Celebrating International Women’s Day in the Professional Hair & Beauty Industry
Published date 10 March 2025
The professional hair & beauty industry has long been a space where women are are empowered to thrive, lead, and excel in their profession. From female salon owners and hairstylists to educators and wholesale workers, women continue to shape the industry. At Alan Howard, as a leading professional hair & beauty wholesaler, we believe it’s important to celebrate the women who contribute to this wonderful community.
For International Women’s Day, we’ve sat down with four inspiring female members of the Alan Howard team - Wendy Berry (Marketing Manager), Katie Steedan (National Store Manager), Wendy Morton (Head of Purchasing) and Louise Clarke (Education Co-ordinator), to hear their journey within the professional hair & beauty industry, with advice and inspiration for other women who may also want to be apart.
1. What made you work in the professional hair & beauty industry?
For some of the team, their passion for the hair & beauty industry is something they discovered early on in their career, whilst for others, it led them to an unexpected career journey.
Wendy B:
“When I applied for my role, I wasn't actually looking to work specifically in the hair & beauty industry but more to progress in my marketing career. However, almost 4 years in, I wouldn't look back!”
Katie:
“ I started off working part-time in one of our stores whilst I was at university but fell in love with the industry and the company! I have been here ever since, 17 years and counting, to be precise.”
2. How has the hair & beauty industry evolved to empower women?
Within the professional hair & beauty industry, women have been at the forefront, and today, they are getting the celebration they deserve.
Wendy M:
“Years ago, most celebrity hairdressers and salon owners were men, but now, more women are leading the way as business owners and brand creators. The industry offers flexibility, allowing women to balance their careers with their personal life.”
Wendy B:
“With the rise of social media, it’s incredible to see women supporting and uplifting each other within the industry through positive engagement, encouragement, and shared successes.”
Louise:
“I feel this industry, in particular, empowers women. It encourages us to feel good about ourselves and makes us feel confident and strong!”
3. Can you share a moment where you felt empowered or proud to be a woman in the hair & beauty industry?
Each member of our team has had great accomplishments and defining moments within their career path, but it’s how we come together as a business and community to further support this.
Wendy B:
“A moment that stands out for me is actually International Women's Day 2024. I led both a model and still-life photoshoot alongside my team in which they styled & modelled in. I still feel so proud of what we achieved that day!”
Wendy M:
“In my current role, I have progressed to be a part of the leadership team, which means I can help shape the future of the business. I am so proud that Alan Howard has so many female senior managers and that half of the leadership team are women.”
Katie:
“Last year, when I received the role of national store manager for Alan Howard, it was one of the biggest and empowering achievements for myself but also as a female in our industry and company.”
Louise:
“I have felt empowered so many times working the 17 years in this industry. I think making someone feel special and good about themselves also empowers you as a woman, knowing you have made a positive impact on a person's self-confidence.”
4. What would you like to see more of in the professional hair & beauty industry to support women?
Katie:
“The continuous support and encouragement for females to embrace entrepreneurship and build their businesses. Also, even more clear pathways to progress into senior leadership roles within companies or brands in our industry.”
Wendy M:
“The high street in general and salons in particular are struggling and needing more support to survive. The decline in salons has also had a negative effect on apprenticeships, so more work needs to be done on training the future of our industry.”
Wendy B:
“I'd like to see more women showcasing their talent, whether that's online from the Instagram platform, on stage educating or leading classes and through entering competitions and awards.”
5. What’s the most rewarding part of working in the industry?
It’s thoroughly recognised that passion is what fields the industry, and all members of our team believe that the most rewarding part is how positively it can impact on other women's lives.
Wendy M:
“The most rewarding part of this industry is the impact we have on the clients. We make them feel better about themselves. Having a new 'hairdo' lifts the morale and boosts confidence. Having a beauty 'pamper' treatment creates wellness and positivity. Even just taking the me-time of a salon experience improves my mental well-being.”
Wendy B:
“The most rewarding part of working in the industry is being surrounded by so many like-minded, creative women who share the same passions.”
Katie:
“Supporting like-minded professionals to build their businesses stronger every day, celebrating our customers' successes and being a part of their journeys.”
6. For women wanting to work in the professional hair & beauty industry but not wanting to commit to being a hairdresser, what are your top tips or advice for getting into a role within your department?
For those with a desire to break into the industry, all members of the team emphasise the importance of increasing your knowledge as well as being passionate about what you do.
Wendy B:
“Experience & research! Get experience in any industry you can to learn valuable Marketing knowledge, but keep up to date with what's going on in the professional hair & beauty industry by reading trade magazines, following hair-influencers on Instagram, and regularly checking in on the NHBF website.”
Katie:
“Find your hook and explore the opportunities that come from that. For me, I’ve always loved business and IT, which is what my degree is in, and to be able to combine that with hair and beauty, it’s a win-win.”
Wendy M:
“Having a love of the industry and a willingness to learn is a must! There are so many technical aspects to be aware of and understand. You will be dealing with passionate professionals, and you need to match their expectations.”
Striving for growth and determination, we want to celebrate the women at Alan Howard for the passion they bring to the industry. From marketing to business leadership, there are countless ways women can make a positive impact. Whether you’re a salon owner, hairdresser, or someone looking to begin a career within the professional hair & beauty space, know that it is a strong female-led industry that is full of opportunities for growth and success!
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