Hairdressing isn’t just a career – it’s a passion that spans generations. That’s why we’re celebrating theses incredible mother-daughter duos from Headmasters, who share more than just genes. From childhood memories in the salon to managing teams and running franchises together, these inspiring pairs highlight what hairdressing is all about.
Emily: Franchise Partner, Headmasters Walton-upon-Thames
Mia: Designer Senior Technician, Headmasters Walton-upon-Thames
Emily, where did your journey begin?
After working part-time as an assistant in Weybridge, I grew to enjoy the salon environment and the creative side of hairdressing. I was offered an apprenticeship, and that was it. I’ve been with Headmasters for 29 years, starting at the Weybridge salon as a Saturday girl. I’m currently the franchise owner at the Walton branch, which I’ve had for 18 years.
Mia, how did you get into hairdressing?
“I started out as a Sunday assistant while still at school, helping my mum. Initially, I didn’t want to follow in my mum’s footsteps. However, after working with another stylist, I realised how exciting it was to help and talk to people while creating the hair they wanted. Watching my mum build her salon and loyal clientele inspired me. I saw how hard she worked, and I wanted to follow in her footsteps, but in my way. Now, eight years on, I love what I do.”
Emily, did you encourage Mia to join?
“I always knew she’d be great at it, but I wanted her to find her own way. Once she saw the opportunities in hairdressing, she embraced it and made it her own.”
What’s it like working together?
“It has its challenges – we have to keep work and home separate! But it’s incredible watching Mia grow into a talented stylist,” – Emily.
Mia: “It was harder when I was younger because I wasn’t as committed as I am now. But I love working with my mum today. We even share some clients, and I think it’s nice for them to see us working together. Now that I don’t live at home as much, it’s great to see my mum at work. We now share some clients – if they can’t get an appointment with my mum, they trust me to do their hair, and I always make sure to provide the same level of service. Clients love the fact that they know us both. I’ve also assisted my mum at events and watched her train others, which has been a great learning experience.”
Jade: Salon Manager, Headmasters Wandsworth
Lena: Team Designer, Headmasters Wandsworth
What made you choose hairdressing?
Jade: “Since I was a little girl, I watched my mum transform clients and make them feel amazing. I always dreamed of doing the same. We previously worked together in a private salon for three years, but I wanted a more structured education and career growth, which led me to join Headmasters.
Lena: My love for hairdressing started when my mother took me to the salon every Saturday. I fell in love with the environment and eventually became a Saturday girl, which led to my full-time career. I initially doubted myself and thought I wasn’t good enough for Headmasters, but Jade encouraged me, and it turned out to be the best career decision I ever made.
What happened next?
Jade: “I have been with Headmasters for over a decade, growing from a young stylist to managing my salon. It’s been an incredible journey and having my mum, Lena, as part of this experience has been amazing.
Lena, how does it feel to have Jade leading a salon?
“I’m beyond proud. Watching her take on leadership and make her mark in the industry is inspiring.”
Charlotte: HR Manager, Headmasters
Emily: Recruitment Assistant, Headmasters
Has working together brought you closer?
Charlotte: “It’s changed our dynamic – I think Emily now realises just how much work I do! Sharing the Headmasters Awards together was a special moment. – it felt nostalgic seeing her at her first awards event.”
Emily: “It was amazing to meet so many people who’ve worked with my mum for years. I appreciate her career so much more now.”
Charlotte, which lessons have you tried to instil in Emily?
“To be open-minded and prepared to talk to people. Respect others and understand
that making mistakes is okay, if you take responsibility for them.
Have you had opportunities to work together on projects outside of the salon?
Charlotte: “Yes! We work quite closely because recruitment and HR go hand in hand. However, it can be challenging to set boundaries. At home, I’m her mum, but at work, I’m not her manager – I must let her grow and learn on her own.”
What is your favourite memory of working together so far?
Charlotte: “Emily’s first awards event was surreal. It was amazing to attend together and see her officially be part of the Headmaster’s family.”
Emily: “For me, it was the awards as well – it was such a special experience.”
What would your advice be to other mums and daughters thinking of working together?
