8 minute read
FREELANCE FOCUS
FREELANCE
FOCUS
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We’ve been working on a freelancer guide that you won’t want to miss! Packed with valuable advice on everything from marketing to your tax returns and mental health, we thought we’d share a taster here, and also share some bonus insights. When you’re ready, be sure to download the guide in full for FREE at www.capitalhairandbeauty.co.uk/freelance-focus. Throughout you’ll see clickable links pointing you to even more inspiring advice and content! First up, Indola’s UK ambassador Abbey Jarrold shares exactly why she chose to become a freelance hairdresser.
WHY I WENT FREELANCE
Abbey Jarrold
During lockdown I became a freelance hairdresser and set up my own at-home salon in my garden. This is where I work as a colourist and stylist, looking after a large clientele with flexibility on the hours and days I work.
Being freelance means I’m able to look after my clients but also able to work with Indola as UK ambassador; so I get to work on photo shoots or at Fashion Week – things that I really love doing. I’ve always had a passion for hairdressing and love being able to make people feel good about themselves but I really became drawn to freelance hairdressing when I realised what a huge industry there is outside of the salon.
I was amazed that you could train, travel and develop while having such a creative and rewarding job. I’ve loved travelling the world as a freelance hairdresser and have learned so much in the process.
Setting up can be hard but my regular clients were so eager to help me; I had so many recommendations that I quickly became fully booked! I also marketed myself on Instagram and Facebook, as well as more traditional marketing, such as handing out leaflets to my neighbours and local businesses. It definitely helped that I had already built a strong and loyal relationship with my current clients. I absolutely love running my own business; it might be stressful to start with but it has all worked out so well.
Abbey’s 3 top tips on entering the freelance world:
#1 Always keep on educating yourself no matter what level you are. Keep up with training courses, and you can always learn from other hairdressers too, especially when it comes to trends and techniques.
#2 Have confidence in yourself! It’s hard going freelance but if you don’t have faith in yourself that you can do it then who will? Work hard and it will all work out.
#3 Set goals. If you don’t go immediately into freelance work, set a deadline for yourself and work hard towards that goal; build up a strong client base and don’t be afraid to go for it!
THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING FREELANCE…BY GRACE ADAMOU
@BYGRACEOLIVIA_HAIR
The best thing about freelancing is being my own boss; I get to set my own hours, choose whichever brand of products I like and decide on the services I offer. I also get to meet so many amazing clients and build some truly lovely relationships; I really appreciate my clients, and to know that this is how I earn a living is priceless.
The challenges
When I became freelance, I underestimated how hard it was to build up my business. It took a lot of time and patience and a lot of uploading on social media – it still does to this day – to grow my clientele. Along the way, I learned an incredible amount of tips from other freelancers in the industry. From offering discounted services to mini competitions, it’s all part of the journey!
The biggest challenge so far is not knowing when to shut off from work. This is my business; my clients, my stock etc, so I’m constantly making sure everything is sorted, answering messages late at night – but it’s all so that I can continue to grow my business and I wouldn’t change it for the world.
My advice
My advice would be 100 percent do it and don’t look back!
Going freelance is the best thing I have ever done in my career. Starting up on your own is of course a very daunting thing, from starting off with maybe an unreliable income and not many clients, to absolutely smashing work and loving your job; that’s how you should feel coming home after a day’s work.
What’s in our Freelancer Focus guide?
Want to become a freelance hair or beauty pro in 2022? Our new Freelancer Focus guide tells you exactly how.
With useful insights and experiences from some of our favourite freelancers, we answer so many important questions, such as:
How do I retain clients? How do I market myself? What product range do I go for? How do I manage my time? How can I budget for every cost? Where can I find resources on setting up my company? How can I make time for my mental health?
If you or someone you know wants to go freelance, be sure to send them a link to where they can download the FREE guide in full and instantly gain access to a wealth of information. Let’s make this your year!
NO LIMIT NAILS!
When it comes to nail predictions for 2022, it’s hard to, well, nail them down! That’s because in a post-pandemic culture, trends are very much led by social media and celebrity looks, as well as influential nail techs. While the catwalk will always influence what your clients are after, by staying in touch with what’s happening on Instagram and TikTok, you could open up a whole new world when it comes to inspiration. Check out just some of our current fave nail techs.
Hard as Nails
#1 Harriet Westmoreland
When you talk about influential nails, Harriet Westmoreland is the name on everyone’s lips. From celebs such as Zendaya and Rochelle Humes, Harriet has taken the nail world by storm with her super chic and simple manicures that put the focus back on healthy-looking nails and hands.
@harrietwestmoreland
When you think of Imarni Nails you’ll likely think of anything from dusky pink, ultra matte looks to graphic, glossy animal print and neon stilettoes. If there’s a new nail trend, it’s likely Imarni or one of her celebrity clients created it.
@imarninails
#2 Imarni Nails
OPI Boss Dani Bailey shares her thoughts on the blended trends of 2022.
I’ve been checking out what’s happening on the catwalks, and the top 4 trends that came through for me are:
Solar shades: think gold, bronze, amber and marigold – beautiful bright tones that make us think of sunshine and holidays! According to Pantone, 2022 will be about colours that bring us joy, and these definitely fit the bill.
Stiletto nails: expect lots of crystals and extreme shapes as clients want to be out more and more! You’ll also see stilettoes in classic red and black French manicures.
No-frill neutrals and sheers: this was a huge trend last year, when it was all about finding that perfect shade of pink and nude. With the rise of the super nail artists like Harriet Westmoreland (see our #1 nail account) , chic ‘barely there’ manis are all the rage.
Florals and bright pastels: This year’s pastels will look a little brighter, with more warm shades rather than the cool, pale ones. We’ll also see pastels being combined with bold shades giving a sense of defiance and joy.
#3 Carolina Ibrahim
When you check out @nailedbycarolina’s Instagram page it’s clear her number one obsession is colour, but in excess! So you might see a classic French manicure, but it’s going to be embellished and it’s going to feature some kind of colourful print. It’s this willingness to have fun that has had the likes of musician FKA Twigs in Carolina’s chair.
@nailedbycarolina
Salon System Nail Expert and Owner of Sketched by J-A, Julie-Anne Larivière shares why it’s so important to stay ahead when it comes to the nail industry.
Now more than ever, it’s harder to predict what new trends will make their way into the nail world as we are very much influenced by social media. A nail tech will create something and BOOM, that’s the next big thing!
This means it’s really important that anyone in the nail industry keeps a close eye on social platforms, especially Instagram, in order to stay up to date. The trends that will endure throughout 2022 include tortoiseshell, modern twists on the French manicure, stone/marble effects and mismatched nail art.
Also, negative space mixed with geometric or animal print designs and chrome finishes will be huge, as clients want to try a little bit of everything. When it comes to colours, we’ll still be seeing lots of muted nudes with pops of orange and blue.
