Welcome to the Learners Voice Podcast! I’m your host, Belinda Hillman, and today I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Bobbie-Jo from Newcastle College. She’s a rising star in the hairdressing industry, and in our conversation, we explore her journey, her achievements, and the lessons she’s learning along the way.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

• Pushing yourself outside your comfort zone can unlock new opportunities you never imagined.
  
  
  
  


• Confidence grows through practice, competitions, and the belief of supportive mentors.
  
  
  
  


• Finding balance between studies, work, and social life is key to thriving in college.
  
  
  
  


• Journaling and mindset tools can make a real difference in managing challenges and mental health.
  
  
  
  

From starting out as a Saturday girl in her boyfriend’s mum’s salon, Bobbie-Jo quickly fell in love with the transformation that hairdressing brings to clients—the joy of watching someone leave the chair smiling brighter than when they arrived. Her ambition first led her to consider careers as varied as tattoo artistry and crime scene investigation, but her heart settled firmly on hair.

Bobbie-Jo shares openly about why she chose the college route over an apprenticeship, how that decision gave her both structure and freedom, and how competitions—like World Skills and Concept Hair—helped her find confidence she never knew she had. She also talks about the pivotal role her lecturers, especially Jo and Amanda, played in nudging her to take risks and believe in herself.

We also touch on Bobbie-Jo incredible achievement of winning Student of the Year at Newcastle College, an award that she initially couldn’t believe described her. Her story is a powerful reminder of how others often see our potential long before we do ourselves.

What stood out most was Bobbie-Jo resilience, her willingness to keep trying even when things felt overwhelming, and her top tip for other learners: push yourself beyond your limits, not just to them.

I can’t wait for you to hear this inspiring conversation and celebrate Bobbie-Jo journey.

👉 Tune in now to the Learners Voice Podcast and be inspired to push beyond your comfort zone too!