From barber to the Bar: My story as a career changer

Technically, I was never a barber, but hairdresser — although “From Hairdresser to the Bar” does not really have the same ring to it. This is my story of my journey from behind the chair, to pursuing a career at the Bar.

At the age of 12 It became clear to me that I wanted to one day become a lawyer. After seeing a mainstream Hollywood movie, showcasing Elle Woods as Americas next top Lawyer, I was certain that this is what I wanted to do when I left school. Not because of the lip gloss and the big blonde hair, but because witnessing her put together a set of facts to create an argument, I found compelling. It is ironic that Elle’s breakthrough argument was based on a freshly permed hairstyle.

However, after one year of sixth-form, where I attended a non-selective state school, I decided that I did not have the confidence, support or even knowledge to head off to University to study law. Instead, I decided to follow my creative side and pursue a career in hairdressing instead. I went straight into an apprenticeship with Toni and Guy and learnt to paint hair. It was great because not only did i get to make people feel great about themselves and give them a boost with a new hair colour, but I got to meet different people from different backgrounds, and talk to them about their everyday lives. They say that your hairdresser is basically your second therapist, and I would probably agree that I felt like one most of the time. I did also get to meet a few celebrities whilst based at the flagship salon in Westfields in Shepherds Bush. I had the opportunity on many occasions to colour BBC presenter Cherry Healey’s hair and Rita Ora’s just before she brought out her first album. We also had Rick Astley in for a quick trim one day — although in this case, I was very much an observer from the other side of the salon.

In 2019, I established my own business, Headkandy Hair and Beauty, and officially opened 6 weeks before the Covid-19 pandemic. This developed my resilience as I had to think on my feet to keep the new business alive. I engaged with my clients through social media which in turn created a new following, therefore bringing new clients when I reopened. It taught me that challenges can arise at any point in time yet you have to remain responsible and be resourceful in finding a way forward.

As much as I enjoyed hairdressing, and my business was my second baby, the ambition to become a barrister never quite disappeared. After seeing a post from an old school friend, who undertook her law degree part-time with the Open University, I decided that it was now or never. Three to four years felt like a long time, but those years were going to pass regardless. At the end of them, I could either have a law degree — or I could still be wondering what might have been.

Since beginning my law degree, it has not come without its challenges. Juggling studies with running a business and being a single mum can be demanding, but the thought of where it may lead keeps the fire inside me burning. Being a mature student, for me means approaching my studies with a level of focus and determination that I may not have had at 18. I know myself better now, I understand what I want, and I am willing to put in the work — which i believe is reflected in my results I achieve today.

What hairdressing has given me over the last 20 years, will equip me to be a better barrister. Skills such as good communication, active-listening, time-management, confidence and dealing with different people are all necessary for a career at the Bar.

Whilst I begin my final law module, I reflect back at what I have already achieved over the last few years. I am now developing my public speaking and advocacy and I am continuing to grow. I am in the process of application writing for scholarships and mentoring schemes, both showcasing my written advocacy, and more recently my public speaking through my new podcast series.

My final thought is this: you are never to old to pursue your dreams. Changing your career does not mean you are starting from zero — you bring everything that you have already learned with you, that being resilience, your skills and your experience. They make you who you are today and help shape who you are tomorrow.