BUSINESS

The class of 2026

Introducing the new members of HJ’s Business Boardroom, in association with L’Oréal Professionnel

The class of 2026 is set to take their businesses to another level thanks to industry entrepreneur and mentor Sean Hanna, who is leading HJ’s Business Boardroom, in association with L’Oréal Professionnel.

Following the success of the inaugural business mentoring programme, Sean is back with brand new inspiring sessions for salon owners looking to take their business to another level. “We had some great mentees in 2025 who have implemented some of the ideas we talked about to help them further understand their business, build on their profits and be more secure for the future. For 2026, the team, who are supported by L’Oréal Professionnel and HJ, will learn how marketing, finance, and managing your team can make a difference to their businesses,” Sean says.

Let’s meet the 2026 intake

Laura Bates, Creations Hair & Beauty, St Leonards On Sea, East Sussex

“The industry is at a real crossroads and I’m standing in the middle not knowing which way to go! So having some support and mentoring would help me evaluate where I’d like to be and what the future holds for me, my business, and the industry. The salon has been under my ownership since 2017, and I hope to learn that I deserve to be a successful business owner. I want to learn that in business, you can’t be perfect at everything and sometimes you can’t please everyone and not everyone will like you – and that’s OK.”

Liza Raby, Spencers Hair Salon, Peterborough, LH Hair Design Bourne and Burghley Training Academy Peterborough

“I’ve built everything from the ground up with no business mentoring, often relying on instinct and hard work, but I know the next stage requires a different mindset. I hope to learn how I can continue to evolve as a business owner with greater confidence in my leadership, a clearer understanding of how to scale effectively, and the ability to create businesses that are not solely reliant on me but thrive because of the strength of the teams within them. I know there’s another level I can reach, and this programme is about gaining the clarity, structure, and confidence to step into it fully.”

Hannah Lowndes, LH Hair Design Bourne and Burghley Training Academy Peterborough

“I enjoy building a positive environment where people feel valued, confident, and inspired, but balancing the day-to-day running of the salons alongside the behind-the-scenes work can be demanding, and there aren’t enough hours to focus on the operational side of the business. Continuing to expand, evolve, and take the business to the next level brings its own challenges and requires careful planning and strategy, so I hope to gain fresh ideas, practical strategies, and a clearer direction for growing my business. I’m hoping to come away with more confidence in decision making, stronger systems in place, and a clear plan for taking my business to the next level.”

Michelle Summers Davies, Michelle Davies Hair, Goodwick, Pembrokeshire

“The salon is thriving so growth isn’t the issue, but the challenge is managing the pressure that comes with that. There are only so many hours in the day, and I’m still working behind the chair while trying to stay on top of admin, emails, and day-to-day operations. I want to prove to myself that I can step further into being an entrepreneur. I’m ready to work smarter, not harder but I need clarity on what that looks like for my business. I want to leave with more confidence, a clearer direction, and practical strategies I can implement straight away.”

Kerry Anne Buckell, KB Hair Extensions and KB The Hair Studio, Sussex

“Hairdressing can sometimes feel quite isolating as a business owner, and I think creating spaces where we can openly share experiences, challenges and knowledge is so important. For me, it’s about contributing to honest conversations, gaining new insights and ultimately becoming a better, more well-rounded business owner. I want to develop more confidence in my decision-making as a business owner and trust my instincts when it comes to growth and opportunities. I want to come away with a clearer vision of where I’m going next, and the tools to take my business to the next level while staying true to what makes it unique.”

Julie Charles, re:new Hair & Beauty by Expressions, Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire

“After 21 years, I’m not new to hard work. We’ve built re:new Hair & Beauty through consistency, resilience, and a lot of learning on the job. But the industry is changing, and the old way of working harder isn’t the answer anymore. We can see the potential in our business, but right now it feels like we’ve got all the pieces without the clear plan to pull them together. I’m ready to be challenged, to hear what I might not want to hear, and to step up as a leader. I want to understand what the next version of us as leaders looks like.”

Sonny Playforth, Sonny Playforth Hairdressing, Northallerton

“I’ve already built a strong foundation, but I’m aware there are gaps in my strategy, particularly around scaling and leadership. I’m ready to refine how I operate, strengthen my decision-making, and step more into a leadership role that supports long-term growth. I recognise the value of stepping outside of my day-to-day environment and being challenged by other ambitious, like-minded business owners. I’m looking forward to honest conversations, fresh perspectives, and clear strategies that will help me move my business forward with greater clarity and confidence. I want to identify where I might be holding myself back whether that’s in decision-making, delegation, or limiting my own thinking.”

Grace Patel, The Brentwood Hairdresser and founder of My Colour Cost

“I applied for the Business Boardroom as I have been self-employed for six years, and this mentorship is exactly what I need to elevate my career and business. I am also building an app to help self-employed hairdressers, so hope to learn more about myself as a business owner. Hairdressing is such a personable service, I lead with how I make my clients feel when they are in my chair, I believe it’s what brings them back and the connection we have, but I would like to learn more about myself as a business owner and how I can grow from a business point of view.”