NHBF ANNOUNCES NEW PRESIDENT AND BOARD MEMBERS

NHBF Members voted in January to elect a new president and the successful candidate was announced as Amanda Lodge-Stewart from The Link Training Academy.

The new NHBF board members were also elected: Samantha Cunningham of Shine Southampton, Joanne Johnson of Bliss Hair Design in Ashtonunder-Lyne, Jamie Mettyear of Mettyear’s Day Spa in Herne Bay, and Carolyn Sweeney of Creations, Chichester.

The new president and board members were installed at the NHBF’s Annual General Meeting in London on 29 January. They have been elected for a three-year term. See opposite for more on the new additions to your board, and for an insight into the new president (below), see page 50.

Samantha Cunningham

I have been a successful salon and academy owner since 2001. The challenges that being a woman in business can bring have made me more determined to succeed and make a difference.

My salon/academy is situated in the heart of the University of Southampton in Highfield. The business was voted in by students and staff but it has also gained a fantastic reputation in our community. We were involved in the sustainable salon drive for VTCT and City & Guilds and have been involved in many community projects for raising awareness of our carbon footprint.

My salon is managed by my senior colour technician while I focus my attentions on apprenticeship and private training, mentoring and coaching budding hairdressers, barbers and assessors.

CAROLYN SWEENEY

I joined the hairdressing industry as a Saturday girl aged 14 and never looked back. Following my apprenticeship, I enjoyed the creativity of being a stylist, but soon discovered I had the ability to bring the best out in others and went on to manage a team. In 1998 I opened Creations Hair Salon in Chichester, followed by Creations Barbers and then Chichester Hair Academy delivering NVQ education. For many years I worked as head lecturer at 365 Business Coaching and in 2016 I set up Kin Connect coaching and now deliver business education working with many salon owners across the UK.

Joanne Johnson

I am a qualified stylist, salon owner and a tutor with more than 30 years’ experience in the industry. I have owned my own business since 1996 and running my salon has equipped me with the skills to budget, manage finances, plan and keep on top of changing legislation.

I am also a tutor/ assessor within all aspects of education. I value my position assisting and supporting people on their learning paths.

I always adopt a caring, positive attitude.

Jamie Mettyear

After 14 years in the industry, I opened my own salon, spa and cafe in 2017 and now have a team of 15 staff. I feel I’ve created the perfect destination for customers to enjoy. Ongoing training for staff development is always a big priority, along with exceptional customer service commitment.

I recently won Best Hair and Beauty Salon Business in Kent at the 2022 Business Excellence Awards.