Welcome to Part 1 of a two-part series where I’m joined by Alex Walker—a Torquay-based haircutting specialist, educator and the founder of AW Hair and Alex Walker Education. We recorded this episode inside Alex’s purpose-built education studio in Torquay, Devon (UK)—a dedicated space away from the salon where hairdressers can learn through in-person sessions, small groups, and online education, while staying connected to real, commercial salon work. Alex’s journey began at 17, when he fell into hairdressing almost by accident. What started as a job became a craft. He went all-in on haircutting—especially short hair—with a mission to raise standards and help hairdressers understand the why behind what they do. We dig into the realities of ambition, rapid growth, and salon ownership—and the moment everything changed. After his businesses went into liquidation, Alex was left asking: “I haven’t got five days’ worth of clients… what am I gonna do now?” This is a powerful conversation on resilience, rebuilding, and staying commercially relevant. Chapters: 11:11: The Journey of Self-Belief 21:27: Transitioning from Hairdresser to Salon Owner 22:54: The Hard Lessons of Business 27:55: The Shift to Education 32:34: Financial Insights and Stability 38:30: Balancing Family and Career Dreams Resources from todays episode: Join the waitlist for Spotd HERE Follow Spotd on Instagram @getspotdapp Alex Walker Salon CLICK HERE Connect with Alex on Instagram @alexwalkereducation Alex Walker online haircutting education HERE For everything else Alex Walker CLICK HERE View our video podcast with Alex Walker on YouTube @howtocutit Connect with How To Cut It on Instagram @howtocutit

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