Beyond The Salon Chair – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of Beyond the Salon Chair, Natasha welcomes Sudeshna Choudhury, a passionate storyteller and creator of an upcoming storytelling podcast. Sudeshna shares her journey from her childhood in Uganda, where her mother’s captivating storytelling ignited her love for narratives, to her experiences in Toastmasters, where she honed her public speaking skills and earned the nickname "Queen of Storytelling." KEY TAKEAWAYS Influence of Storytelling in Childhood: The guest developed a passion for storytelling from an early age, inspired by her mother's imaginative bedtime stories that encouraged her and her sister to go to bed on time. Importance of Capturing Family Histories: The upcoming podcast aims to encourage individuals to record their family stories before it's too late, emphasizing that these narratives are invaluable heirlooms that can inspire future generations. Power of Stories: Stories are not only entertaining but also serve as a means to convey life lessons and wisdom. They are deeply ingrained in human nature, making them a powerful tool for communication and connection. Engaging the Younger Generation: To bridge the gap between generations, it's essential to make storytelling compelling and interesting, especially in a time when children are often distracted by screens and social media. Future Projects: In addition to the podcast, there are plans to create an online course on storytelling and to write a book based on the guest's childhood experiences, potentially leading to a film adaptation of her parents' extraordinary lives. BEST MOMENTS "The biggest heirloom in the family is not the jewellery, but the stories of the family." "I think stories are very inspirational because it's not just that we have life lessons in them; we have eternal truths of wisdom that come from our past." "If the story can go on forever and be told through generations and generations, it's such a wonderful thing." "Our brains literally are wired to take information as stories... That's how we passed on our knowledge was through stories." "We need to get them to communicate and break the gap between the two generations as well." OUR LINKS www.exquisitesalon.co https://www.instagram.com/exquisite1hbs/ HOST BIO Natasha is a seasoned hairdresser with over 14 years of experience in the beauty industry, renowned for her passion, skill, and dedication to her craft. Specializing in creating personalized, stunning styles, she has worked with clients of all hair types, consistently earning a reputation for boosting confidence and empowering individuals through their hair transformations. Natasha’s approach combines creativity with precision, ensuring each client feels valued and understood. Natasha looks to share insights from the world of hairstyling, creativity, and inspiration, alongside real conversations and meaningful discussions This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this inspiring episode of Beyond the Salon Chair, Natasha welcomes Ousha Demello, a former business lecturer turned successful entrepreneur, international speaker, and best-selling author. Ousha shares her transformative journey from academia to entrepreneurship, highlighting the importance of mentorship and taking calculated risks. She discusses the challenges she faced, including overcoming personal adversity, and emphasises the power of storytelling in her writing. Ousha's book, "Left in Peace, Not Pieces," serves as a testament to her resilience and desire to help others find their voice.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Importance of Mentorship: Seeking guidance from a mentor can significantly accelerate your journey in entrepreneurship. Pros and Cons Evaluation: When considering a major career change, creating a pros and cons list can provide clarity. Small Steps Lead to Success: Breaking down large goals into smaller, manageable milestones is crucial. Consistent, incremental progress can lead to significant achievements over time. Sharing Your Story: Writing a book can be a powerful way to share personal experiences and insights. It not only serves as a legacy but also helps connect with others who may be facing similar challenges. Focus on Forward Movement: Maintaining a forward-looking mindset is essential for personal growth. Dwelling on past challenges can hinder progress, while focusing on future possibilities can lead to success and fulfilment.   BEST MOMENTS "There are two types of education. One that's going to help you earn a living and the second is going to teach you how to live a life in fulfilment." "When you have a solution to a problem, and if you're not sharing it, that's selfish." "I realised that my job was limiting my potential. There were so many dreams I had." "It's nice to take the plunge and to just leave your work, but essentially it would be a better idea to do what you're doing, possibly as a side hustle." "Whatever the reason is for you, it doesn't matter. Just write the book."   