Why I Do What I Do: A Journey in Hair, Confidence and Connection.

Hello, my lovelies

It’s me, Noelle Stewart, and today I wanted to pause for a moment and reflect on a journey that has shaped not just my career, but my life.

For over 25 years, hairdressing has been my passion, my purpose and my constant. It has brought me joy, laughter, growth and most importantly, the most incredible people. This industry has given me far more than a job. It has given me a community, friendships, and a sense of fulfilment I’m deeply grateful for.

Where it all began

My journey started in an Afro salon called Arlettes in Harlesden, where I worked as a junior and quickly found my feet. It was there that my love for hair truly began to grow. I became fascinated not just by styling, but by how powerful hair can be in the way someone feels about themselves.

After qualifying with my NVQ Level 1 and 2 in Hairdressing from Alan D Hairdressing School, I knew I wanted to challenge myself further. I had my heart set on Toni & Guy, drawn to the brand's precision, creativity and high standards.

Learning, growing and taking chances

I secured a role at Toni & Guy Brent Cross, completed my training, and quickly progressed. I moved from Stylist to Style Director / Manager, learning so much along the way about leadership, discipline and believing in my own ability.

From there, I took a leap of faith to help a dear friend open her very own salon, Angels in Burnt Oak. It was exciting, intense, and incredibly rewarding. I will always be thankful to Janet Joshua for trusting me and giving me such a special experience.

My journey continued between Toni & Guy St Albans and Watford, with each salon playing a role in shaping the hairdresser and person I was becoming.

Saying yes to the unknown

I was later headhunted by HOB Salons and offered an Assistant Manager position in Northwood. I had never worked for another company before, but I love a challenge and felt ready to step into something new.

Six months later, I was offered a role that was completely outside my comfort zone. I was asked to manage HOB MAN at Brent Cross, a male grooming salon. At the time, I wasn’t confident with clippers, didn’t really understand skin fades and had never managed a salon full of men. But for some reason, they believed I was right for it.

It turned out to be one of the most rewarding, motivating, and enjoyable experiences of my career. I built a strong, supportive team filled with laughter, hard work, and genuine care for one another. I’ll always be proud of what we created together.

Finding balance and trusting myself

Once the team was established and I felt I had reached a personal turning point, I knew I needed a better balance in my life. I transferred to HOB Stanmore, where I spent seven years growing both professionally and personally.

After navigating some personal challenges and coming out stronger, I finally felt ready to take a leap that had been quietly calling me for a long time.

Today, I’m proud to be running my own freelance business at THE LHB Salon, and it truly feels like coming home to myself.

Why I love what I do

Hairdressing has never just been about hair for me.

It’s about trust, connection, and energy. It’s about making someone feel confident, happy and seen. There’s something incredibly special about watching a client look in the mirror and walk away feeling lighter and more themselves.

When your hair feels good, it really does change how you carry yourself.

Over the years, I’ve shared so many moments with my clients. We’ve laughed, cried, supported each other and celebrated life together. Many of you have become genuine friends, and I never take that for granted.

A space filled with love

One of the things I value most is the diversity of my clients. Different ages, cultures, backgrounds, and stories, all coming together in one space. Hair is universal, and the love and trust shared in the salon goes far beyond styling.

Thank you for trusting me with something so personal. Thank you for supporting my journey and allowing me to grow into the hairdresser I am today.

A new chapter

It’s been just over a month since I stepped fully into my freelance journey, and I can honestly say it has been a blessing in ways I never expected.

Whether you’ve been with me from the very beginning or you’re someone I’ve yet to meet, thank you. Supporting my business means more to me than I can ever put into words.

Here’s to many more years of laughter, connection, friendship, and beautiful hair.

With so much love,

Noelle Stewart x