Hi, I’m Maria,
I’m Maria, and I’ve been in the hair industry for over 27 years. I trained with Umberto Giannini, where I worked my way up to senior stylist, specialising in cutting and styling, the kind of classic skills that never go out of fashion.
Alongside salon life, I also worked in education as an NVQ Assessor and Internal Verifier, supporting and training the hairdressers of today across Herefordshire and Worcestershire. That experience gave me a real appreciation for the behind-the-scenes side of the industry too and how important great standards, smooth systems, and genuinely good customer service are.
In 2011, I opened my first salon, and later expanded to The Hair Factory in Redditch. I chose the location because it’s easy to get to and has free parking and it’s become a brilliant base for like-minded freelancers to build their own businesses. I’m hands-on, supportive, and I love helping my team thrive especially when it comes to the admin, organisation, and the little things that make a big difference
Today The Hair Factory is a collective of independent businesses working alongside each other in a supportive space, while every practitioner remains self-employed.
Community Collaboration:
Foster a sense of community and collaboration among freelancers and professionals sharing the space. Encourage them to share knowledge, techniques, and experiences, creating a supportive and empowering atmosphere.
Professional Excellence:
Emphasise a commitment to maintaining high professional standards. Ensure that all members of your coworking space are dedicated to delivering top-quality services and staying updated with the latest trends and techniques.
Inclusivity & Diversity:
Promote inclusivity by welcoming professionals of all backgrounds, genders, and expertise levels. Encourage diversity in the types of services offered, making your space accessible and welcoming to a wide range of clients.
Sustainability & Wellness:
Advocate for sustainability and wellness within the hair, beauty and health industry. Encourage the use of eco-friendly and ethical products and practices. Promote the well-being of both professionals and clients by creating a safe, healthy, and environmentally responsible workspace.