Leaf Studios introduces the Talent Incubator – a new blueprint that gives independent stylists the freedom and flexibility of being self-employed with wrap-around support designed to accelerate their careers, and open the door to exciting new opportunities!
Leaf Studios invests in careers with a new concept that reimagines what it means to be freelance. The Leaf Studios Talent Incubator invites independent stylists to join an eco-system that surrounds them with benefits that usually only come from being part of an established salon brand…and a lot more besides!
This new and innovative model nurtures and develops the talents of independent stylists by giving them access to a wide range of benefits including:
- Education and courses to develop their hairdressing skills and learn from some of the industry’s top hairdressers, educators and professional brands
- Marketing and content creation support to build their confidence and expertise for social media and marketing campaigns
- Business development training to grow their personal brand and achieve greater commercial success • Participation in collaborations with Leaf Ambassadors, and its brand campaigns, to raise their profile and expand their professional network across the Leaf community and hairdressing industry
- Access to the Leaf Scissors and Leaf Studios audience to showcase their work and attract new clients
- Being part of the Leaf Scissors and Leaf Studios team who genuinely want to help them grow and succeed, while serving their clients in a positive, calm and relaxed environment
The story behind Leaf Studios
Co-created by founder of Leaf Scissors, Steve McManus and his wife Jane, Leaf Studios is the culmination of everything they have learned from over 50 years of combined experience in hairdressing. After starting their careers together at TONI&GUY, Steve and Jane became the best of friends before going on to marry and start a family. They now have three teenage children.
Following his career as a hairdresser, educator and salon co-owner with Jane, Steve launched Leaf Scissors in 2019. Leaf has grown to become the UK’s leading and the world most sustainable professional scissors and tools brand. As Jane continued her hairdressing career, achieving a L’Oréal Colour Degree, the couple set about creating a place that embodied everything they believe today’s hairdressers need to thrive and succeed as their careers develop.
Steve comments: “Leaf Studios is the result of everything we’ve learned in over 50 years of combined experience in hairdressing. Together we’ve created a place that we believe stylists need – a calm, inspiring environment where clients feel looked after, and where independent stylists can genuinely grow, develop and build successful businesses without losing the freedom that freelancing gives them.”
As the most personal project they’ve ever embarked on together, Jane adds: “The industry has changed a lot since we started our careers. As a result, we wanted to create an environment that’s much more aligned to giving stylists the support, facilities and expertise they need to grow and succeed in the industry as it is today. Leaf Studios gives independent stylists access to a recognised brand leader in Leaf Scissors and our community of 28,000 users. It also gives them access to our ambassadors along with marketing, education, content creation and commercial opportunities. This really differentiates Leaf Studios and creates a new blueprint for how we believe stylists should be nurtured and developed.”
Leaf and Leaf Studios – a new creative hub that’s reshaping the future of Leaf and independent stylists
As a hub of creativity, inspiration and positive connection, Leaf Studios and Leaf Scissors are based at Leaf’s new HQ in Effingham, Surrey. “Our new HQ brings every element of Leaf together”, says Steve. “It’s where we develop the Leaf Scissors brand and invite our partners and ambassadors for collaborations and shared activities. Leaf Studios lies at the heart of this, as the team will help inform our brand direction. As a creative space with working stylists, we can test and develop new products and tools before taking them to market. This real life experience is another unique feature of how stylists will shape the future of Leaf by playing an active role in how our brand evolves.”
As Leaf Studios welcomes new stylists to its Talent Incubator, aspiring or experienced stylists are invited to apply to be part of this unique model. Steve concludes: “Leaf Studios represents a transformation of how independent stylists can develop their talents and maximise their business potential. We look forward to hearing from stylists and building success together.”