Industry Icons Share Their Best Advice for Aspiring Hair and Beauty Professionals
Breaking into the hair and beauty industry is as exciting as it is competitive. Whether your dream is to work backstage at Fashion Week, run your own clinic or become an award-winning stylist, the path to success is paved with passion, perseverance and a whole lot of learning.
We asked some of the industry’s most respected leaders—from award-winning hairdressers to beauty entrepreneurs—to share their top advice for those just starting out. Here’s what they had to say.
By Erin Berryman, ProCollective Editor
Say yes, work hard and grab every opportunity
Chinney Yeap, Salute Hair & Day Spa, 2x AHFA Hairdresser of the Year
“I grew up being like that movie Yes Man! You have to be hungry for it and put yourself out there – things won’t always fall on your lap. A mentor once told me as an apprentice to always keep my eye on the prize and I’ve lived by that ever since.”
Sara Allsop, Dharma Salon, AHIA NZ Hairdresser of the Year 2025
“Say yes to every opportunity, whether it’s paid or not. Ask to assist hairdressers you admire on shoots, shows or any project – you’ll learn so much just by being around great talent.
Enter competitions – they’re not just about winning but about building your platform and pushing yourself creatively. Travel the world if you can – different cultures and experiences will inspire your work in ways you never imagined. And most importantly, give anything a go at least once. Who cares if it turns out to be a disaster? At least you’ll learn from it – and you’ll be better prepared next time.”
Felicity Bruce, Coocoon Hair Design & SABRE (JOICO) Guest Artist
“There are so many opportunities in hairdressing, from behind the chair to fashion shows, editorial, education and beyond. Say yes to everything and learn from everyone.”
Commit to continuous learning
Danny Pato, 9x Consecutive NZ Hairdresser of the Year & Multi International Award-Winner
“Be focused, consistent and never stop learning.”
Leanne Winsor, Dermalogica NZ Education Manager
“One of the things I love about what we do is that you can continuously learn and improve your knowledge, not only with the products that you are using and recommending but also by enhancing your hands-on skill set. For aspiring professional skin therapists, my advice is to partner with a brand that truly invests in your training and ongoing development.”
Chetan Mongia, Vision Blonde, Melbourne (formerly Laboratorie and Barba, Auckland), Wella ANZ Artist
“Master your craft. Learn the why behind techniques, not just the how. Be open to feedback, find mentors and never stop evolving. Success in this industry comes from passion and perseverance. Stay committed to your vision but also be adaptable. And most importantly, build relations.”
Build your network and seek mentorship
Andrew Cobeldick, 2x NZ Hairdresser of the Year 2024
“Pursue your passion with dedication and commitment. Seek diverse experiences and build a strong network. Continuously seek out opportunities for learning and gaining diverse experiences. Building a strong network and maintaining excellent customer service are crucial for long-term success. And lastly, be YOU and do YOU only for YOU!”
Michael Beel, 4x NZ Hairdresser of the Year, Editorial Stylist & Dyson Ambassador
“Slide into people’s DMs and say, ‘I want to assist you on your next shoot.’ Don’t expect to be paid and understand that you may not even get to do anything, but keep your eyes open at all times and become a sponge. Also, do your own little photo shoots and start building a portfolio because if you want to work the big jobs, you need a strong editorial portfolio. It can’t just be pretty salon hair pictures.”
Natasha Bourke, Group CEO 200 Doors & Founder of Skintopia
“Start by being curious. When I founded Skintopia, I didn’t just want to create a space for skin treatments, I wanted to build a brand that supported our clients’ skin health journey and a business where skin therapists could flourish in their careers. A place where people could truly be their best selves.
If you are starting out in the skin care industry, don’t limit yourself to the treatment room. Learn how the business works, ask for more responsibility and seek out mentors who challenge and inspire you. The magic happens when you step outside your comfort zone. That’s where real growth begins and how you build a career, not just a job.”
Get hands-on experience before going solo
Emma & Bex, Co-Founders of Saint Beauty
“Our biggest advice is to gain as much hands-on experience as possible before jumping into business ownership. Working in salons, clinics or spas gives you real insight into how the industry operates – not just the treatments but the customer service, time management and day-to-day pressures that come with the job. We both spent years on the salon floor before opening Saint Beauty and that time was invaluable. It helped us build confidence in our skills, understand what clients truly want and learn what works (and what doesn’t) in a beauty business. You start to notice the little things that make a huge difference in client retention and team culture. Work hard, keep learning, invest in your training and stay passionate. That’s what will set you apart.”
The bottom line
- Say yes to opportunities – even the small ones
- Commit to learning – stay curious and keep evolving
- Seek mentors and build connections – your network is your career springboard
- Get real-world experience – skills are forged on the floor, not just in the classroom
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