OUR LINKS www.exquisitesalon.co https://www.instagram.com/exquisite1hbs/ HOST BIO Natasha is a seasoned hairdresser with over 14 years of experience in the beauty industry, renowned for her passion, skill, and dedication to her craft. Specialising in creating personalised, stunning styles, she has worked with clients of all hair types, consistently earning a reputation for boosting confidence and empowering individuals through their hair transformations. Natasha’s approach combines creativity with precision, ensuring each client feels valued and understood. Natasha looks to share insights from the world of hairstyling, creativity, and inspiration, alongside real conversations and meaningful discussions This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this inspiring episode of Beyond the Salon Chair, Natasha welcomes award-winning jewellery entrepreneur and personal development expert Donna Lane. Donna shares her remarkable journey, beginning with her time at L'Oreal, where she led innovative marketing campaigns, including flying clients to Paris on Concorde. Donna opens up about her struggles, including overcoming a toxic relationship and the challenges of motherhood after experiencing multiple miscarriages.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Personal Development Journey: The guest emphasises the importance of personal development, sharing experiences with renowned figures like Joe Dispenza, Paul McKenna, and Tony Robbins, which helped shape her understanding of the mind and its potential. Overcoming Adversity: She discusses her journey of escaping a toxic relationship and the challenges of being a single parent, highlighting the significance of self-love and seeking help during difficult times. The Power of Memory: The concept of the "Remembering Technique" is introduced, which focuses on using memory to manifest positive outcomes in life. Manifestation through Visualisation: The guest explains how visualising positive experiences, such as a holiday, can lead to actualising those experiences in real life. Practical Application: The guest shares her personal success stories, including overcoming obstacles to achieve her dream home and helping others through the Remembering Technique, demonstrating its effectiveness in various aspects of life.   BEST MOMENTS "I managed to have a child at 45, which again broke all the records." "The first and foremost, which I didn't realise, was to go get help." "You are what you think you are, and you are right." "I was with a fantasist narcissist... You think you're going mad because you know, and obviously it's never your fault." "The mind cannot tell the difference between imagined and reality."   OUR LINKS www.exquisitesalon.co https://www.instagram.com/exquisite1hbs/   HOST BIO Natasha is a seasoned hairdresser with over 14 years of experience in the beauty industry, renowned for her passion, skill, and dedication to her craft. Specializing in creating personalized, stunning styles, she has worked with clients of all hair types, consistently earning a reputation for boosting confidence and empowering individuals through their hair transformations. Natasha’s approach combines creativity with precision, ensuring each client feels valued and understood. Natasha looks to share insights from the world of hairstyling, creativity, and inspiration, alongside real conversations and meaningful discussions This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this introductory episode of the podcast Beyond the Salon Chair, Natasha shares her journey from growing up in Balham, London, to becoming a successful hairdresser and salon owner. Natasha recounts her early experiences in her mother's hair salon, her academic pursuits in aviation and sociology, and her eventual return to hairdressing, which led her to work at the renowned Toni and Guy for a decade. With a wealth of experience, including backstage work at London Fashion Week.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Background and Early Influences: Natasha grew up in Balham, London, a creative and safe environment that influenced her career path. Education Journey: After completing her GCSES, Natasha pursued A-levels and then enrolled in university to study aviation and airport management. Transition to Hairdressing: While at university, Natasha developed her hairdressing skills by doing friends' and classmates' hair, which became a popular service. Professional Experience: Natasha worked at Toni and Guy for ten years, where she gained extensive experience in hairdressing, including working at London Fashion Week and teaching at their academy. Current Endeavours: Natasha now runs her salon, Exquisite Hair and Beauty Salon, in Tooting. She has also launched a podcast called "Beyond the Salon Chair," where she plans to feature industry experts and clients, discussing various topics related to the beauty industry.   BEST MOMENTS "I grew up in a hair salon, and I would have to listen to all the conversations. Some of them were very fascinating." "I thought this would be fantastic at the time because it also included doing a year's placement, to which I did." "I did always yearn to have my own business, to have my own salon." "It's so amazing how the skills that I learned while doing my degree... I took those same skills and utilised them in my business today." "The podcast is going to have some amazing guests, some fascinating characters and some brilliant customers."   OUR LINKS www.exquisitesalon.co https://www.instagram.com/exquisite1hbs/ HOST BIO Natasha is a seasoned hairdresser with over 14 years of experience in the beauty industry, renowned for her passion, skill, and dedication to her craft. Specialising in creating personalised, stunning styles, she has worked with clients of all hair types, consistently earning a reputation for boosting confidence and empowering individuals through their hair transformations. Natasha’s approach combines creativity with precision, ensuring each client feels valued and understood. Natasha looks to share insights from the world of hairstyling, creativity, and inspiration, alongside real conversations and meaningful discussions. