Being “Different” in an Industry That Lost Its Way

In this episode of License & Unsupervised, we continue the conversation about being older in the room — and what that really means in today’s culture.

We talk about pop culture gaps between generations, how apprentices seem to know everything, and how quickly things change when you’re not paying attention.

But this episode goes deeper.

We revisit the foundations of the industry — Vidal Sassoon, Paul Mitchell, the tradition of wearing black — and contrast that with today’s world of dopamine dressing and self-expression.

We also talk honestly about:

• Perimenopause and how it affects not just us, but the people around us
• The emotional weight we carry as hairstylists
• How clients often cry in our chairs simply because they feel safe
• Why our salon has become a place where people can be themselves
• Whether we’re “alternative” — or just different
• How the industry shifted after COVID
• Why some stylists left, and why others stayed
• The importance of consent when sharing client images
• How we help people reconnect with their confidence and power

We also reflect on the past — London Calling salon, the Real Big HairBall — and how those experiences shaped who we are today.

This episode is about identity, impact, and remembering what really matters in this industry.

Licensed? Yes. Different? Definitely. Still here? Always.