A push in the right direction

Maria Dowling explores why every beauty industry professional needs a mentor
I have recently taken on a young and very talented trainee colourist for the very first time. I know the fact that this is my first apprentice is unusual for the industry we are in (most hairdressers learn their trade through on the job apprenticeships) but I had always felt that I wanted to focus solely on my clients and the business. I really believed I didn’t have time for the additional work an apprentice would potentially create.

What I have learned from mentoring Yulia is that, from time to time, we all need someone to lean on, regardless of where you are in your career. Whether you’re at the top of your game or just starting out, the positive benefits of having mentor have already been proven. You’re getting priceless advice from an experienced, well respected industry professional who has gone through every problem you’re going through…and come out the other side! From a trainee therapist to a start-up salon, and right through to a seasoned industry professional keen to pass on their tried and tested know-how to those just starting out, having a mentor is good for business. Why? I’ve chosen my five top reasons right here.

1. A mentor is inspiring We’ve all been inspired by a special teacher or friend who has really believed in us. It’s the same with mentoring. If you have someone who believes fully in your ability and goals in life and is willing to help you turn those dreams into reality, then any self-doubt will quickly disappear.

2. You will be encouraged and supported all the way No-one is more empathic than somebody who has been through the same challenges as you. A positive role model who has achieved the success you want to achieve despite suffering major setbacks, can sympathise, help you learn valuable lessons and encourage you to solve the issue in a way they know will work. 

3. A mentor can help you clarify what you want You may think you want to be a colourist but after a couple of months, you realise your passion lies in cutting instead. A mentor can help you consider your options and give you a clearer image so you can make an informed career decision.

4. A mentor will open doors Often, just knowing your mentor, will give you credibility. A mentor will introduce you to people in the industry you would never have met independently and open doors that would have taken a lot longer to unlock. For example, my trainee gets to meet all existing clients, new salon clients, take part in brand training and have opportunities to work on shows, shoots and fun campaigns.

5. You’re accountable for your own actions When you’re in the gym, if you have someone nipping at your toes, telling you to work harder, you generally do. It’s the same in business. If someone you admire and respect is telling you to get something done, you’re highly likely to get it done! Being monitored by your mentor and suffering the consequences of not doing something is a sure-fire way of making sure you’re kept right on track.

A mentoring relationship isn’t something that happens immediately, it develops over time and should never be rushed. If you’re clear from the beginning on what you both want to get out of the relationship then it will benefit you both moving forward. It is without a doubt that the individual, one on one attention a good mentor can give is invaluable to anyone looking to train, upskill, change direction or simply boost their business confidence. 

Maria Dowling is creative director at mariadowling salon and has been a colourist for more than 20 years.

For more information call: +971 4 345 4225

Follow mariadowling on Instagram @mariadowlingdubai 

Maria Dowling explores why every beauty industry professional needs a mentor
I have recently taken on a young and very talented trainee colourist for the very first time. I know the fact that this is my first apprentice is unusual for the industry we are in (most hairdressers learn their trade through on the job apprenticeships) but I had always felt that I wanted to focus solely on my clients and the business. I really believed I didn’t have time for the additional work an apprentice would potentially create.

What I have learned from mentoring Yulia is that, from time to time, we all need someone to lean on, regardless of where you are in your career. Whether you’re at the top of your game or just starting out, the positive benefits of having mentor have already been proven. You’re getting priceless advice from an experienced, well respected industry professional who has gone through every problem you’re going through…and come out the other side! From a trainee therapist to a start-up salon, and right through to a seasoned industry professional keen to pass on their tried and tested know-how to those just starting out, having a mentor is good for business. Why? I’ve chosen my five top reasons right here.

1. A mentor is inspiring We’ve all been inspired by a special teacher or friend who has really believed in us. It’s the same with mentoring. If you have someone who believes fully in your ability and goals in life and is willing to help you turn those dreams into reality, then any self-doubt will quickly disappear.

2. You will be encouraged and supported all the way No-one is more empathic than somebody who has been through the same challenges as you. A positive role model who has achieved the success you want to achieve despite suffering major setbacks, can sympathise, help you learn valuable lessons and encourage you to solve the issue in a way they know will work. 

3. A mentor can help you clarify what you want You may think you want to be a colourist but after a couple of months, you realise your passion lies in cutting instead. A mentor can help you consider your options and give you a clearer image so you can make an informed career decision.

4. A mentor will open doors Often, just knowing your mentor, will give you credibility. A mentor will introduce you to people in the industry you would never have met independently and open doors that would have taken a lot longer to unlock. For example, my trainee gets to meet all existing clients, new salon clients, take part in brand training and have opportunities to work on shows, shoots and fun campaigns.

5. You’re accountable for your own actions When you’re in the gym, if you have someone nipping at your toes, telling you to work harder, you generally do. It’s the same in business. If someone you admire and respect is telling you to get something done, you’re highly likely to get it done! Being monitored by your mentor and suffering the consequences of not doing something is a sure-fire way of making sure you’re kept right on track.

A mentoring relationship isn’t something that happens immediately, it develops over time and should never be rushed. If you’re clear from the beginning on what you both want to get out of the relationship then it will benefit you both moving forward. It is without a doubt that the individual, one on one attention a good mentor can give is invaluable to anyone looking to train, upskill, change direction or simply boost their business confidence. 

Maria Dowling is creative director at mariadowling salon and has been a colourist for more than 20 years.

For more information call: +971 4 345 4225

Follow mariadowling on Instagram @mariadowlingdubai