At Headmasters, hairdressing isn’t just a career—it’s a shared passion that brings families closer together. This Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating the incredible bond between mothers and daughters who have turned their love for hair into a lifelong journey. From childhood memories spent in the salon to working side by side as stylists, managers, and franchise owners, these inspiring duos have built both careers and connections within the Headmasters family. Their stories highlight the dedication, mentorship, and mutual respect that make working together so special.
Mia & Emily Barraball – A Salon Legacy
Emily is a Franchise Partner at Headmasters Walton-upon-Thames. Mia is a Designer Senior Technician.
Can you tell us about your role at Headmasters and how long you’ve been with the company?
Mia: I am currently a Master Hair Designer at Headmasters Walton. I’ve been with the company for eight years now. I started by working Sundays as an assistant while still in school, helping my mum, and I grew to love watching what other stylists were doing.
Emily: I’ve been with Headmasters for 29 years, starting at the Weybridge salon as a Saturday girl. I am currently the franchise owner at the Walton branch, which I’ve had for 18 years. Before that, I was a manager at Wimbledon Village and worked at the Kingston salon.
What inspired you to pursue a career in hairdressing and join Headmasters?
Mia: Initially, I didn’t want to follow in my mum’s footsteps. However, after working with her and other stylists, I realized how exciting it was to help and talk to people while creating the hair they wanted. Watching my mum build her salon and loyal clientele inspired me. I saw how hard she worked, and I wanted to follow in her footsteps, but in my way.
Emily: After working part-time as an assistant in Weybridge, I grew to enjoy the salon environment and the creative side of hairdressing. I was offered an apprenticeship, and that’s where my journey began.
How did your child decide to join Headmasters? Was it something you encouraged?
Mia: My mum encouraged me when she knew I wanted to pursue this career. She explained the opportunities that come with a hairdressing qualification and the doors it could open for me.
How does it feel to share the same workplace with your child?
Emily: It can have its challenges, especially when trying to keep home life separate from work. But over time, we’ve learned to balance it well. It’s lovely to see Mia grow and mature into a confident person and a talented stylist.
Mia: It was harder when I was younger because I wasn’t as committed as I am now. But I love working with my mum today. We even share some clients, and I think it’s nice for them to see us working together. Now that I don’t live at home as much, it’s great to see my mum at work. We now share some clients—if they can’t get an appointment with my mum, they trust me to do their hair, and I always make sure to provide the same level of service. Clients love the fact that they know us both. I’ve also assisted my mum at events and watched her train others, which has been a great learning experience.
Jade Hickey & Lena Samuels – Managing Success Together
Jade Hickey is the Salon Manager at Headmasters Wandsworth. Lena Samuels is a Team Designer.
Jade: I am currently the Salon Manager at Headmasters Wandsworth. I have been with Headmasters for over a decade, growing from a young stylist to managing my salon. It’s been an incredible journey, and having my mum, Lena, as part of this experience has been amazing.
Lena: I started in the industry many years ago and always had a passion for hairdressing. Watching Jade find her path and take on leadership within Headmasters makes me incredibly proud.
What inspired you to pursue a career in hairdressing and join Headmasters?
Jade: Since I was a little girl, I watched my mum transform clients and make them feel amazing. I always dreamed of doing the same. We previously worked together in a private salon for three years, but I wanted a more structured education and career growth, which led me to join Headmasters.
Lena: My love for hairdressing started when my mother took me to the salon every Saturday. I fell in love with the environment and eventually became a Saturday girl, which led to my full-time career. I initially doubted myself and thought I wasn’t good enough for Headmasters, but Jade encouraged me, and it turned out to be the best career decision I ever made.
Charlotte & Emily Hayward – A Family Passion
Charlotte is the HR Manager and has worked for Headmasters for 23 years. Emily Hayward joined Headmasters as a Recruitment Assistant.
Has working in the same company brought you closer or allowed you to share unique experiences?
Charlotte: It has changed our dynamic and brought us closer. I think Emily now realizes just how much work I do! Sharing the Headmasters Awards was a special moment—it felt nostalgic seeing her at her first awards event.
Emily: We have always been close, but it was lovely to experience the awards with my mum and meet her colleagues. It made me appreciate her work even more.
What values or lessons did you pass on to your child about working in this industry?
Charlotte: To be open-minded and prepared to talk to people. Respect others and understand that making mistakes is okay if you take responsibility for them.
Have you had the opportunity to work on projects, clients, or events together?
Charlotte: Yes! We work quite closely because recruitment and HR go hand in hand. However, it can be challenging to set boundaries. At home, I’m her mum, but at work, I’m not her manager—I must let her grow and learn on her own.
Emily: Sometimes I ask my mum for help with phone calls, but we are in different departments. The awards night was a great experience. I met so many people my mum has known for years, and it showed me how deep her impact has been at Headmasters.
Can you share a favourite or memorable moment while working together?
Charlotte: Emily’s first awards event was surreal. It was amazing to attend together and see her officially part of the Headmasters family.
Emily: For me, it was the awards as well—it was such a special experience.
What advice would you give to other parents whose children are considering joining their career paths?
Charlotte: Let them make mistakes—it won’t reflect on you. Support them so they learn and grow. Many people think working with family is easier, but in reality, our expectations of them are higher. Enjoy the experience and appreciate how special it is to see them grow professionally.
Emily: Sometimes parents forget they aren’t parents at work. But over time, you learn to balance the professional and personal relationship. It takes time, but eventually, you find the right dynamic.
Looking for a Mother’s Day gift idea to celebrate the mother figure in your life?
Treat her to a little luxury with a Headmasters gift card—the perfect way to say thank you.