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode of Beyond the Salon Chair, Natasha welcomes multi-award-winning entrepreneur and wellness expert Petrina Ten, co-founder of Planet Wellness. Petrina shares her inspiring journey from being a qualified accountant to becoming a leader in the wellness industry, highlighting the pivotal role the pandemic played in launching her business. Petrina also discusses her achievements as a two-time Amazon best-selling author and her recent venture into cooking on a TV show, where she showcases healthy adaptations of traditional Malaysian dishes.   KEY TAKEAWAYS  Career Transition: Petrina Tan transitioned from a successful career as a qualified accountant and auditor to co-founding Planet Wellness, driven by a desire for a better work-life balance and a passion for wellness. Iridology Services: Planet Wellness offers iridology, a non-invasive health check that analyses the iris of the eye to identify potential health issues before symptoms arise, using advanced digital photography for better clarity and understanding. Personalised Health Solutions: The business emphasises personalised health solutions, providing tailored nutrition advice and wellness coaching to help clients manage or reverse health concerns naturally. Cooking Show and Healthy Recipes: Petrina hosts a cooking show where she prepares Malaysian dishes in under 20 minutes, focusing on making traditional recipes healthier by substituting less nutritious ingredients with healthier options. Mentorship and Continuous Learning: Petrina attributes her success as a multi-award-winning entrepreneur and author to the guidance of mentors and her commitment to continuous learning and implementation of new strategies in her business.   BEST MOMENTS "Planet Wellness was actually founded during the pandemic lockdown when we were all there and we said, let's just form this business and do it. And it's been growing ever since." "We offer mainly a service called Aridology, which is the study of your iris, and from there, we can actually tell the weaknesses in the various organs even before the symptoms arise." "I think the way forward in particularly this industry is, you know, organics and natural products... just to live a more healthier lifestyle." "I've managed to help someone who had insomnia... just with some advice, he didn't come to see me at all." "When they see me preparing it from scratch... they’ve just been amazed how fast it takes... you can actually cook it within 20 minutes."   OUR LINKS www.exquisitesalon.co https://www.instagram.com/exquisite1hbs/   HOST BIO Natasha is a seasoned hairdresser with over 14 years of experience in the beauty industry, renowned for her passion, skill, and dedication to her craft. Specialising in creating personalised, stunning styles, she has worked with clients of all hair types, consistently earning a reputation for boosting confidence and empowering individuals through their hair transformations. Natasha’s approach combines creativity with precision, ensuring each client feels valued and understood. Natasha looks to share insights from the world of hairstyling, creativity, and inspiration, alongside real conversations and meaningful discussions   This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode of Beyond the Salon Chair, Natasha welcomes Rebecca Ann, a passionate mentor and former lawyer, who shares her inspiring journey of personal and professional growth. With a background in law and government, Rebecca discusses her transition from a successful legal career to becoming a sought-after coach dedicated to empowering women. Rebecca delves into the challenges she faced, including navigating the corporate landscape as a woman and overcoming personal obstacles, particularly after the loss of her father.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Career Journey and Adaptability: Rebecca's career path has been non-linear, transitioning from law to government and eventually to mentoring and coaching. Empowerment of Women: Rebecca is dedicated to helping women build confidence, resilience, and communication skills. She emphasises the importance of women supporting each other and sharing experiences across different industries. Personal Growth Through Adversity: The loss of her father prompted Rebecca to reflect on her life and priorities, leading her to pursue a path of self-discovery and fulfilment. Tailored Coaching Approach: Rebecca's coaching framework, called "fearless," focuses on individual needs rather than a one-size-fits-all method. She emphasises the importance of personalising her approach to help clients achieve their unique goals. Ongoing Challenges in the Workplace: Despite progress in gender equality, Rebecca highlights ongoing challenges women face in the corporate world, such as the "broken rung" phenomenon, which affects women's advancement into managerial roles and leadership positions.   