As part of Creative Careers Week 2025, we’re celebrating learners who are turning their creativity into successful careers through qualifications featured on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).
We spoke to salon owner Marie Hall, who completed the Wella Colour Higher Level Diploma with Glasgow Clyde College at SCQF level 9 – a qualification that recognises the artistry, science, and professionalism at the heart of modern hairdressing.
Marie’s story is a powerful example of how lifelong learning and determination can open new doors — proving that creative careers can be both rewarding and respected.
Finding a new path through creativity
“My dream had always been to become a police officer and work with either horses or dogs,” Marie recalls, “but while waiting until I was old enough to apply, I decided to study hairdressing. I’ve always been a creative person, and staying on in sixth form wasn’t the right path for me.”
At just 17, Marie was diagnosed with epilepsy, which made her dream of joining the police impossible. She pursued her hairdressing studies, but then suffered another setback. She explained: “I didn’t immediately enter the profession after a negative experience during my work placement and Saturday job. Having already faced bullying at school, it was disheartening to encounter similar treatment in the salon environment.”
But Marie refused to give up. After working in a charity shop for three months, she realised how much she missed hairdressing and returned to the industry while completing another qualification. She said: “I worked in three different salons. In each position, I was promised ongoing training that never materialised, yet I was often left to manage the business from a young age.”
At 22, she took a leap of faith and opened her own salon – MH Hair – laying the foundation for what would become a long career in the industry.
Lifelong learning through SCQF-recognised qualifications
Education and upskilling have always been central to Marie’s success. After opening her own salon, she completed the Wella Colour Expert programme and advanced Sassoon training, before going on to gain her Assessor’s Award and Education and Training qualification.
When she discovered the Wella Colour Higher Level Diploma, recognised on the SCQF at level 9 – the same level as a degree – it felt like the perfect next step.
“I’ve always believed that learning should never stop, especially in an industry that’s constantly evolving,” Marie said. “This qualification was a game-changer, giving me a unique edge within the profession.
“This qualification demonstrates to clients that you’re trained to the highest professional standard.”
Raising the profile of the hairdressing industry
Marie believes that having degree-level recognition for hairdressing is a vital step forward for the profession.
“For too long, hairdressers have been undervalued,” she said, “but this qualification empowers future stylists to charge what their skills are truly worth. It’s about time this level of recognition was brought to the industry.”
Marie believes the qualification pushed her beyond her limits and gave her a renewed sense of purpose, adding: “I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I was ready for the challenge and eager to take on the next chapter in my journey. This qualification pushed me beyond my limits and truly stretched my mind.”
A proud moment of recognition
Graduating as part of the very first Wella Colour Higher Level Diploma cohort was a defining moment for Marie.
“Having my family there to watch me graduate was magical,” she says. “Standing beside my fellow students, knowing we were making history together, is something I’ll cherish forever.”
Not long after, Marie received an unexpected and “deeply meaningful” letter from her local MP – sent from the House of Commons – congratulating her on her achievement.
Marie said: “It was a wonderful surprise and a reminder that our work can be both respected and valued, even in ways we don’t always anticipate.”
Inspiring the next generation of creative professionals
Completing the SCQF level 9 diploma has also inspired Marie to share her knowledge and mentor others.
She explained: “As more salons move toward the chair-rental business model, I’ve decided to start an education school to help train and inspire the next generation of hair professionals.”
Words of wisdom for aspiring creatives
Marie lives by a piece of advice she once heard from chef Gordon Ramsay on the High Performance podcast. He was asked about the three non-negotiable behaviours people should adopt, and his response really resonated with Marie.
The first one is you need to be a sponge; the best listening device is you, the second one is to take it professionally, not personally, it’s good to get told off, and the third one is to have a thick skin, you are not going to please everyone in the room.
Gordon Ramsay
Marie said: “If more of us followed this advice, perhaps we would all achieve our own personal goals. Never give up, I’m still achieving because I’m not finished and not where I want to be.”
Looking ahead
After celebrating 25 years in business, Marie continues to learn, grow, and give back.
She explained: “This experience has reinforced something I’ve always believed: hairdressing is so much more than just hair; it’s a skill, a science, creativity, and education all coming together to make a real impact.”
Useful links
See how the level 9 diploma compares to other qualifications on the SCQF interactive framework