You have become a powerful female leader in the hair industry. What has been the most rewarding part of this journey for you?
Opening my own salon was always a dream, and to transform a derelict building into such a beautiful space feels symbolic of how much has been achieved. Now that Melissa Timperley Salon has been established for several years, the most rewarding aspect is seeing the loyalty of our clients and the strength of our team. We have created a brilliantly balanced, highly skilled group who genuinely enjoy working together, which makes coming into the salon a daily pleasure. Even more meaningful is being part of our clients’ lives, helping them feel their best during some of the most important and transitional moments.

How do you keep your creativity flowing while balancing the demands of running a successful salon and brand?
Balance is something everyone struggles with, but I am fortunate to have a team that makes it feel seamless, almost like a well oiled machine. We are constantly bouncing ideas around, which keeps us inspired and energised. Beyond the salon, we work on photoshoots and Fashion Weeks in Milan, New York and London, experiences that are open to all of our stylists and bring back fresh perspectives. Our clients see that we are forward thinking and always pushing ourselves, and that motivates us to keep innovating. Personally, I also find endless inspiration in social media and industry publications, there is so much creativity out there to learn from.

In such a fast changing industry, how do you stay ahead of trends while maintaining your unique style?
My work takes me around the world, exposing me to different cultures, people and hair types. Fashion Weeks, VIP events and photoshoots allow me to spot trends before they reach the mainstream. But while I love staying ahead of the curve, it is equally important for me to remain true to what I love, that signature MT flair.

This is the beauty of the industry, it is always changing. You can never totally master the craft as there are always new techniques, products and trends to explore, which is why education is such a cornerstone for us. Through the MT Masterclass programme, we invest in learning and share knowledge with the wider community, helping to nurture the next generation of stylists.

What role does mentorship play in your career, and how do you support upcoming talent, especially women?
Mentorship has been essential to my journey. I would not be where I am today without the guidance I received, and I feel a responsibility to give that back. That is why I put so much energy into training, creating opportunities, and leading by example. Our salon is fully gender neutral, and equality and respect sit at the heart of what we do. I want my team to feel confident in their craft, their leadership and their ability to build fulfilling careers in an industry that deserves greater recognition.

Can you share a defining moment that shaped your vision as a stylist and leader?
It was not a haircut or a collection that defined me, but a moment of leadership. Early in my career, I had a team member whose negativity became toxic to the culture I was trying to build. It was incredibly difficult because, as a leader, you want to support people, but you also have to protect the wider vision.

That experience taught me the importance of honesty, transparency and leading from the heart. Rather than allowing it to drag the whole team down, I chose to rise above, stay true to my values and create an environment built on respect and possibility. It shifted me from being just a stylist to becoming a leader. In many ways, that moment has shaped me more than any award or creative project ever could.

What advice would you give to young women looking to break into the hair industry today?
Be unapologetically proud of your craft. For years I felt embarrassed saying “I am a hairdresser” because of the stigma attached, as though it implied failure. But hairdressing is science, art, maths, psychology and diplomacy all at once. Our scissors are sharper than a surgeon’s scalpel, and we calculate angles and chemistry in real time while also being entrusted with people’s stories. It is an incredible profession with a unique kind of job satisfaction, you get to make people feel good about themselves every single day.

How has travel influenced your work and creative perspective?
Travel has been one of my greatest sources of inspiration. Working all over the world has allowed me to see how hair is celebrated in different cultures and contexts. Each experience has shaped my creative outlook, and I am constantly inspired by the stylists, designers and colourists I encounter. I like to take a little bit of inspiration from everyone I meet.

What are your must have haircare essentials when travelling?
Seven Seconds by Unite is my number one, a leave in treatment and heat protector that truly works like magic. It suits all hair types, so I recommend it to everyone. A high quality shampoo is also essential, I always say shampoo is the equivalent of a cleanser for the face, so it should not be scrimped on. At the moment, I love the Hydrate range from Authentic Beauty Concept. And of course, I never travel without a lip balm, I am obsessed with the Victoria Beckham ones.

Looking ahead, what exciting projects or innovations are you working on?
We will continue to grow MT Masterclass, sharing knowledge and elevating standards across the industry. Our mission is to raise the bar for what a salon can be, inclusive, creative and precision driven. I would love to expand the salon further and, in time, launch a product line, conversations are already happening with manufacturers. It is an exciting chapter, and there is plenty more to come.

Finally, how do you balance personal wellbeing with the demands of a high profile career?
It is a constant work in progress. As a salon owner, the line between work and life easily blurs. One of the reasons we have not had children yet is because my career has taken so much focus and energy. This year, I took a big step by hiring a salon manager, which has helped, but I am still learning how to set proper boundaries. I am even considering a separate phone for work and personal life.

I thrive on being busy, I never sit still, but it can also be a double edged sword. I feel guilty if I am sat in front of the TV, yet I know I need to carve out more time for my husband, my family, my friends and of course my sausage dog Gregg. Running a business inevitably means sacrifice, and I have lost friendships along the way. The to do list is never ending, and it is hard not to let it spill into evenings.

So no, I have not mastered balance. But I am more conscious of it now than ever. For me, it is about progress rather than perfection. And being honest about the struggle feels important, I think many people in high pressure roles will relate.

Hair @melissatimp & @sara_mtsalons

Photography | @myhairphotography

Make Up | @faye_hi_makeup

Stylist | @itstaheedk

Models | @sofiaelhaj |@ocean_navarro @dressedupwithevie | @scarlet.fawn