There’s something really powerful about chasing your dreams, especially when you look back and realise how much those dreams have changed over the years.

When I first applied to the hairdressing course at the North West Regional College, my dreams were actually very simple. I wanted to become a good hairdresser and pass my driving test. That was it. I wasn’t sitting planning a business or dreaming of owning a salon one day. I just wanted to learn a skill, work hard and hopefully make something of myself.

But somewhere along the way, things changed.

The more I learned about hairdressing, the more obsessed I became with it. I don’t mean obsessed in a bad way either. I became fascinated by colour, formulas, techniques and how every single head of hair was different. I wanted to understand it all. I wanted to get better and better. Every client taught me something. Every mistake taught me something too.

placeholder image — The more I learned about hairdressing, the more obsessed I became with it.

People laugh now when I can talk about the colour wheel and formulas like it’s second nature, but trust me, it definitely wasn’t easy in the beginning. I had to learn it all step by step. I studied, I watched, I practised and I asked questions constantly. I actually loved learning, and I still do. I think that’s what keeps me motivated even now. The minute you stop learning, you stop growing.

Hairdressing was never just about hair to me either. I genuinely love making women feel good about themselves. There’s something so special about seeing someone walk into the salon feeling flat, tired or lacking confidence and leaving feeling lighter, happier and more themselves again. Sometimes people don’t realise how much a bit of self-care can lift someone mentally.

Many moons ago, when I worked in Vivid, I was lucky enough to have incredible mentorship from Michelle. She was a fantastic hairdresser and a brilliant boss. More importantly, she wanted me to learn. She encouraged me, helped me and made me feel like I actually belonged in the industry.

That kind of support stays with you.

Fast forward to now, and I honestly can say I have my dream salon. Even typing that feels emotional sometimes because the journey definitely wasn’t easy. There were stressful days, financial pressure, self-doubt, exhaustion and moments where I questioned everything. But I kept going.

And honestly? I’m glad it wasn’t easy.

If it had all landed in my lap overnight, I probably wouldn’t appreciate it half as much as I do now. Every long day, every setback and every challenge made me stronger and more grateful for what I’ve built.

I’ve learned to celebrate the highs properly, but I’ve also learned not to panic during the lows. I look for solutions instead of giving up. That’s life and that’s business. Not every week is perfect, not every day is easy, but if you care enough about something, you keep showing up for it anyway.

That young girl walking into NWRC all those years ago just wanted to become a hairdresser and pass her driving test. She could never have imagined all of this.

And that’s the funny thing about dreams. Sometimes they grow while you’re busy working for them.

Love Margaret.