At Heart of England Training, we are proud to celebrate employers whose stories highlight the long‑term power of apprenticeships. One such inspiring journey is that of Isabelle Marsden, owner of IM Hair, whose career began as a hairdressing apprentice and has grown into successful salon ownership.
Her story is a powerful example of how hairdressing apprenticeships can open doors, build confidence and support sustainable business growth within the industry.
Discovering a Passion for Hairdressing
Isabelle’s love for hairdressing started early. “I began my apprenticeship at just 15 years old back in 2011,” she explains. “Even then, I knew this was the path I wanted to take.”
But her introduction to the industry came even earlier. Two years before starting her apprenticeship, Isabelle was already working in a salon as a Saturday girl, washing hair and learning the basics. “That experience gave me my first real insight into the industry and confirmed that this was exactly what I wanted to do,” she says.
This early exposure, combined with structured training through an apprenticeship, allowed Isabelle to develop both practical skills and professional confidence from a young age.
Building Skills Through Apprenticeships
Hairdressing apprenticeships provide a unique blend of hands‑on experience and formal learning, and Isabelle fully embraced this opportunity. The combination helped her understand the realities of salon life while gaining recognised qualifications to support her long‑term career.
At Heart of England Training, we see apprenticeships as more than just training programmes — they are foundations for future employers, leaders and innovators within the industry.
Taking the Leap into Self Employment
After qualifying, Isabelle took a bold step and became self‑employed. Starting from the ground up, she worked in clients’ homes, washing hair over baths and doing whatever she could to build her business. “It wasn’t always easy, but it built resilience and gave me real, hands‑on experience that you can’t learn anywhere else,” she reflects.
This period of determination and adaptability shaped Isabelle’s professional mindset and strengthened her passion for the industry.
Creating IM Hair: From Home Salon to Business Owner
As her client base grew, Isabelle created a dedicated salon space at home, allowing her business to develop steadily. Over time, her commitment and experience paid off.
Fast forward fifteen years since starting her apprenticeship, Isabelle has reached a huge milestone — opening her own salon, IM Hair. What began as a teenage apprenticeship has grown into a thriving business built on skill, experience and perseverance.
Becoming an Employer and Supporting Apprentices
Now a salon owner, Isabelle is proud to be giving back to the industry by employing her own apprentice. “Taking on an apprentice feels like coming full circle,” she says. “I’m proud to be growing a team around me.”
Alongside her apprentice, Isabelle also works with other skilled professionals within the salon, allowing IM Hair to expand its services and support more clients. This growth highlights the value of apprenticeships not just for individuals, but for employers building sustainable businesses.
Heart of England Training is proud to support employers like Isabelle, helping salons grow through high‑quality hairdressing apprenticeships.
Looking Ahead to the Future
Isabelle’s ambitions continue to evolve. She plans to expand her team further, develop the salon and explore the spiritual and holistic side of the hair industry. “I’m especially interested in bringing Japanese techniques and influences into my work,” she shares, “combining skill, experience and a deeper, more holistic approach.”
A Journey Built from the Ground Up
Isabelle Marsden’s journey from apprentice to salon owner is a powerful celebration of what’s possible with passion, resilience and the right training support. At Heart of England Training, we are proud to partner with employers and apprentices at every stage of their journey.
Whether you’re considering a career in hairdressing or looking to grow your salon through apprenticeships, Isabelle’s story shows that this journey is only just getting started.
👉 To find out more about hairdressing apprenticeships, visit www.hoet.co.uk
