Hannah’s Passion for Hairdressing Shines Through
“I just couldn’t let go of hairdressing; I love it too much.”
These are the words of Hannah Shaw Wootton, who, since leaving Stoke on Trent College has set up her own mobile hairdressing venture. While this wasn’t always the plan for Hannah, she is thriving on independence and looking to actively expand her business.
“I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. I had the choice of paying for a driving instructor course or setting up my own business as a hairdresser. I decided to offer competitive prices and go for it, and now offer the cheapest, value for money cuts in Stoke-on-Trent,” Hannah explained.
Hannah had a passion for hairdressing from a young age, and after having children she decided it was time to reignite her ambition to get into the industry.
Although nervous before she applied, Hannah took the plunge and enrolled on a part-time Level 1 Hairdressing course and went from strength to strength, completing both the Level 2 and 3 qualifications.
“At Level 3 I was the only adult on the course, and being surrounded by 16–19-year-olds was interesting because of our different maturity levels. The other students were really sweet though, we had some good chats and they now follow my business,” Hannah explained.
Hannah spoke about the benefits of taking on Level 3, as this boosted her confidence and application in some areas.
“Something just clicked on Level 3, and I just knew what I needed to do. A lot of it was confidence, and doing the extra year helped give me the boost I needed,” she said.
Continuing on the theme of confidence, Hannah entered the World Skills competition while studying at Level 2, getting through the Regional Heats. In her final year at Level 3, she entered once again, reaching the Regional Heats for the second time and decided to try something out of her comfort zone.
“The first time entering World Skills was terrifying but as a competitive person, it allowed me to be creative and try new updo’s and cuts. When the opportunity came around the second time, I went out of my comfort zone and cut a mullet, which at that stage we hadn’t been taught about. After watching some tutorials with my tutor and practicing on the doll, I decided to try this for World Skills,” Hannah said.
Looking back at her time at Stoke on Trent College, Hannah highlighted the learning and discovering new techniques on her hairdressing journey, as the practices she takes forward today in her business.
“Being at college I was able to learn hairdressing the correct way. I also found out about bleaching and colour theory, which fascinated me. The Level 3 course gave me the confidence boost I needed,” she said.
Hannah’s mobile hairdressing unit Hair by Hannah is now thriving, with the business starting wedding bookings in Spring 2025.
“I’ve got 10 weddings booked this year; a couple of weddings booked for next year. Bridal work and updo’s is where my work really speaks for itself. I have my first wedding in April 2025, so it’s exciting. It’s the most important day of someone’s life, but I’m confident in my abilities.”
Hannah is also giving back to the college too, by offering current Hairdressing students the opportunity of work experience at some of the weddings; giving them beneficial real-workplace experience.
“For some of these weddings, I have offered students to come and work with me. I could do with the help and it gives them relevant experience that will help them in their careers,” she said.
Long-term Hannah wants to run her own salon with employees and potentially explore becoming a hairdressing tutor herself.
Did you study at Stoke on Trent College? Share your journey and join the Made at Stoke on Trent College Alumni network here.
