HJ VOICENOTES

Chelsea Caulton, aka @theoriginalstylist_ wants to share the message that knockbacks don’t need to define you and that true confidence really does come from within

“It’s fair to say I’ve had some knockbacks in my career – I’ve been let go of twice from two salons and really suffered from a lack of confidence. But I’ve never let these setbacks define me.

I’ve always been ambitious and have worked since the age of 15 in various salons. At my last salon I worked as a self-employed hairdresser, and I was building my business on the side which has always been a goal of mine. I have always been open and honest about this with former employers. In fact, at one salon I had said I was happy to sign a legal document stating that I wouldn’t try to poach any of their clients.

But after 7 months, the co-owner was concerned that having my own business was a conflict of interest. I walked into the salon that morning with a job, and left without a job.

I have a mortgage, so I needed to get my business off the ground very quickly. In the space of four days I got a salon together. I had to put almost 3 grand on a credit card to invest in my business, but I made it work.

Although I was pushed from self-employment into being a business owner, I have no regrets. I’m doing lots of events like weddings and I am building around my local area. It’s actually pushed me on to bigger and better things.

I’M SO GLAD I JUST PUSHED MYSELF THROUGH IT. I NOW WANT TO SHARE MY STORY TO HELP OTHERS. IF YOU DON’T HAVE A NURTURING OR INSPIRING BOSS, THEN IT’S REALLY DIFFICULT TO FEEL MOTIVATED.”

I did suffer from confidence issues and it’s taken me a long time to believe in myself. A real turning point for me was messaging a hairdresser I found inspiring on Instagram (Cally Borg). She helped me work on my mindset and who I am as a person. Since then I've had the confidence to enter (and win!) various awards, something I never believed could ever happen to me. At my lowest point, having any confidence I had stripped from me, I even considered office jobs which wouldn’t have suited me at all. I’m so glad I pushed myself through it though. I now want to share my story and help others. If you don’t have a nurturing or inspiring boss, then it’s really difficult to feel motivated.

I never believed I could do it back when I was at the start of my hairdressing career, but my mindset has changed and I’ve developed as a person. I’m now an ambassador for Cloud Nine, I’ve bought my first home, I’ve assisted at London Fashion Week, I’ve been on podcasts, wrote articles, invested in a business mentor and I’m going on a hair extensions course this year, along with many other new and exciting things. I’m looking forward to being the best hairdresser I can be.”