BEST MOMENTS "I was so trapped by this idea that if everybody is telling me I've made it, then maybe I've made it, and maybe I should just accept this is it." "I think I was living for those moments... seeing other people's success... it was so rewarding that I was like, right, I'm going to go ahead by myself." "I made a promise to [my father] to live a life of no regrets... there has got to be more to this." "It's still very much a struggle... climbing the corporate ladder... it's not easy." "There are such lessons to be learned and skills to be learned from each other... I wanted to have this space where women could flourish and be fearless."   OUR LINKS www.exquisitesalon.co https://www.instagram.com/exquisite1hbs/   HOST BIO Natasha is a seasoned hairdresser with over 14 years of experience in the beauty industry, renowned for her passion, skill, and dedication to her craft. Specializing in creating personalized, stunning styles, she has worked with clients of all hair types, consistently earning a reputation for boosting confidence and empowering individuals through their hair transformations. Natasha’s approach combines creativity with precision, ensuring each client feels valued and understood. Natasha looks to share insights from the world of hairstyling, creativity, and inspiration, alongside real conversations and meaningful discussions This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode of Beyond the Salon Chair, Natasha welcomes Camilla Davis, a passionate advocate for holistic skincare and natural beauty. Camilla shares her journey into the beauty industry, which began in her home country of Poland and evolved through personal experiences, including a transformative health crisis. Camilla emphasises the importance of inner beauty and self-care, encouraging young people to embrace their natural selves rather than succumbing to societal pressures for perfection.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Holistic Approach to Beauty: Emphasising the importance of holistic skincare and natural beauty, it's crucial to focus on inner well-being and self-care rather than solely relying on cosmetic procedures. Caution Against Quick Fixes: The beauty industry often promotes quick fixes and superficial treatments, which can lead to dissatisfaction and health issues. Education and Trust in the Beauty Industry: Beauty therapists need to be well-trained and qualified. Clients should seek trusted professionals who prioritise safety and effective treatments over quick, profit-driven services. Natural Products Over Chemicals: There is a strong advocacy for using natural products and avoiding harmful chemicals in skincare. This includes being cautious with items like perfumes and sunscreens that may disrupt hormonal balance. Empowerment of Young Women: Young women are encouraged to embrace their natural beauty and self-worth, focusing on self-care and inner beauty rather than succumbing to societal pressures for perfection and cosmetic enhancements.   BEST MOMENTS  "The beauty is from inside out. We have to look after it from inside out. I'm not telling that we have to ignore it from outside, but the inner beauty should start from inside." "I think the beauty industry is pushing a lot of products, a lot of toxins, a lot of machines, which are useless. It's like a scam for people to drag them for more and more money." "It just sends the wrong message to the very young people... It makes me think of the industry. It is a million dollar industry and it is a money making machine." "You are beautiful as you are... Preserve your beauty for up to 30 and then you start a little bit of treatment only to support your beauty, not to enhance too much." "I think this is the most amazing, stress relieving, beautiful treatment that I would love to do and help people to relax, rejuvenated and switch off mind totally."   OUR LINKS www.exquisitesalon.co https://www.instagram.com/exquisite1hbs/ HOST BIO Natasha is a seasoned hairdresser with over 14 years of experience in the beauty industry, renowned for her passion, skill, and dedication to her craft. Specializing in creating personalized, stunning styles, she has worked with clients of all hair types, consistently earning a reputation for boosting confidence and empowering individuals through their hair transformations. Natasha’s approach combines creativity with precision, ensuring each client feels valued and understood. Natasha looks to share insights from the world of hairstyling, creativity, and inspiration, alongside real conversations and meaningful discussions This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode of Beyond the Salon Chair, Natasha welcomes salon client Roxanne, who shares her captivating stories and experiences from her diverse work history in London. Roxanne discusses her time working in various environments, including casinos and restaurants, and highlights her passion for care work, emphasising its emotional depth and importance. With a blend of humour and insight, this episode celebrates the joys of city life, the value of meaningful work, and the importance of finding fulfilment in one's journey.   KEY TAKEAWAYS  Diverse Work Experience: Roxanne has worked in various fields, including casinos, bars, restaurants, and care work, highlighting the importance of exploring different environments and meeting new people throughout her career. Value of Care Work: Roxanne finds care work to be particularly fulfilling due to its emotional depth and the significant impact it has on the lives of elderly individuals, emphasising the need for dedicated caregivers in society. Wine Walk Tradition: The concept of a "wine walk" originated from a tough day at work, where Roxanne and her friend would unwind by walking along the river with wine in water bottles, turning it into a fun and relaxing tradition. Carnival Experience: Roxanne enjoys attending the carnival, noting both the vibrant atmosphere and the challenges that come with large crowds, such as encountering people from her past and the potential for trouble if one is not cautious. Exploring London: Roxanne appreciates the diverse experiences London offers, from its historical sites to its lively neighbourhoods, and expresses interest in potentially sharing her knowledge of the city through guided tours or a journal of her adventures.   