Hairdresser, Charlotte Mensah on purpose, community and craft
In the finale of our Women in Business Takeover Series, takeover host Samantha Cusick sits down with Charlotte Mensah. An award-winning British-Ghanaian hairdresser, salon owner of Hairlounge and founder of the Manketti Oil haircare range, Charlotte Mensah shares how purpose, community, and craft can build a premium brand. “I feel like I’m an octopus—I do so many things,” Charlotte says, reflecting on creativity that stretches from hair to design and beyond.
Purpose-led salon leadership: The backbone of hairdresser Charlotte Mensah
Charlotte and Samantha dive into sustainable ways to scale—without losing yourself. From values-led decision making to protecting your energy, Charlotte explains why clarity and consistency win. “Right now, everyone’s a founder,” she notes. “But real change starts when you listen, apply, and stay true to your foundation.”
Inclusivity, texture and community
Known for elevating natural texture, Charlotte champions inclusive services and meaningful salon conversations. “Why not collaborate and connect?” she asks. “Salon chats can be the meeting point for a revolution—turn talk into action.” Expect insights on educating teams, pricing with confidence, and building product and press without burnout.
“Change has to come from us—listen, apply, and turn your salon conversations into action.” – Charlotte Mensah
What you’ll learn
- 1. Build a premium, values-driven brand clients choose
- 2. Make texture expertise central to your offer
- 3. Balance salon, education and product with clarity
- 4. Turn salon conversations into community and change
Stick around to the end
Press play for grounded, real-world guidance you can act on today—and don’t miss the final minutes, where Charlotte shares the mindset that sustained 25+ years in business, her go-to “busy brain” reset, and a challenge for salon owners to try this week. Stick around for resources, next steps, and inspiration.
