Tracey Hughes

What country are you from? England

Where do you reside: Australia

Title of what you do and/or what company. Tracey Hughes Education

Education background (school, salons, self-taught)?

I was exceptionally fortunate to undertake an apprenticeship after leaving school. My apprenticeship was three years within a brilliant company and I believe this training was outstanding which certainly set me up for success in the future having such solid classical training. 

What is your signature style/artistic expression in your work?

I find inspiration from lots of different avenues. I am very self-inspired, as I love to challenge my personal limits. Hair inspires me. Perfection inspires me. Knowledge inspires me. People inspire me. I believe my signature style is classic with an edge. Artistically, I like to be creative particularly with color placement complimenting shape. However, I think beauty means being wearable so I never push creativity too far that it is not suitable. It’s a fine balance keeping simplicity aligned with uniqueness.

Hairdressing trends shift and change with each season’s fashion trend, yet classic techniques will never go out of style and are crucial to achieving solid foundations and future trends within the industry. The key to staying fresh is to reinvent yourself and not be afraid to experiment with different ideas, approaches, and methods to be expressive in your work.

What is the first creative project that you remember?

After I had just completed my apprenticeship I participated in a seminar and did my first presentation. It was at that moment that I quickly realized that I was naturally pretty confident at public speaking. However, I understood that it takes gaining experience first, to be able to then share the knowledge you’ve learned with others. This is when my passion for education first became evident. 

Since then my journey has been incredible and I’ve humbly had the privilege to train over 500,000 Salon Professionals worldwide. I still remember that first presentation as it marked the start of many more creative projects to follow and the opportunity to grow into a keynote speaker. 

What is the most fulfilling job you’ve worked on or a person you have worked with?

Being in key leadership roles I have had many incredibly fulfilling moments. My philosophy is based on continuous education and personal development. To be honest, the most successful moments have usually not been about myself at all. 

The most fulfilling jobs have usually been when someone I have mentored has achieved an unforgettable moment that I have had the privilege to be part of. 

Do you have a career turning point, big break, or person that has helped your career? 

Every new experience can be considered a career highlight or a success, as it provides a new opportunity to grow and learn. Awards recognition certainly boosted my career, along with media coverage, and I guess the early recognition I received was a big turning point in gaining exposure which created opportunities for me to travel extensively and evolve my career further. 

What was the scariest and proudest moment in your career?

Launching Leading Ladies was best my proudest moment and yet a tad scary. The Leading Ladies made history when they took the stage together for the very first time addressing, head-on, the issues facing women in the beauty industry today. The audiences at all the Leading Ladies events have witnessed a raw, emotional, honest, and heartfelt look into life on the road and in the limelight as the ladies shared their inspirational stories. 

I took a risk by creating Leading Ladies as I had no idea if the concept would be embraced. However, it was an instant success so that fear quickly dispersed into pride. The biggest objective of Leading Ladies is to inspire others to believe in themselves and their dreams to follow their own journey courageously. The first Leading Ladies event was extremely memorable and I’m grateful to all the incredible women who contributed to supporting the industry through this not-for-profit endeavor. 

What is next for your career goals?

I want to strategize how to support the industry further. I’m blessed to have had such a rewarding career and my goal is to always constantly keep giving back. I am working on a new creative project co-producing a movie. I want to keep being creative and shooting campaigns and inspirational content. I thrive on developing business and embracing new challenges so while I do set goals I remain open-minded to turning any unexpected corner and new opportunities that may present themselves. 

Success to me is simply happiness. Whatever makes you happy, where you feel you are making a difference in your life, and in the lives of others, then that’s success to me and ticks all my goals. 

What advice would you give to someone starting out in your business? 

I believe anyone can learn any skill and have any career they choose. The choice is ours to make and the most predominant aspect that can hold back a decision is usually fear. A great hairdresser needs strong technical skills as its imperative to learn solid fundamental skills first. Then develop comprehensive knowledge and brilliant communication skills. Combining this with a robust work ethic, passion, and a business focus anyone can start a successful business. 

Here are my 5 tips: 

1. Commit to ongoing education. Don’t walk away from an apprenticeship or beauty school thinking you are ready to be successful. Keep developing your skills. 
2. Put your clients first and learn to listen. You are in the service industry so be willing to serve. Make your conversations about your clients, not yourself. 
3. Build your brand, create your niche, and market your expertise. Find your point of difference, and your brand image, and keep marketing to engage your community. 
4. Learn the financial side of your business. Understanding your numbers will ensure you know what the areas are to keep improving on to help you earn more.
5. Find a mentor. Learn from them. Then become a mentor and give back. 

Instagram: @traceyhughesedu

Website: www.traceyhughes.com.au