The Mayfair Years: Life at John Frieda’s First Salon

Sean Hanna: The Truth About Building Wealth and a Salon Business

In this episode of Heads Together, Michael Van Clarke sits down with salon entrepreneur and industry leader Sean Hanna to explore 50 years of change in the hairdressing industry. From starting out during the aftermath of the Sassoon revolution to building a successful multi salon business, Sean shares the lessons, mistakes and turning points that shaped his career. Together, they discuss salon growth, leadership, wealth creation, financial management, business expansion, property investment and the realities of running a profitable salon business. This candid conversation challenges common assumptions about success, revealing why many salon owners focus on income instead of long term wealth, the importance of understanding your numbers, and the business decisions that can make or break a company. A must listen for salon owners, hairdressers, entrepreneurs and anyone interested in business growth, leadership and building lasting success in the hair industry. Follow Michael Van Clarke: @michaelvanclarke [https://www.instagram.com/michaelvanclarke] Follow Sean Hanna: @seanhannasalons [https://www.instagram.com/seanhannasalons/?hl=en] CREDITS Producer: Ben Lifton [https://www.instagram.com/benlifton/?hl=en] Editor: Big Little Content [https://www.instagram.com/biglittlecontent/?hl=en] Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

Simon Bryer: When Clients Smoked in the Salon. Hairdressing Then vs Now

In this episode of Heads Together, Michael Van Clarke sits down with veteran hairdresser Simon Bryer to explore a career that has spanned nearly five decades in the hair industry. Simon shares how he rebelled against expectations to become a hairdresser in the late 1970s, the reality behind the industry's glamorous reputation, and his journey from apprentice in the North of England to international educator, creative director and global ambassador. Together they reflect on the golden era of hairdressing, travelling the world for stage shows and education, working with major brands, and the dramatic changes the industry has seen over the years. From unforgettable stories in Beirut and Japan to salon life when clients smoked in the chair, this episode offers a fascinating look at a very different era of hairdressing. Follow Michael Van Clarke: @michaelvanclarke [https://www.instagram.com/michaelvanclarke] Follow Simon Bryer: @mvc_hairbysimonbryer [https://www.instagram.com/mvc_hairbysimonbryer/?hl=en] CREDITS Producer: Ben Lifton [https://www.instagram.com/benlifton/?hl=en] Editor: Big Little Content [https://www.instagram.com/biglittlecontent/?hl=en] Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

Toby Dicker: How to Build a Salon That Lasts

In this episode of Heads Together, host Michael Van Clarke welcomes back Toby Dicker, co founder of Chapel Salons and founder of the Save Our Salons campaign. Toby returns for a candid conversation about leadership, salon growth, industry advocacy and the realities of running a modern salon business. From developing future leaders and building strong teams to challenging government policy and fighting for a fairer future for salon owners, Toby shares the lessons he's learned from nearly three decades in the industry. The conversation also explores the origins of the Save Our Salons movement, the challenges facing employers, the importance of apprenticeships, and why Toby believes hairdressing offers far greater opportunities than many people realise. Alongside the business discussion, Toby opens up about personal growth, family life, health, and the mindset shifts that have shaped both his career and his outlook on life. An honest and thought provoking episode about resilience, leadership, purpose and the future of British hairdressing. Follow Michael Van Clarke: @michaelvanclarke [https://www.instagram.com/michaelvanclarke] Follow Toby Dicker: @tobyjasperdicker [https://www.instagram.com/tobyjasperdicker] CREDITS Producer: Ben Lifton [https://www.instagram.com/benlifton/?hl=en] Editor: Big Little Content [https://www.instagram.com/biglittlecontent/?hl=en] Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

Jayne Lewis Orr: The Future of Hairdressing, Business and Talent

In this episode of Heads Together, hosted by Michael Van Clarke, we welcome back Jayne Lewis Orr for a fascinating conversation about her extraordinary career in hairdressing. From her early days in beauty publishing to becoming the driving force behind the British Hairdressing Awards for nearly three decades, Jayne shares the stories, challenges and unforgettable moments that helped shape one of the industry's most celebrated events. Together, Michael and Jayne discuss the people working behind the scenes who keep the hairdressing industry moving forward, the balance between creativity and business, and why passion remains the key ingredient for long term success. Whether you're a salon owner, stylist or simply passionate about the industry, this episode offers a unique perspective from one of hairdressing's most respected figures. Follow Michael Van Clarke: @michaelvanclarke [https://www.instagram.com/michaelvanclarke] Follow Jayne Lewis Orr: @jaynelewisoor [https://www.instagram.com/jaynelewisorr/?hl=en] CREDITS Producer: Ben Lifton [https://www.instagram.com/benlifton/?hl=en] Editor: Big Little Content [https://www.instagram.com/biglittlecontent/?hl=en] Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

Toby Dicker: Are Salons Being Taxed Out of Existence?

In this episode of Heads Together, host Michael Van Clarke sits down with Toby Dicker, co founder of Chapel Salons [https://www.thechapel.co.uk/] and one of the hair industry's most outspoken advocates. From building a five salon business over nearly three decades to leading national conversations around taxation, apprenticeships and the future of the high street, Toby shares his candid views on the challenges facing salon owners today. Together, Michael and Toby explore why hairdressers remain undervalued, the impact of government policy on the industry, the realities of growing a successful salon business, and what the perfect salon of the future could look like. This is a thought provoking conversation about leadership, business, community and why human connection remains the greatest asset hairdressing has to offer. Follow Michael Van Clarke: @michaelvanclarke [https://www.instagram.com/michaelvanclarke] Follow Toby Dicker: @tobyjasperdicker [https://www.instagram.com/tobyjasperdicker] CREDITS Producer: Ben Lifton [https://www.instagram.com/benlifton/?hl=en] Editor: Big Little Content [https://www.instagram.com/biglittlecontent/?hl=en] Sound Engineer: TYX Studios