Female Founders Leading the Way in Hair: Advice for Women Starting Out

This International Women’s Day, we’re proud to shine a light on Anne Butterly, Founder & CEO of Easydry . We also want to celebrate some of the incredible female founders shaping the future of the hair industry around the world.

Accelerating Action for Gender Equality

The global theme for International Women’s Day 2025 is ‘Accelerate Action’ — and it’s a message that hits close to home. According to the World Economic Forum, at the current rate of progress, it could take until 2158 to achieve full gender parity. That’s a shocking five generations away — far too long to wait.

This theme serves as a call to action for everyone across industries to break down barriers, open up opportunities, and actively support the next generation of women.

One important way we can accelerate action is by sharing the real stories and advice of female founders who have paved the way — giving today’s rising talent the insights and encouragement they need to thrive.

From Big Idea to Global Impact

When Anne Butterly founded Easydry more than 20 years ago, she wasn’t just launching a product — she was solving a global problem that directly impacted salons in the United States and around the world.

Traditional cotton towels were wasteful, water-intensive, and outdated. Anne believed there had to be a smarter, more sustainable solution. In 2005 Anne created  the world’s first eco-friendly disposable towel.

What began as a groundbreaking innovation in Ireland is now a global movement. Today, Easydry — a B Corp Certified Company — operates in over 25 countries, including the U.S. Easydry is helping salons save billions of gallons of water and significantly reduce their carbon footprint annually.

Anne’s story proves that sustainability and profitability can work hand in hand. Being purpose-driven is a powerful path to success.

Leading with Purpose

Anne’s leadership philosophy centers on curiosity, courage, and community. She believes in lifelong learning and embracing every experience as an opportunity to grow.

Her advice for other women starting out?

“Trust your gut, stay curious, and surround yourself with people who believe in your vision — but who aren’t afraid to challenge you when it counts.”

Women Supporting Women this International Women’s Day

To mark International Women’s Day, we wanted to take this opportunity to highlight other incredible female founders who are shaping the future of the hair industry.

Their journeys offer valuable lessons. Their words of advice serve as powerful guidance for the next generation of women making their mark.

We asked: What is the one piece of advice you would give to the next generation of women starting out in the hair industry?

Lisa Philips, Founder & Owner | Ora Hair and Salon Coach

“Before starting your journey as a salon owner, make sure you truly understand your values. Your values shape your vision, and that vision will be the driving force behind your business. When you build a business that aligns with what truly matters to you, you’ll attract the right people who support your growth. Once your vision is clear, focus on the small daily steps that bring it to life—because big success is simply the result of small, consistent actions over time.”

Sarah Naylor, Business Coach | Sarah Naylor Academy

“My one piece of advice would be to continue to learn, invest in your education. Invest your time in expanding your mind and your skills and it will pay you back in more ways than one.”

Karine Jackson, Freelance Hairstylist and Sustainability Consultant

“Establish yourself from day one, don’t hold back just because you think you’re not ready or experienced enough. You’ll learn along the way. The hair industry is incredibly supportive and there’s always someone willing to share their wisdom. Be bold, ask questions and embrace the journey.”

Rae Elizabeth Palmer, Managing Director and Founder, WELOVE

“To always think about how you can be an independent woman. That means in view of your long-term hair career, be sure to focus on mastering the art and craft, curate great aligning brands, find your hair friends and community to all work with. Dream big, aspire and achieve the necessary qualification, state registration and endorsed Master CPD in creative and commercial hair education. These hard-earned credentials will not only bring you the joys of being the hair designer you dream of, but equally as important, bring you the profit, highest incomes, giving you a happy lifestyle with self-reliance and independence too.”

Susan Collins, Founder and Owner, Home of Hair – Ireland’s only B Corp Certified Salon

“This industry is incredible and inclusive and there are no boundaries on artistic or creative talent. Now, thanks to social media, there are so many more career avenues open to the industry, from education all the way to being an influencer. The thing that remains consistent and hasn’t changed is that the first few years are hard work. You have to graft to reach your full potential. But there are things that if you put in place at the start of your career, they will protect you in the future.

Number one, this is a non-negotiable: boundaries. Your time is your time, it is okay to not respond to a client at 9pm on a Saturday evening. With social media so prevalent and accessible, it also makes us accessible. Set up an automatic response that is polite but firm: ‘Thank you for reaching out, I will reply to your message when I return to work.’ If you work in a salon with a front of house, speak with your manager regarding salon policies on appointments and direct clients to the salon website or phone.

Number two, know your worth. Do not discount your work ever. Does your doctor, physio, dentist, therapist, landlord or bank give you a discount? So why as an industry do we feel this need to discount our work? This is work that we have upskilled and spent our own time developing. It is your craft that you have honed and perfected.

Number three, research your place of work. Look for a salon that will treat you right, pay you well and value you.”

Lisa Eccles, Owner Zinc Hair & Beauty | President of the Irish Hairdressers Federation

“My advice is to the next generation of women coming into the hair and beauty industry would be to listen to advice from everyone who offers it but then sit back and think what you want to do with that advice . Sometimes you will take it and other times you will go against it but believe in your own vision first.”

The Road Ahead

Anne’s story — along with the journeys of these incredible female founders — proves that the future of the hair industry is female-led, sustainable, and innovative. Whether you’re newly licensed, working as an independent freelancer, or dreaming of opening your own salon, you have the power to shape that future. This International Women’s Day, Easydry proudly celebrates the founders, stylists, educators, and mentors redefining success for the next generation of women in hair.

As we embrace this year’s theme — #AccelerateAction — let’s commit to sharing knowledge, amplifying women’s voices, and creating opportunities faster than ever before.

Together, we can help the next generation of women in hair rise faster, go further, and lead with confidence.