Across Canada, women play a central role in shaping the hair industry. From independent stylists and salon owners to educators and mentors, female professionals are building businesses, developing talent and helping guide the profession forward.

Their influence reaches far beyond the salon chair. It shows up in the way knowledge is shared, opportunities are created and careers are supported within the industry.

For International Women’s Day, the global theme Give To Gain highlights the power of generosity and collaboration. The idea is simple: when we support one another, we strengthen the entire community around us.

To explore what that looks like in practice, we invited eight women from across our professional community to reflect on four questions about what they give to the industry — and what that generosity has given back.

• What do you consciously give to support other women?
• What has giving brought back to you?
• Who gave something to you early in your career that made a difference?
• What does our industry need to give more of right now?

Their responses show how shared knowledge, mentorship and encouragement continue to shape stronger careers and a stronger industry.

Creating Opportunity Through Support

When asked what they consciously give to support other women, the responses focused on actions that create opportunity: sharing knowledge, mentoring others, encouraging growth and opening doors for new professionals.

In a relationship-driven industry like hairdressing, those everyday actions can have a lasting impact on careers.

 

Samantha Cusick, Founder of Samantha Cusick London and Stā Studios, spoke about creating space for ambition:

“The Silly Little Girls Club was born from a moment where I was underestimated, and I realised how many women had experienced the same thing. So I created a space where we could say the quiet parts out loud. Through the podcast I give women a mic, literally and metaphorically. I ask the questions that matter, I share the messy middle, and I try to normalise ambition without apology.

Beyond that, I give time. I mentor. I share numbers. I introduce women to each other because one connection can change everything. I am very intentional about creating rooms where women feel powerful, not competitive.

If I can make the industry feel a little less intimidating and a little more collaborative, then I feel like I am doing my job properly.”

For Amy O’Sullivan, Hair Stylist and Educator at Hair by Amy O’Sullivan, giving means transparency:

“I don’t gatekeep. I believe empowered women empower women, and I actively choose collaboration over competition. As a solo stylist and educator, I openly share knowledge — from technical skills to business realities — because I believe there’s space for all of us. I give credit publicly, recommend other artists when I’m unavailable, and create conversations around sustainability and professionalism.”

For Siobhan Costello Feeney, Teacher and Educator at MSLETB Mayo College, it begins with belief:

“Throughout my career, I have always consciously supported others in the industry by giving my time, knowledge, and encouragement generously. I believe education and opportunity should always be shared. In my role as an educator I provide practical training, honest advice, and a real insight into both the creative and business sides of our industry, while actively recognising talent, giving credit, and creating introductions where possible. Most importantly I offer belief.”

For Sarah Morrissey, Salon Owner, Clinical Trichologist and NVQ Trainer at Sarai Hair and Wellness, it is structured support:

“I consciously give my time, knowledge, and encouragement. Whether it’s mentoring staff, sharing clinical expertise in trichology, hair, and hair replacement systems, training and assessing NVQ candidates, and offering honest advice and practical guidance, I aim to empower women to grow their skills and confidence. I also make a point of providing flexible opportunities and recognition for hard work, helping others to thrive in both technical and leadership roles.”

For Karine Jackson, Director of KJ Sustainability Consultancy, giving takes the form of inclusion:

“Over the years, I have both supported and been supported by many groups, but the one I value most is my work with Hair&Care. https://www.hairandcareproject.com/
I support women who are visually impaired or blind by teaching them how to care for and style their hair through touch and feeling. It is incredibly rewarding to help build confidence and independence in such a practical and personal way.”

For Rae Elizabeth Palmer, Founder and Creative Director of WELOVE, giving fuels growth:

“I love to support other women generally but give back in our industry to amazing women that need support to achieve all their dreams and aspirations is a joy for me. I love education and to teach other women in the industry gives me a great reward. Our industry is mainly women and I’m a part of its growth is what it’s all about for me. When women give to each other incredible things happen for our world.”

For Susan Collins, Owner of Home of Hair, it is culture:

“Sharing knowledge, creating a good work life balance, always encouraging learning and upskilling. Just being a woman shouldn’t affect your work.”

 

For Anne Veck, Owner of Anne Veck Education, giving is rooted in independence:

“My commitment to the next generation of female professionals is built on one core principle: Education is freedom.

I believe in ‘lifting as I climb.’

Uganda: I head out to Uganda to share what I know with young women in orphanages. It’s about giving them real hairdressing skills so they can stand on their own two feet and find financial independence.

Industry Leadership: At home, I use my platform to open doors. Whether it’s working with the Net Zero Fellowship or mentoring, I want to make sure the next generation of women stylists has a seat at the table, and the business confidence to stay there.”

