Today's guest Sheila Abrahams went from salon owner to freelance hairdresser by default, offering home hairdressing services. But with the freelance world being dubbed as ‘the black market’, professionals like Sheila struggled to be taken seriously outside of a salon environment. This was going to change! Sheila had a very different vision and got together with Heather Hopkins, who shared her vision, to form a trade association that set standards for the first time in the freelance sector. In October 1993 The freelance Hair & Beauty Federation (FHBF) was launched. Giving a voice to freelancers in the industry as well as making many services available for the freelance sector that had previously been denied. At last freelance hairdressers had a voice in the industry, were being recognised for running professional businesses and renowned for the importance they place on regular training to keep their skills at the cutting edge. Freelance hairdressers have now had their own organisation for more than twenty five years and in 2014 the FHBF was rebranded the Freelance Hairdresser's Association (FHA). The freelance sector is now well established with recognised industry standards. But has the freelancer reputation really changed or is there still a stigma with mobile hairdressing? Thats what we're about to uncover in today's podcast with Sheila. As the founder of the FHA, the pride that Sheila has towards her astonishing achievement is clear – and rightly so. “The members are like my family. People have made amazing friendships through the organisation and I’m hugely proud of the support it was provided.” And, today she’s got some amazing insight into being a professional freelance hairdresser, and what it takes to succeed. Have a listen. A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions. Thanks for Listening To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below. Ask a question by emailing me HERE Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. To help out the show: Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes. Follow on Spotify. Subscribe by Email. Special thanks to Sheila Abrahams for joining me today. Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.