draw people in with a similar mentality and drive as you. Show up as yourself; no one else can replicate your brand. Embrace your unique style and perspective, as these are your greatest assets. I remember being approached by a member of the Indola team, they wanted to tell me how much they liked my work and my style and asked if I’d be interested in working on a campaign with them. After finishing the shoot, they were really pleased with my unique style and offered me so many opportunities that I grabbed with both hands. This was the beginning of a beautiful relationship, and they eventually asked me to be one of their UK ambassadors. Since then, I have even had the chance to fly out to Madrid to work with their International Team on an exciting new project, all because I stuck by my authentic self from the very beginning!
