In an industry with endless talent, it’s hard to make yourself stand out as a star that is rising. But our rising star of the edition, Hannah-Marcia Larden makes it look easy. She has built her career around authenticity. We sat down with Hannah to learn more about her story… and tell you why she is the one you need to be watching.
If you’re in the UK hair industry, you know the name Hannah-Marcia… and if you don’t, you’ve certainly seen her around. A perpetual smile, with a gentle demeanour – Hannah-Marcia has proved herself as an unexpected powerhouse in the industry, and she is just beginning.
Having grown up in a small town near Hampshire, Hannah-Marcia’s career has gone from apprentice to educator in a short number of years – proving her true dedication and talent. With constant early mornings heading cross-country for shoots, and perennially late nights at shows, she is climbing her way up to the top. But let’s skip back a few chapters to her beginning in the industry…
“From a young age, I was interested in hair – I even did part of my work experience placement in a salon. But I ended up trying out the traditional route of college before realising… it was just not the place for me. After that, I went straight into an apprenticeship, which honestly changed my perspective on a lot of things. I figured out how to interpret skills from the people around me, and make it my own. Being in that environment was truly transformative,” Hannah-Marcia told us.
Whilst Hannah’s apprenticeship gave her the launchpad she needed – she
noted that becoming a part of the Fellowship has completely changed her
career. “I remember seeing it online, seeing people doing certain
things and just kind of not having a clue how something like that could
ever be attainable. For me, it was felt like I was in one part of the
industry, working in a salon, and that was the other side of the industry,
but I think since being with the Fellowship, it opens doors for the
people that don’t have the backing from that support network. It’s opened
so many doors that younger-me never would have considered possible,”
Hannah-Marcia smiled.
The key for Hannah-Marcia’s growing success? Mentorship. Joining the Fellowship and becoming a part of Project Afro meant her path crossed with huge industry names, who have become an integral part of her successes.
“Mentorship has been at the core of my career. Without immersing myself by being mentored by some of the most respected people in the industry, within their fields, I wouldn’t be the hairdresser that I am today or who I am growing to become. I think it is actually the heartbeat of our industry, and it’s what is going to keep it evolving. It’s also incredibly important for me to surround myself with others who are excelling in their craft. If I feel like I’m around people who are 10 times better than me, that’s where I feel most comfortable – because I know that I’m going to learn.”
Whilst Hannah has found her place in the industry, solidifying her niche, she didn’t always believe that there was a place for her.
“That’s why becoming and educator and part of the creative team for Avlon is such an amazing achievement for me,” she said. “Being from where I’m from, there weren’t a lot of people who look like me, with hair like mine. I never really found a space where I felt I could 100% be me. So, when I went into hairdressing – I wanted to seek that education in curly and textured hair, because I never wanted to turn a client away, especially because of their hair type. Being able to attain that education and experience in Afro hair with Project Afro was one thing, but to now be in a position with Avlon where I can give that education back to people is a completely full circle moment for me – and I can’t thank those around me enough for helping me achieve this.”
Whilst Hannah-Marcia’s career is only going up, we asked her what her best piece of advice was for young hairdressers who are just starting out…
“There are no limitations to what can be achieved in this industry. But don’t feel pressured to do anything – work at your own pace and do the things that make you feel good – only good things can come from that formula. Grab every opportunity that comes to you with both hands, absorb as much information as you can, surround yourself with people that inspire you and get comfortable with being uncomfortable, because that is the best way to grow.
“As humans, we’re constantly evolving and I know in my life – personally and creatively – I always try to reflect on how much things have changed for the better, because I’m always actively looking for that new chapter. I think the beauty of hair is that we’ve got so much freedom to express who we are in that moment. That’s why I love this industry.”