Collective 2025: Stacy James from SawMill Hair Studio

Tell us about you in a few words

Hi, my name is Stacy James. I’ve been a hairstylist for 28 years, with the past 9 spent freelancing at my own salon, Sawmill Hair Studio, located in Geddington, Northamptonshire. My career has been a journey of continuous learning, growth, and passion. I am deeply committed to creating personalised, beautiful looks for my clients, helping them feel confident and empowered.

Along the way, I’ve had some career highlights, including being a college lecturer/assessor for hair and barbering, as well as travelling abroad for bridal hair work. Freelancing has given me the creative freedom I truly enjoy, allowing me to form more meaningful, one-on-one connections with my clients. It’s a rewarding, dynamic career that never gets old!

Tell us what the collective got up to this month?

In November the New Eleven Collective  members got to meet for the first time.  I felt a bit nervous—imposter syndrome was definitely in full swing . But from the moment I arrived, everyone was so welcoming and supportive. After a coffee and an amazing swag bag, we kicked off the day by learning all about the Eleven Australia brand, its goals, and the exciting opportunities ahead. It was incredibly inspiring to hear about the company’s vision, and we can’t wait to get started on this new chapter together.

One of the most powerful moments of the day was when we were asked to reflect on our personal and professional goals for 2025. We each wrote down our intentions for the year in our notebooks, taking time to celebrate achievements, review the past, and release anything holding us back. This exercise was so grounding, and we’re excited to carry those intentions with us as the year progresses.

The second half of the day was one of my favourite activities creating a vision board. Armed with magazines, scissors, and glue, we each cut out words and images that resonated with us and shared our boards with the group.  I will admit, I can’t remember exactly what I said when presenting mine (I probably rambled a bit!), but it was such a fun, reflective activity. My public speaking is definitely something I will look to improve on in the future, and I’m grateful for the support of The Collective as we continue to grow together.

Looking ahead, we’re incredibly excited for what’s to come. I’m especially looking forward to the Joey & Andrew Tour, as well as being part of the London team in February and assisting at HairCon in Manchester in June. This year is going to be full of learning, growth, and collaboration, and I can’t wait to work alongside such a talented group of people.

Quick Fire Questions:

How long have you been a hairdresser?

I’ve been a stylist for 28 years. Over the years, I’ve expanded my skill set to include, hair extensions, bridal hair, and styling for commercial photoshoots.

Why did you want to become a hairdresser?

Honestly, I never planned on becoming a hairstylist! When I was younger, I wanted to be a contract killer (definitely not the typical childhood ambition!). But after completing a two-week work experience placement in a local salon, I was completely hooked. I loved the vibrant atmosphere, the creativity, and the opportunity to connect with people. I was offered a Saturday job, which then led to an apprenticeship, setting me on my path to becoming a professional stylist.

What would you say is your specialty and why?

My specialty is “lived-in blondes.” I love creating natural, sun-kissed blonde looks that feel effortlessly chic. The challenge lies in balancing the right tones—warmth and coolness—to enhance each client’s unique features and skin tone. There’s something deeply satisfying about crafting a blonde that looks low-maintenance but is actually the result of precision and expertise.

If you could be a famous hairdresser, who would you be and why?

I would love to be Conor James Doyle. I admire his approach to hairdressing, especially his mastery of colour. His work is both artistic and precise, and he’s built a remarkable presence on social media, where he combines expertise with a real, down-to-earth personality. His sense of humour and authenticity make him not only a great stylist but someone I think is truly relatable in the industry.

If you could invent something for the hairdressing industry, what would it be?

I’d invent a Smart Mirror to help clients visualise different hairstyles in real-time.

Here’s how it would work: Clients can see how they would look with different cuts, colours, or styles without physically altering their hair. The mirror would use AR to project these styles onto the client’s reflection.

The system could analyse the client’s hair type, face shape, and preferences to recommend cuts and styles that would work best for them. It would also offer suggestions based on the latest trends and the client’s past choices.

The client and stylist could interact with the mirror to experiment with different looks, styles, and colours, enhancing the decision-making process. The mirror could also show before-and-after simulations to give clients a more confident choice.