Hairdresser: [hair-dres-er]:noun; a person who arranges or cuts hair. (https://www.dictionary.com/browse/hairdresser?s=t)

Strong (strawng, strong): adjective 4: especially able, competent, or powerful in a specific field or respect (https://www.dictionary.com/browse/strong?s=t)

Hairdresser Strong: The especially able, competent, and powerful individual who works in the field of hairdressing

At HairdresserStrong.com, we envision a world where every Hairdresser, Barber, and Hairpreneur thrives in their pursuit of happiness. We are dedicated to tearing down barriers and empowering through community-building events, compelling storytelling, education, impactful public speaking, and innovative solutions.  This is a vibrant, but underserved community, particularly in the areas of financial services and professional & personal development. Join us in shaping a future where every hair professional and entrepreneur, regardless of their background, stands strong in their journey to success.

  • Robert Hughes

    Co-Founder & Host

    Robert Hughes is a trusted guide in the beauty industry — a strategist, educator, and community leader who understands every step of the professional journey. He’s worked from front desk to manager, apprentice to instructor, building a rare perspective on what it really takes to grow.

    Robert has taught and helped transition rising stylists from students to assistants to fully booked professionals behind the chair. Trusted by salon owners to grow their teams, he develops apprenticeship programs, curriculum, and technical training — including his widely respected approach to cutting education and his talent for translating inspiration photos into teachable haircut diagrams.

    Motivated by a deep concern for the future of rising professionals, Robert earned a degree in business and finance to help close the gap between students and employers. His goal: to strengthen the connection between education and opportunity so no aspiring hairdresser is left behind. That same foundation allows him to bring financial awareness, trusted experts, and critical services to an often-overlooked community of stylists and entrepreneurs.

    Alongside his wife Sammi, Robert co-founded HairdresserStrong.com, a platform delivering business education, real-world exposure, and community support. Through events, workshops, mentorship, and programs like the Shadow Program and Beauty Business Brunch, Robert helps stylists, educators, and salon owners build sustainable careers and stronger businesses — together.

  • Sammi Heffron

    Marketing, Operations, & Strategic Partnerships

    Sammi grew up in Santa Monica, CA where she was surrounded by sunshine and palm trees. One could even go as far as to say that’s where she gets her positive outlook. Working as a salon coordinator, she has interacted throughout the salon including working with clients, resolving conflicts, and keeping people happy. Her complete background goes even further. From managing social media channels and engagement to organizing in-person and virtual events, she has found that she thrives in opportunities that allow her to make connections with people. Sammi works to get the message of HairdresserStrong.com out to the world and helps Hairdressers to be strong, efficient, effective, and successful by developing educational opportunities and materials.