🎙️ The Learner’s Voice Podcast

Live from Leeds City College – The First Yorkshire Hair & Barbering Competition

In this special on-location episode of The Learner’s Voice, we are recording live at Leeds City College, the venue for the first-ever Yorkshire Hair and Barbering Competition, bringing seven colleges together in a powerful celebration of education, talent, and learner voice.

This landmark event creates a platform for learners to step outside the classroom, showcase their skills, and build confidence through competition, collaboration, and community.

🌍 Episode Sponsor

Pivot Point

Pivot Point is a global leader in digital learning, education development, and premium mannequins for the hair and beauty industry. Through ethical manufacturing and strong social accountability standards, Pivot Point continues to shape the future of beauty education worldwide.

We’re proud to partner with a company driven by innovation, integrity, and a global vision for learning.

✂️ What You’ll Hear in This Episode

• 🎓 Learners from seven colleges across Yorkshire sharing their real journeys
• 🏆 First-time competitors experiencing a live competition environment
• 💭 Honest conversations about confidence, nerves, comparison, patience, and pressure
• 🧠 How mindset education supports learner growth alongside technical skill
• 🙌 Shout-outs to tutors, mentors, and colleges championing learner success
• 🌱 Stories of finding passion, changing direction, and trusting the process
• 🚀 Big goals including apprenticeships, self-employment, salons, and brand careers

🧠 Mindset Meets Industry

This episode highlights why mindset, self-awareness, and resilience are just as important as scissors and clippers.

Learners openly reflect on how patience, belief, and the right support systems help them move forward — especially in high-pressure environments like competitions.

🤝 Supported By

• Belinda Mindset Education – Supporting learners and educators through mindset-focused education and industry-ready resources
• Concept Hair – Proudly supporting education and future talent within the hair and barbering industry

🧪 Additional Sponsor Feature

Colour Me Safe

Colour Me Safe is redefining patch testing for hair professionals with safer, smarter methods that use the actual product applied to the client. Fully UK compliant, insured, and designed to save time without compromising safety.

Visit ColourMeSafe.com to learn more.

🎧 Who This Episode Is For

• Hair and barbering learners
• Tutors, lecturers, and educators
• Salon owners and employers
• Anyone considering a career in hair or barbering
• Those who believe confidence and growth start with mindset

💡 Final Message

Your voice matters.

Your journey matters.

And wherever you’re starting from — you belong here.

If you’re a mentor, educator, or salon owner and want to support learners, visit

👉 BelindaMindset.com and scroll to the bottom of the store page to access free mindset resources you can use with your teams today.

🎙️ Thank you for listening to The Learner’s Voice Podcast.

Celebrating learners. Building confidence. Creating opportunity

https://belindamindset.com/

I had the absolute pleasure of diving into the world of hair and beauty learners at Salon International 2025, and I left feeling inspired by the passion, determination, and creativity of these amazing students. In this episode, I share my conversations with learners from across the UK, including Kali, Molly, Ruby, Sophie, Mia, Soda, Isabella, and Jess, as they candidly reflect on their journeys in hairdressing and beauty therapy.

Key Takeaways from This Episode: I learned that embracing challenges with a positive mindset can transform struggles into growth. I discovered that patience, persistence, and self-belief are essential in learning new skills, whether it’s perfecting foils, mastering pedicures, or finding your own signature style in treatments. I was reminded that building confidence, making meaningful connections, and celebrating small wins are just as important as technical skills. Most importantly, I saw that every learner’s journey is unique, and showing up authentically and staying passionate makes all the difference.

Throughout our conversations, learners shared their highest highs—from the thrill of mastering a new technique, excelling in competitions, and finally feeling confident in their craft—to their lowest lows, which often included initial anxiety, challenging techniques, or self-doubt. Each learner had valuable advice for newcomers: take it slow, enjoy the process, embrace your individuality, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Mentorship came up repeatedly as a cornerstone of success, with shout-outs to teachers and industry professionals who encouraged, guided, and inspired them along the way.

From discussions about building confidence, pursuing further education, exploring creative treatments, and even dreaming about opening their own salons, this episode highlights that learning is a journey, not a destination. The energy, enthusiasm, and dedication these learners bring to their craft is infectious and a reminder that the hair and beauty industry thrives on curiosity, innovation, and resilience.

Tune in to hear these inspiring stories, learn actionable tips, and celebrate the voices shaping the future of hair and beauty. Your journey matters, your voice matters, and this episode proves that the next generation of hair and beauty professionals is ready to shine.

https://belindamindset.com/