The Learners Voice’s Podcast

Speaker 1: Before we dive into today's episode of The Learner's Voice, I want to take a moment to thank our sponsor PivotPoint. PivotPoint is the driving force worldwide behind digital learning, PivotPoint Lab and education development for the hair and beauty industry. PivotPoint proudly exhibits its responsibility as a company through ethica manufacturing and social accountability standards for producing its premium mannequins and...

🎙️ The Learner’s Voice Podcast

Episode Title: Purpose & Perseverance with Shakaia Powell

Host: Belinda Mindset

Guest: Shakaia Powell – Level 3 Beauty Learner, WorldSkills Silver Medallist

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✨ Episode Overview

In this inspiring episode of The Learner’s Voice Podcast, Belinda is joined by Shakaia Powell, a Level 3 Beauty learner from Coleg Gwent – Crosskeys Campus, who is already making waves in the industry.

With a We...

🎙️ The Learner’s Voice Podcast

Live from Leeds City College – The First Yorkshire Hair & Barbering Competition

In this special on-location episode of The Learner’s Voice, we are recording live at Leeds City College, the venue for the first-ever Yorkshire Hair and Barbering Competition, bringing seven colleges together in a powerful celebration of education, talent, and learner voice.

This landmark event creates a platf...

I had the absolute pleasure of diving into the world of hair and beauty learners at Salon International 2025, and I left feeling inspired by the passion, determination, and creativity of these amazing students. In this episode, I share my conversations with learners from across the UK, including Kali, Molly, Ruby, Sophie, Mia, Soda, Isabella, and Jess, as they candidly reflect on their journeys in hairdressing and beauty therapy.

K...

Episode Title:

“Finding Your Creative Voice — with Makeup Artist Daniela Ramos”

The Learner’s Voice – Presented by Belinda Mindset in collaboration with Concept Hair Magazine

Sponsored by Pivot Point UK

🎙️ Episode Summary

In this inspiring episode, host Belinda sits down with makeup artist and Harper College graduate Daniela Ramos, whose creative journey took her from painting with crayons as a child in Tenerife to working b...

Welcome to the Learners Voice Podcast! I’m your host, Belinda Hillman, and today I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Bobbie-Jo from Newcastle College. She’s a rising star in the hairdressing industry, and in our conversation, we explore her journey, her achievements, and the lessons she’s learning along the way.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

• Pushing yourself outside your comfort zon...

Special Guest: Jess Maundrell

In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with the incredibly talented Jess Maundrell—Concept Hair’s Overall Winner and Avant-Garde champion for 2025. At just 19 years old, Jess has already graced posters, magazine covers, and international competitions. Her journey is a true testament to what’s possible when passion, resilience, and creativity collide.

From the very beginning, Jes...

Special Guest: Morgan Brown

Welcome to Learner’s Voice! I’m your host, Belinda Hillman, and today’s episode is one that’s incredibly close to my heart. I sit down with my own apprentice, Morgan Brown, for an honest, inspiring, and emotional conversation. From sweeping floors as a Saturday girl to making the bold decision to move to Australia, Morgan’s journey is proof that with passion, grit, and mindset—anything is possible.

Morga...

In today’s episode, I sit down with the incredibly inspiring Heather Jane Wayne—an adult learner from Coleg Menai in North Wales—whose journey into hairdressing began not in a salon, but through sheer grit, self-teaching, and an unshakable desire to create something of her own.

Heather didn’t take the traditional route. Originally studying to become a teacher, she started doing hair-up styles as a side hustle while working long hou...

Guest: Rhys Hillman

In this episode, I sit down for one of the most personal and proudest interviews I’ve ever done—chatting with my son, Rhys Hillman, about his incredible journey into the barbering industry. At just 19, Rhys is already carving out a name for himself in the high-end world of men’s grooming, but his story starts long before his first fade.

We talk about the early days—those Saturday shifts in our family salon when ...

Special Guests: Milly Ockmore, Rosie Davies, and Katie Sime

In this powerful and heartwarming episode, I sit down with three incredible young women—Milly Ockmore, Rosie Davies, and Katie Sime—each a medalist from the prestigious WorldSkills competition. What starts as a conversation about styling and skills turns into a beautiful exploration of confidence, growth, and how saying “yes” to an opportunity can change your life.

Milly...

Special Guest: Lilia Grace Jones

In this episode of Learner’s Voice in collaboration with Concept Hair, I sit down with Lilia Grace Jones from Coleg Cambria, who is currently completing her Level 3 Beauty Therapy. Lilia’s passion for beauty started at a young age, and she has been inspired by professionals, clients, and her work environment.

Lilia shares her incredible experience participating in World Skills Beauty Therapy, a comp...

Special Guest:  Herb Bishop

Welcome to the Belinda Mindset podcast, The Learner's Voice! Today's episode features Herb Bishop, a 17-year-old barber from Cornwall, sharing his inspiring journey in the world of barbering. Herb's story is a testament to following passion and seizing opportunities.

Herb left his A Levels to pursue barbering, driven by his love for the craft. He shares how a chance encounter with a barber in Bristol a...

Special Guest:  Linda Bennett

In this episode of The Learner’s Voice, I sit down with Linda Bennett, a 57-year-old former mental health nurse who took a bold leap into a brand-new career in hairdressing. After retiring at 55 from a fulfilling 33-year nursing career, Linda found herself searching for her next purpose—until a simple salon visit sparked an unexpected realization.

She shares how the core skills of nursing—empathy, co...

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In this episode, I, Belinda Hillman, take you behind the scenes to share the inspiration and purpose of this podcast. As your host, I’ll be diving into the transformative power of mentorship, the importance of mindset in the hair and beauty industry, and why this podcast is here to give apprentices the tools and motivation to succeed.

Key Takeaways:

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