Jo Hansford’s journey into beauty began with a passion for make-up artistry

Jo Hansford’s journey from aspiring make-up artist to successful salon owner highlights her resilience, passion, and ability to overcome industry challenges while maintaining timeless style and strong client relationships.

Jo Hansford’s journey into the world of beauty began with a dream to become a make-up artist. At just 15, she won a coveted apprenticeship with the BBC. However, the program was designed for those aged 19 and above. Undeterred, Jo was advised to start with hairdressing, a skill that would later complement her make-up artistry. She began her career as a junior in a Mayfair salon, far from her home in Greenford, London. Despite her initial lack of flair for styling, a move to the salon’s color room ignited her passion and set her on a path to success.

Breaking Barriers as a Female Entrepreneur

Opening her salon nearly 30 years ago, Jo faced significant challenges in a male-dominated industry. With few female hairdressers at the time, earning respect was difficult. Many doubted her longevity, predicting her business would last only three months. To prove her worth, Jo focused on attracting celebrity clients and gaining press attention. Unlike her male counterparts, she couldn’t rely on charm alone and had to demonstrate her capabilities through hard work. Building a trustworthy team was also crucial, as she needed to lead without ego and ensure mutual success.

Jo Hansford is a pioneering beauty specialist whose dedication, resilience, and timeless style have made her a respected industry leader.

The Joy of Being a Beauty Specialist

For Jo, no two days are the same. Now working three days a week with her regular clients, she continues to find joy in coloring hair and collaborating with her team. Her passion for her work is evident, and she thrives on the dynamic nature of her role.

Keys to Success in the Beauty Industry

Confidence, self-belief, and resilience are essential traits for success in the beauty industry, according to Jo. Building a client base requires reliability and a strong work ethic—Jo herself has rarely taken a sick day. A business acumen is also vital, as many salons fail due to poor financial planning. For those lacking business skills, having a trusted partner to manage that aspect is crucial.

Staying Strong and Healthy

Jo maintains her well-being through daily walks and an active lifestyle. Her healthy diet, devoid of a sweet tooth or junk food cravings, keeps her energized. She credits red wine and broccoli as her staples for staying strong both mentally and physically.

Advice for Aspiring Beauty Professionals

Jo’s advice for newcomers to the industry is to have self-belief, passion, and a strong network. Hard work and good connections are key to breaking into and succeeding in the beauty world.

Timeless Style Over Trends

While Jo’s salon isn’t known for following trends, it prides itself on delivering timeless, elegant looks akin to a classic little black dress. With 80% of her clients being regulars, Jo focuses on creating beautiful, wearable styles that meet her clients’ expectations. Though she stays informed through social media and industry publications, Jo believes in offering bespoke looks tailored to each client rather than chasing fleeting trends.

Jo Hansford’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and pioneering spirit. Her journey from a young apprentice to a respected beauty specialist and entrepreneur serves as an inspiration to many in the industry.

EDITOR’S HIGHLIGHTS