BEST MOMENTS "I definitely would work in a casino again. Oh wow, what's that like? Oh, definitely interesting." "I think care work for me... was more on like a deeper emotional level." "I think you could be setting a trend there, Roxanne." "The main thing that I have seen is people allowing people to park outside their houses... Some woman was selling rum punch from her kitchen window." "If you're going to go and have fun because you want to go and have fun, then you keep it that way and stay out of trouble."   OUR LINKS www.exquisitesalon.co https://www.instagram.com/exquisite1hbs/   HOST BIO Natasha is a seasoned hairdresser with over 14 years of experience in the beauty industry, renowned for her passion, skill, and dedication to her craft. Specializing in creating personalized, stunning styles, she has worked with clients of all hair types, consistently earning a reputation for boosting confidence and empowering individuals through their hair transformations. Natasha’s approach combines creativity with precision, ensuring each client feels valued and understood. Natasha looks to share insights from the world of hairstyling, creativity, and inspiration, alongside real conversations and meaningful discussions   This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this inspiring episode of Beyond the Salon Chair, Natasha welcomes business mentor and salon industry expert Natasha Britton, who shares her remarkable journey from a challenging upbringing in a North London council estate to building a multi-six-figure salon business. Natasha discusses the obstacles she faced, the importance of education and mentorship, and the evolution of the beauty and aesthetic industry.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Pursue Your Dreams Despite Challenges: Overcoming a difficult background and personal challenges, such as becoming a young mother, can fuel the drive to achieve your dreams. Importance of Education and Experience: Gaining hands-on experience in the industry is crucial. Working in various roles, such as in a salon or beauty clinic, provides valuable knowledge and skills that are essential for running a successful business. Embrace Your Unique Identity: Authenticity is key in building a loyal client base. Being true to yourself and sharing your personal story can create deeper connections with clients, leading to a more successful business. Adapt to Industry Changes: The beauty and aesthetic industry is evolving, particularly with advancements in technology and education. Staying informed about these changes and adapting your business practices, such as utilising AI for customer service, can help maintain a competitive edge. Value of Networking and Collaboration: Building relationships within the industry can lead to unexpected opportunities, such as partnerships. Collaborating with others who share your vision can provide the necessary resources and support to turn your business dreams into reality.   BEST MOMENTS "I always wanted to own my own salon one day... that big dream seemed so unrealistic from where I came from." "If I was to go and set up my salon without working at that place that I worked at, there would be so many more mistakes that I would have made." "People buy people, they don't buy companies." "Make it a ticketed event... that way you know how many people are showing up." "We need some regulation within... advanced treatments. We need a bit more regulation in terms of training." OUR LINKS www.exquisitesalon.co https://www.instagram.com/exquisite1hbs/   HOST BIO Natasha is a seasoned hairdresser with over 14 years of experience in the beauty industry, renowned for her passion, skill, and dedication to her craft. Specializing in creating personalized, stunning styles, she has worked with clients of all hair types, consistently earning a reputation for boosting confidence and empowering individuals through their hair transformations. Natasha’s approach combines creativity with precision, ensuring each client feels valued and understood. Natasha looks to share insights from the world of hairstyling, creativity, and inspiration, alongside real conversations and meaningful discussions This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

HOST BIO Natasha is a seasoned hairdresser with over 14 years of experience in the beauty industry, renowned for her passion, skill, and dedication to her craft. Specializing in creating personalized, stunning styles, she has worked with clients of all hair types, consistently earning a reputation for boosting confidence and empowering individuals through their hair transformations. Natasha’s approach combines creativity with precision, ensuring each client feels valued and understood. Natasha looks to share insights from the world of hairstyling, creativity, and inspiration, alongside real conversations and meaningful discussions USEFUL LINKS https://www.exquisitesalon.co