Award-winning hairdresser and industry entrepreneur Sean Hanna has spent the last six months working with eight enterprising salon owners for HJ's Business Boardroom, in partnership with L’Oréal Professionnel, to take their businesses to another level through a deeper understanding of finances, marketing and business leadership.
"This year's Business Boardroom has been great – the mentees have really thrown themselves into learning as much as they can, sharing their own challenges and solutions, and to see them grow in confidence has been a privilege," says Sean.
We caught up with the mentees to discover what the course has meant to them…
HJ's Business Boardroom Mentees Share The Biggest Lessons Learnt
Michelle Summers-Davies, Michelle Davies Hair, Goodwick:
"After 35 years of running my salon, I thought I understood my business, but I wanted to learn what really drives growth. The programme challenged the way I think from day one, and hearing how other salon owners overcome similar challenges made me realise we're not alone. It's given me fresh confidence and inspired me to keep pushing my business forward."
Grace Patel, The Freelance Expert and founder of My Colour Cost:
"As hairdressers we invest heavily in technical skills, but business knowledge is just as important. This programme reinforced that success comes from having clear systems, a strong vision and continually developing as a business owner. No matter how much experience you have, there's always something new to learn, and investing in yourself is always worthwhile."
Julie Charles, re:new Hair & Beauty by Expressions, Woodhall Spa:
"One of the biggest lessons has been the importance of planning ahead rather than simply reacting to what's in front of you. We've become more strategic with our marketing, challenged areas we'd become comfortable with and realised that successful salons grow through careful planning, consistency and having the confidence to embrace change."
Laura Bates, Creations Hair & Beauty, St Leonards-on-Sea:
"The biggest shift has been my mindset. Instead of reacting to each day as it comes, I'm thinking much more strategically about the future of my business. The programme has encouraged me to think bigger, back my ideas and become a stronger leader, while every session has left me with fresh ideas and renewed confidence."
Kerry Anne Buckell, KB Hair Extensions and KB The Hair Studio, Sussex:
"Running a salon can feel isolating, so learning alongside like-minded business owners has been invaluable. Sean has helped me look at my business more strategically, focusing on systems, profitability and long-term growth rather than day-to-day pressures. The practical advice and support from the group have given me real confidence in the direction I'm taking."
Hannah Lowndes, LH Hair Design, Bourne:
"The programme has made us look at every part of our business with fresh eyes. Understanding our numbers and planning for the future has completely changed how we approach growth. Learning from Sean and other industry leaders has been invaluable, but just as important has been sharing ideas with fellow salon owners who truly understand the challenges we all face."
Liza Raby, Spencers, Peterborough:
"Being mentored by Sean has transformed the way I think about our business. We've become far more strategic with our marketing, planning and financial decisions, and we're already seeing the benefits. Every session has left me feeling inspired, more confident and excited about the opportunities ahead."
Sonny Playforth, Sonny Playforth Hairdressing, Northallerton:
"The biggest lesson has been that lasting success starts with getting the foundations right. Understanding every aspect of the business, from finances to team performance, has been invaluable. Learning directly from Sean and other respected industry leaders has given me practical tools and renewed confidence to continue growing my business."
Catch up with some Business Boardroom highlights here:
HJ’s Business Boardroom Is Back With a Bang for 2026!
HJ’s Business Boardroom: Why Marketing is Essential in Business
HJ’s Business Boardroom: Putting Salon Business Lessons Into Practice
