At 16, I started a hairdressing apprenticeship without much motivation and no clue where it would lead.

Truthfully, I was coasting, until someone saw something in me that I hadn’t yet seen in myself.

That moment changed everything.

I eventually launched my first business as a mobile hairdresser. I loved the flexibility and the cash flow, but with no financial discipline, the bills piled up. I quickly realised I needed more stability to support my growing family.

That’s when I took the leap and opened my first salon. Scared and unsure, I partnered with someone I shouldn’t have.

The partnership collapsed within a week. I was left broke and on my own. But I pushed forward, opened the salon solo, and it took off.

The buzz was incredible. Clients loved us. We were busy.

But here’s the thing no one tells you…

More clients doesn’t automatically mean more money in the bank.

As turnover grew, so did the stress, the overheads, and the endless demands. Staff were late, asking for raises, questioning decisions. I didn’t have the leadership skills or systems to manage it. I knew how to do great hair, but not how to run a successful business.

To the outside world, I looked successful. But behind the scenes, I was living month to month. Every financial year looked great on paper… but I had nothing to show for it. Just stress, fatigue, and the constant fear of losing everything.

I hit a breaking point. I nearly lost my home, my business, and my confidence.

And then I drew a line in the sand.

I realised the problem wasn’t my salon or my team. It was me.

So I committed to learning business from the ground up. I stopped chasing clients and started building systems.