Natasha Pearson, owner of Pearson Clarke Hairdressing and talented editorial stylist, is a great example of how drive and passion can lead to success. She stumbled upon the hair industry on accident and created a career for herself after realizing her passion. Read more about Pearson Clarke Hairdressing and Natasha’s success story in our interview!

BANGSTYLE: Can you give us some background on your career?

Natasha: I began my career in this industry purely by chance 20 years ago. When I left school I wanted to work in the city doing business and finance, so I went to college and began studying. Whilst doing this course, we did a section on good grooming, power dressing, etc., and it was the 90s so big shoulders were a must. While I was doing this that hair and make up captured my attention, so I made a life decision to change direction. Initially, I wanted to be a makeup artist, but as soon as I started touching hair it became an obsession.

I started as most people do by going to college full time, which was great but only gave me a basic knowledge. So once I left, I began doing every course I could to gain knowledge and experience (L’oreal, Nicky Clark, Guy Kremer, Jingles International were just a few). My first job was in a small salon with a tyrant for a boss, but if I could tell her now how grateful I am for her discipline and support, I would. Even her clients were scared of her and for the first couple of months, I cried most days, but she instilled some long lasting values in me that have made me the stylist I am now.

BANGSTYLE: How did you get your start in the hair industry and how did you know you wanted to make a career out of it?

Natasha: I knew from early on that I didn’t just want to be a hairdresser, I needed to have an outlet for my creativity, so I constantly pushed my boundaries to see how far I could go, and still am. I also wanted to have my own business, having come from a family who sadly experienced bankruptcy, and an education that described me as ditzy, I had something to prove.

BANGSTYLE: What inspired you to open your own salon, Pearson Clarke Hairdressing?

Natasha: After 10 years of working my way up to a manageress of a salon, and taking a career break to have my gorgeous son, I decided that now was the time to start my own salon. Not just any salon, but I wanted to create a brand and make my mark. Coming from a seaside town, I was determined that even though my salon wasn’t in London, it was going to have a feel of the city to it and be noticed.

So, for the first 5 years, my team and I worked hard at making the business work. I then added a second salon to the plan which was great, but quickly realizing that I had achieved success with the salons I needed something more for myself. I sold the second salon in order to concentrate on one and be able to throw myself more towards the industry, literally. Being involved with the fellowship for British hairdressing, working on a programme called Project x, I got to have my first experience onstage. This was a revelation to me! I loved it!

BANGSTYLE: What kind of client experience do you like to provide at Pearson Clarke Hairdressing?

Natasha: I’m proud to say my salon, Pearson Clark hairdressing, offers our clients amazing customer care, advice and expert skills. Our aim is to make everyone feel welcome and leave feeling like a million dollars. All my stylists have specialist areas, but I believe that to have that real personal service we need to be capable of doing all aspects of the job. I train my staff to have a wide range of skills and to push themselves beyond what they think they are capable of. Learn the rules, then you can break the rules!

BANGSTYLE: Do you specialize in a certain style or look?

Natasha: Describing my own specialist skills, I would always say I love working on editorial styles, cut and colour, as these are where I get to be more creative. Essentially, I would describe myself as “the everyday stylist.” I run a column 4 days a week, run the salon with the help of my manager and team, and also make time for my family and friends.

I’ve learned to juggle lots of balls because it’s what I have a passion for. I currently work with L’Oreal as an ID artist, regularly do photo shoots, catwalk shows, education seminars and am loving every minute of it.

BANGSTYLE: Who or what inspires the looks you create?

Natasha: I find inspiration every single day and sometimes in the middle of night. Ideas come to me for shoots all the time so I’m very lucky that my good friend and amazing talent, Becky Long, is an extremely artistic photographer. We often work together and bounce of each other really well.

BANGSTYLE: What are some of your career highlights?

Natasha: I’ve had many highlights so far! Working at salon international on stage, presenting at members nights for the fellowship, fashion shows, photoshoots, magazine work, seminars, presenting on stage for L’Oreal, and I’ve worked with some amazing stylists along the way… the list goes on!

BANGSTYLE: Any future plans or goals for your career?

Natasha: After 20 years in this industry I count myself very lucky for the experiences I’ve had. It takes a lot of hard work and determination to achieve any goal you set for yourself. I still feel a hunger to learn and always will and I’m still nowhere near to my end goal, but I will continue to work hard and believe that I can achieve anything!

BANGSTYLE: Any at-home hair tips for our readers?

Natasha: My tips for clients would be to ask for advice, trust your stylist and never be afraid to tell your stylist if you are not happy. We want to make you happy, but we can’t read minds!

To all you aspiring stylists out there: work hard, set your goals and very simply, go for it! Anything is possible!

Check out Natasha Pearson on Bangstyle and be sure to “Stalk” her to stay updated on all her great uploads!