Across the responses, one theme appears consistently: when professionals support each other, the entire community benefits.

The Value of Giving Back

Many of the women reflected on how generosity within the industry strengthens both businesses and individuals.

Sharing knowledge and opportunity helps build stronger teams, deeper professional networks and long-term confidence.

Samantha reflects:

“Giving has brought me community in the truest sense of the word.

The more I’ve shared, whether that’s through my podcast, mentoring, or opening up Stā Studios as a home for freelancers, the more I’ve realised that generosity multiplies. It’s brought me stronger teams who feel invested, not just employed. It’s brought collaborations I never could have planned. It’s brought loyalty that you can’t buy with marketing.

Personally, it’s given me confidence. When you see other women grow because of a conversation you had or an opportunity you offered, it reminds you that your voice matters. Professionally, it’s expanded my world. The relationships, the perspective, the shared ambition, that is the real return on investment.”

Amy adds:

“The more I share, the stronger my network becomes — not just professionally, but personally. It’s led to collaborations, education opportunities, brand partnerships, and loyal clients who value what I stand for. Professionally, it has grown my business. Personally, it has built confidence. When you support others, you realise there is more than enough success to go around.”

Sarah sees it internally:

“Giving has built stronger, loyal teams and fostered a collaborative environment where everyone feels valued. Professionally, it has strengthened my business and expanded my network through connections with peers, clients, and aspiring professionals. Personally, it has brought a sense of fulfilment and perspective, seeing others succeed because of the support I’ve offered is incredibly rewarding.”

Siobhan speaks of shared success:

“Giving back has enriched me both personally and professionally. Through my years leading Siobhan Costello Hair Design and now educating at MSLETB Mayo College, I’ve gained perspective, stronger professional relationships, and a renewed sense of purpose. Supporting others has deepened my confidence and passion for the industry, and seeing students grow into skilled professionals is incredibly rewarding. Their success feels shared, and knowing I’ve contributed to the future of our industry is the greatest return of all.”

Rae reflects on the wider impact of collaboration:

“When women give to each other incredible things happen for our world. Supporting others has strengthened my belief in collaboration and leadership. It has brought connections, creativity and shared momentum that continues to move our industry forward.”

Anne reflects:

“It’s not just about what I give; I get so much back in return.
A real perspective: My work in Uganda and with young stylists keeps me grounded. It reminds me why I started and keeps my own passion alive.
A team I can trust: When you truly invest in people, they stay with you. I’ve gained incredible loyalty and a team that isn’t afraid to innovate with me.
Confidence to keep going: Honestly, seeing a student ‘get it’ or watching a mentee fly is the best feeling. It validates everything I’ve done over the last 30 years and makes me want to keep learning myself.”

Karine highlights the deeper reward of impact:

“Supporting women through Hair&Care has brought me perspective and purpose. Seeing confidence grow in others reminds me why I chose this industry in the first place. Giving has strengthened my leadership and reinforced the importance of inclusion.”

Susan keeps it simple:

“Staff appreciation. Trust and respect in the industry. Making strong friendships and connections.”

Giving back often creates ripple effects that reach far beyond the original moment of support.

Early Influences That Shaped Their Careers

Support early in a career can come from many places. Sometimes it comes through mentorship, sometimes through opportunity, and sometimes through moments that challenge someone to push further.

Many of the contributors reflected on the people who influenced their early journeys — teachers, mentors, employers, family members and industry leaders who offered encouragement or belief at the right time.

Samantha shares:

“If I am being completely honest, no one handed me anything early on. I worked for every opportunity I’ve had.

But what I did have were moments of belief. My mum is a hairdresser, so I grew up seeing that this was a real career, not just a ‘plan B.’ And along the way there were clients, educators and peers who trusted me with responsibility before I felt fully ready. That trust mattered.

No one gave me shortcuts, but they gave me space to prove myself. Sometimes that is even more powerful.”

Karine recalls:

“This story is slightly unconventional. I was about to enter my first local hairdressing competition in Australia, where I grew up. I was young, excited and training every night, but I was struggling to get the look right. A PR woman from the salon was visiting for a training session and said to me, ‘I don’t know why you’re trying so hard it’s not like you’ll win.’
I was shocked, but instead of giving up, I trained even harder. I went on to win and compete at regional, state and then Australian championships, where I came runner-up. That moment has stayed with me for over 30 years and taught me how to channel negativity into determination, something that has shaped my career ever since.”

Sarah reflects:

“An old boss and mentor, as well as a business coach in my first few years, gave me guidance, honest feedback, and encouragement when I needed it most. They helped me see my potential, navigate challenges, and invest in continuous learning. Later, peers in continued education supported me with insight and inspiration, their generosity shaped the way I now give back to others in the industry.”