Charlotte: “Let them make mistakes – it won’t reflect on you. Support them so they learn and grow. Many people think working with family is easier, but in reality, our expectations of them are higher. Enjoy the experience and appreciate how special it is to see them grow professionally.”
Emily: “Sometimes parents forget they aren’t parents at work. But over time, you learn to balance the professional and personal relationship. It takes time, but eventually, you find the right dynamic.”
More Info
Online: www.headmasters.com
How his hairdressing journey mixed with self-challenge and mental wealth has saved him.
Published:When it comes to knock-backs, Daniel, 43, has had more than most to survive. Abuse, neglect and loss from a small child, bereavement by suicide of his father aged 8, and then later his brother and homelessness at 13. A pattern of destructive relationships was set early but as Daniel found, ultimately, it was only he who could get things back on track in all ways, hairdressing and his journey of self-challenge and mental wealth (as he calls it) has really saved Daniel.
Daniel has turned these hard things of his past into positive graft and is a beacon of hope and resilience in very real ways. He has become the person that not just he can trust, but that his team can trust too and in his ‘open book’ style he shares it all. Daniel has built a strong business in what many might perceive a failing-fading town, and yet year on year it grows.
“Why the business grows is because I keep growing, changing, keeping in step, getting ahead and not being scared to embrace different models of working. The scrapper fight for survival kid in me, has now turned into my greatest asset, and thankfully my greatest ally!” – Daniel.
But first came the scissors. Scissors helped me find my way, at 13 years old, I opened some presents my Dad had left me years earlier but that I hadn’t opened since his suicide. In there was a pair of plastic scissors, a video on how to cut hair and some clippers. When I was homeless, those clippers were the only thing keeping me going. I introduced myself to strangers by saying, “I’m Daniel Granger, and I can cut hair.” And that’s how I found my way back. Scissors are still my armour, with them in my hand I am creative, artistic, and able to make my living. That’s powerful right?
A major stepping stone of security was given by his step-grandparents, who gave him a stable home and a fresh start. He returned to school, engaged in work experience at salons, and found sanctuary in an apprenticeship and was set on a course for a different future: a deepening skill-set and love of hairdressing. Through his twenties, even amidst continuing difficulties and destructive behaviours, he became a qualified stylist, opened his own salon, and began winning awards. His story became one that triumphed through transformation and turned pain into purpose and chaos into craft.
10 years ago I launched Daniel Granger, what a proud moment! I wove the clients’ stories into my own in the interior, everything represents something. I know that this successful hairdressing career has been such a healing thing for me. Hairdressing has informed his life decisions, growth in self-worth, understanding he is not past things that happened to him, but the person who prevailed and it has made him an empathic and wise leader.
“There was so much dishonesty and uncertainty growing up, I have worked so hard to be an open book, open about my salary, the team knows what each other’s packages are, sharing new concepts with other hairdressers, there are no secrets with me, mostly that serves me well. Sometimes people are suspicious about that, but they aren’t my people! – Daniel.
He decides and daily chooses to surround himself with good people and that extends past the team to clients. For 2025, Daniel made the empowering decision to say ‘goodbye’ to clients who were not a good fit for him, or team members.
“If we don’t respect ourselves and our place of work then we have a problem, and having worked so hard to earn my worth I protect that fiercely,” – Daniel.
Daniel Granger has in his own words ‘done the work’, by which he means he has got himself into great emotional, physical and well-being shape by being ‘mindful and decisive about how I want to live – both in work and play’. Daniel turned a difficult decision of letting go of difficult clients, into one of the easiest and best, choices he has made in his business life. All of this is why Daniel has such a belief in mentoring young stylists.
“I know what it’s like to feel lost, to not know where your next opportunity is coming from. But I also know that with the right support, a pair of scissors can change your whole damn life. For me, taking on challenge whatever that may be, however it presents itself, it’s simple, I do it scared, I do it anxious, I do it depressed, I do it joyful, but just do it. The courage always comes afterwards!” – Daniel.
For more info please visit danielgrangerhairdressing.com.
