BHA Finalist and Project X Mentor Support, Annie Franklin, has seen her career flourish since making a mindset shift in 2020. The session stylist and salon owner has been making waves in the hair world, from working on music video sets to backstage at major fashion weeks.
The Beginnings of Annie’s Journey
Annie Franklin’s story is one of resilience and passion. Reflecting on her early days, she shared, “There have been many opportunities I’ve missed because of self-doubt. I used to hear a voice telling me I wasn’t good enough. It took a shift in mindset to realise that I had created this life for myself, and I deserved it.”
Annie’s love for hairdressing began unexpectedly. After being expelled from school, she struggled to find a job. A salon took her in, and it transformed her life. “I was like a different person in the salon,” Annie explained. Despite finding stability at the salon, her personal life was turbulent, leaving her spending time in hostels and even experiencing homelessness. However, the salon provided a much-needed lifeline and a sense of purpose.
Over time, she worked her way up and eventually opened her own salon, Prestige Hair.
Discovering New Potential
Prestige Hair has thrived for nearly 13 years, but it was the COVID-19 pandemic that pushed Annie to recognise her full potential as a business owner. “Before the pandemic, I didn’t know how to run a business properly,” she admitted. The fear of losing everything during this time was a wake-up call. Annie decided to work long hours on COVID-19 wards, which reignited her passion and drive. When she reopened her salon, it was debt-free and ready for a fresh start.
Annie has always aimed to provide a stable and growth-oriented environment for her staff. “It’s a huge financial investment,” she said, “but I think about what I’ve gained from others investing in me. It’s something I have to do.”
Expanding Horizons with Project X
Annie’s desire to grow led her to join the Fellowship for British Hairdressing’s Project X. It allowed her to return to a “student” mindset and continue learning. It was through Project X that she met her mentor, Lisa Farrall, and Annie has now become the Project X Assistant Mentor, marking a full-circle moment in her career.
With her salon expanding and her career taking her around the world, Annie attributes her success to one major change: her mindset. “Changing my perception of myself and seeing my potential has been the greatest thing I’ve done. I’m as dedicated as I was on day one, but now I’m not afraid to show it.”
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