171 Using Your Skill with Scissors and Comb to Give Back in Another Way with Stewart Roberts
A hairdressing career can take you to many places and enable you to meet many people from all walks of life.\xa0 Many of us are drawn into the industry because of the fashion and creative aspects that a hairdressing career presents.\xa0 But, there are some who use their skill with scissors and comb to give back to society in another way. My guest today is one such person.\xa0 Stewart Roberts is the founder of Haircuts 4 Homeless, a registered charity in the UK and Ireland that has grown into an army of over 600 volunteers working through 80 outlets. To date, they have given over 50,000 haircuts to the homeless. As Stewart says, \u201cIt\u2019s not a job; it\u2019s a calling.\u201d Stewart was awarded an MBE [Member of the British Empire] from Princess Anne in recognition of his work with the homeless, and personally, I can't think of anyone more deserving.\xa0 If you want to learn more about what Stewart does and how you can support him, visit haircuts4Homeless.com. \xa0 In this Episode: [03:01] Stewart shares why losing his salon was a blessing in disguise.\xa0 [06:40] The personal journey that inspired Stewart to found Haircuts 4 Homeless and how the concept has evolved over time.\xa0\xa0\xa0 [11:39] Stewart shares the final straw that drove him to get help for his alcohol and drug addiction.\xa0 [16:49] How hairdressing has the power to break down barriers. [20:19] The mindset shift that is required when cutting the hair of homeless people. [23:21] Stories of people who have had their lives transformed through Haircuts 4 Homeless. [28:50] How the National Lottery changed the trajectory of Stewart\u2019s life. [32:18] A look behind the scenes of the running of Haircuts 4 Homeless. [35:42] The process of creating the coffee table book, Hear Me, See Me.\xa0 [38:09] Examples of the stories you will hear on Stewart\u2019s podcast, \u201cHear Me, See Me\u201d.\xa0 [41:10] Stewart explains how his podcast came into being (and the episode that has had the biggest impact on him). [49:28] Stewart's biggest strength, what motivates him, and the biggest lesson he has learned in his life.\xa0 \xa0 Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!\xa0 They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast.\xa0 I also love to hear what\u2019s been helpful and what you love about the podcast!\xa0Just\xa0click here to review,\xa0scroll to the bottom, tap \u201cRatings and Reviews,\u201d tap to rate with 5 stars, and \u201cWrite a Review\u201d and let me know what your favourite part of the podcast is. Thank you for your support! Special thanks to Stewart for sharing his insights with me for this week\u2019s episode. Until next time! Antony \xa0 Links and Resources: Grow My Salon Business\xa0 Website\xa0|\xa0Facebook\xa0|\xa0Instagram | TikTok \xa0 Haircuts 4 Homeless Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram \xa0 Hear Me, See Me Podcast | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook \xa0 Stewart Roberts Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Episode with Brother Kevin \xa0 Capuchin Day Centre for Homeless People Website