For Mia Barney, barbering was more than just a career choice. It was a passion that started at a young age and developed into a profession through dedication, practical experience and the support of Heart of England Training (HOET).
Now working at Smith’s Barbers in Northampton and building a growing client base, Mia recently completed her Level 2 Barbering Apprenticeship and is looking forward to the next stage of her career as a self-employed barber.
Discovering a Passion for Barbering
Mia’s interest in barbering began long before she started her apprenticeship.
“I have always enjoyed experimenting with my own hair from a young age and had many different styles and cuts growing up.”
Her passion for creativity and hair styling helped her realise that barbering was the perfect career path, giving her the opportunity to turn a personal interest into a profession.
Before committing to training, Mia spent a year working in a barbershop to ensure the industry was the right fit for her. The experience confirmed that barbering was exactly what she wanted to do.
Choosing the Level 2 Barbering Apprenticeship
Knowing she wanted to specialise in men’s hair and develop the skills needed to become a professional barber, Mia chose the Level 2 Barbering Apprenticeship.
The apprenticeship allowed her to combine practical learning with real-world experience, helping her build confidence while working with clients in a professional environment.
Throughout her training, Mia particularly enjoyed learning new cutting techniques and creating different styles.
“I particularly enjoyed learning how to create new styles and developing my cutting skills. I also really enjoyed meeting clients from different backgrounds and being able to make people feel good and more confident about themselves.”
Building Confidence Through Practical Experience
One of the biggest advantages of Mia’s apprenticeship was the opportunity to learn within her workplace.
Based at Smith’s Barbers throughout her training, she was able to apply her learning immediately with real clients, helping her strengthen both her technical abilities and communication skills.
Mia credits the support she received from HOET and her tutor as a key factor in her success.
“Having my tutor visit my barbershop every two weeks really reduced a lot of the pressure I felt about completing the course. It made the training environment feel relaxed and comfortable.”
Being able to complete much of her training in a familiar environment meant she could gain confidence quickly while continuing to grow her client base.
Developing Advanced Barbering Skills
During her apprenticeship, Mia mastered a range of barbering techniques, with fading and hair design work becoming particular strengths.
“I am most proud of mastering fading techniques and creating hair patterns and designs. These were skills that took a lot of practice and patience.”
Tracking her development throughout the programme also helped her recognise how far she had come.
Sharing photographs of her work and receiving positive feedback from clients and fellow barbers gave her additional motivation to keep improving.
As her skills developed, so did her confidence.
“I noticed a big change in my confidence when I started getting more clients and became quicker at completing haircuts.”
More Than Just Technical Skills
The apprenticeship helped Mia develop far more than barbering techniques.
Through working with a wide variety of clients, she learned the importance of building relationships, developing communication skills and understanding different perspectives.
These experiences have prepared her for a long-term career in the industry and helped her gain a greater understanding of how barbering can positively impact clients’ confidence and wellbeing.
When reflecting on her journey, Mia believes the apprenticeship has transformed her both professionally and personally.
“When I first started the course, I was extremely shy and lacked confidence. As I progressed through the course, I became much more confident, not only in my barbering ability but also as a person.”
She added:
“I now genuinely love what I do and feel that I have found an industry that suits me.”
Looking Ahead
Having successfully completed her Level 2 Barbering Apprenticeship, Mia is now renting a chair at Smith’s Barbers and continuing to grow her client base.
She has already noticed an increase in customers and feels that becoming fully qualified has given clients even more confidence in her abilities.
With ambitions to continue developing her reputation as a barber and eventually establish herself as a successful self-employed professional, Mia is excited about what the future holds.
Mia's Advice to Future Apprentices
For anyone considering a career in barbering, Mia highly recommends completing their training with Heart of England Training.
“Everyone is friendly and genuinely seems to care about helping you complete the course and succeed. Whenever I needed help or support, there was always someone available to assist me.”
Start Your Barbering Career with HOET
Mia’s story highlights how an apprenticeship can provide the practical skills, confidence and industry experience needed to build a successful career.
If you’re passionate about barbering and looking to earn while you learn, Heart of England Training can help you take the first step towards a rewarding future in the industry.
Find out more about our Barbering Apprenticeships and start your journey today.