Former salon owner turned independent stylist Anne Veck shares her take on this increasingly popular career move…
Published:With constantly shifting goalposts and ever-increasing costs, salon owners are feeling the pressure more than ever, with many forced to close businesses, and others making drastic compromises to stay afloat. Sustainability champion and multi-award-winning hairdresser Anne Veck knows the responsibility only too well, having stepped down from her Salon Owner role in 2022 to pursue the route of independent stylist and educator.
‘The transition from salon owner to solo operator hasn’t changed in terms of my client work – I’m still as busy as I ever was’ she says. ‘It’s given me certain freedom and benefits, which I value greatly – but it hasn’t been without its challenges.’
Time management
If you’re thinking of selling up and going solo, you must consider your time management skills. This was less of a concern when I owned a salon – I was always booked solid and had to fit other tasks into my busy schedule. Now, as a solo operator, I need to be more efficient with my time. I still work two days a week in a salon, which gives a structure to my week, but the rest of the time I must prioritise my tasks to avoid wasting time. You need to be very disciplined to ensure you are realising your potential – both creatively and financially. The old saying ‘If you want something done, ask a busy person’ certainly rings true for me.’
Losing control
Going from a position of authority to a more passive role can take some adjusting. Many will jump at the opportunity to sit back and let somebody else sweat the small stuff (and the big stuff!) – but it can feel a bit strange not being in control. As a salon owner, I was used to overseeing every decision, and even now I sometimes have to bite my tongue to avoid getting involved in minor situations. If you like having a say in the day-to-day running of a business, the independent life might not be for you.
Networking
This is an element I feel that so many business owners take for granted. Networking opportunities are crucial for building and maintaining my client base as an educator – however, going it alone means that I now need to establish new partnerships to ensure my success. Without a salon, my buying power is significantly reduced, as my current account balance is not comparable to what I used to spend on stock for my two salons. You will likely find that you must put in the work to secure new contacts and business opportunities, so make sure that you use any spare time wisely.
Financial planning
Freelancing is totally different from the security of a salon owner with a steady income stream and that unpredictability can feel worrying. The brand work that I undertake as a freelancer doesn’t come with a contract, which often means no guaranteed income. This can make financial planning more challenging and unpredictable. Careful budgeting and planning are essential to ensure the success and longevity of your solo business.
Total responsibility
As an independent stylist, I’m responsible for all aspects of my business, from marketing to finances. This is a significant change from when I owned salons and could delegate these tasks. Make sure that you feel confident taking on these different roles and organise your time well so that areas aren’t overlooked. There are lots of apps available that can help with this – from managing budget and tracking spend, to social media tools to help promote your business.
Of course, there are many positives to going solo. For Anne, it’s been a life-altering decision in the most positive way. Here’s why…
Reduced Stress
As a salon owner, I always found it difficult to balance work, family and social commitments. I often felt guilty about taking time for myself, believing I should always be productive or focused on others. Working solo has allowed me to strike a better work/life balance and to find time for the things that I enjoy. Of course, I still encounter stressful situations as an independent stylist, but not on the same levels – and I’m certain that my physical and mental health has benefitted as a result of feeling calmier.
Increased Flexibility
I think the most obvious advantage of working for yourself is having the opportunity to choose your own hours. Perhaps there are days of the week that you’d prefer not to work, or maybe you’re trying to juggle childcare and a 9-5 schedule just isn’t feasible? Working solo gives you greater flexibility; I love being in control of my diary and having the option to work different days or times each week. I’m also able to work from different locations – no one week is the same, and that really helps with my motivation. I can take holidays when I choose, and I find myself being more spontaneous as and when I have free time, too.
Creative Freedom
A reduction is stress and the freedom to choose my own schedule has meant that creatively, I am thriving. The obstacles that used to hold me back have been removed and I now have more time to dedicate to my strengths and passions. It feels incredible to have no distractions, to really get into a piece of work without that nagging guilt. Working freelance has also allowed me to be more open to pursuing opportunities that I couldn’t previously – whether that was due to time constraints or brand commitments.
For more info visit www.anneveckhair.com