Rae credits inspiration:

“Umberto Gianni was a great inspiration for me, he helped me recognise my creativity and to aspire to all my dreams. I have also loved working with Antony Mascolo when working behind the camera and photographic work.”

Susan shares:

“My kids actually inspired me to do better and be better and be the best I can be.”

Amy remembers trust:

“Schwarzkopf have given opportunity and trust — and that changed everything.
Being trusted to step into bigger rooms, whether that was bridal work or backstage at London Fashion Week, gave me confidence before I fully had it myself. That belief showed me what was possible. Sometimes the greatest gift isn’t advice — it’s someone saying, ‘You’re ready.’”

Siobhan honours her mentors:

“Early in my career, I was fortunate to have mentors who were generous with both their time and their standards. They didn’t just teach me technical skills, they taught me discipline, professionalism, and pride in my work. My parents were always the backbone to my career encouraging me to strive to be my best and always encouraged and financed my upskilling and continuous education. That early guidance shaped my 30 year career and instilled in me the importance of passing that same support and encouragement on to the next generation.”

Anne reflects:

“Turning Doubts into Success
Support isn’t always soft; sometimes, it’s the fuel to prove someone wrong.

When I was 13, a teacher told me I was a waste of time and would never speak English. That doubt eventually drove me to move to the UK and build a successful life. Later, a client told me that the success of my salons was ‘non-negotiable.’ That stuck with me for good. It just goes to show that whether someone is doubting you or pushing you to win, those early moments really do set the path for the rest of your life.”

Those early experiences often become the reason professionals choose to support others later in their careers.

What The Hair Industry Needs Next

When the discussion turned toward the future of the industry, the conversation expanded beyond individual experiences.

The women highlighted areas where the profession can continue to grow, including mentorship, leadership opportunities, financial knowledge, career sustainability and stronger support structures for salon professionals.

Samantha states:

“Our industry needs to give more positions of power to women.

We are a female dominated industry on the salon floor, but when you look at who holds the investment, the decision making seats, the keynote stages and often even the big awards, it does not always reflect that. We need more women in leadership roles, more women on judging panels, more women backed with funding and real opportunity.

It is not about tokenism. It is about representation that actually mirrors the talent in this industry. When women are visible in positions of power, it changes what feels possible for the next generation coming up behind us.”

Karine adds:

“We need to give people a reason to choose hairdressing as a career again. This is an amazing, multi-layered industry with opportunities in salon work, session styling, television, education and celebrity work. Salons can and should be inclusive spaces, we are a community. We also need to see and support more great female stylists in leadership and visible roles.”

Sarah emphasises structure:

“We need to give more structured support and mentorship, especially for women starting out or moving into leadership roles. This includes practical guidance on business skills, fair pay, career development, and visibility, helping women gain confidence and the tools to progress while creating a stronger, more inclusive industry overall.”

Rae calls for evolution:

“Our industry needs positivity and a new approach. Our WL holistic and sustainable values and leadership with being a Master level of all we do in salons we believe will lead us into a new era.”

Susan highlights a need for:

“Paid maternity leave.”

Amy highlights the need for financial guidance and business strategy support:

“We are incredibly skilled creatives, but many women in our industry are building businesses without financial guidance, leadership training, or long-term strategy support. If we want more sustainable, profitable, women-led businesses, we need to normalise conversations around money, boundaries, pricing, and growth. Talent is powerful — but knowledge is transformative.”

Siobhan reinforces mentorship:

“One thing our industry needs to give more of right now is genuine mentorship. We need experienced professionals to share knowledge openly, support emerging talent, and create clear pathways for growth. Technical skill is vital, but guidance, encouragement, and honest leadership are what truly shape confident, resilient hairdressers.”

Anne addresses policy:

“To help our industry thrive, we must cut the red tape and tax burdens that stifle growth.

Endless paperwork and the ‘VAT cliff’ act as a ceiling, stopping stylists from expanding their businesses. We need a simpler tax system that rewards success rather than penalising it, giving our industry the time and resources to focus on leading their teams and mastering their craft.”

Together, their perspectives highlight how the industry can continue evolving through collaboration and shared leadership.

Give To Gain

Across every story shared here, one idea connects them all.

Progress in the hair industry grows when professionals support one another.

Mentorship builds confidence.
Opportunity develops leadership.
Shared knowledge strengthens businesses.

At Easydry, we are proud to work alongside a global community of salon professionals who believe collaboration and shared experience help move the industry forward.

Because when women support one another, the future of the hair industry becomes stronger for everyone.