I began as a hairdresser because I loved caring for people. I went on to open BRHAIVE, a salon with wellness woven into it, where I hoped people would feel welcomed and more themselves. Building the salon and its team taught me so much. It also meant years of doing, leading and trying to keep everything going. I became good at pushing through, even when I needed to slow down.

Becoming a mum brought a new perspective. When a chronic skin condition and ongoing health issues meant I had to stop hairdressing, I stepped away from my business completely for six months. I returned to build a way for the salon to thrive without needing me there every day. That space helped me see how burnt out I had become. I had spent so long in survival that rest felt unfamiliar.

I grew up with a lot of love, and with experiences that sometimes left me feeling unsure of myself. For a while I thought success meant proving I could carry everything. Some difficult experiences in business made me question my worth and who I was, too. With time and support I began to loosen that pressure and remember what had always mattered to me: people, care and connection.

My own exploration of wellbeing began almost a decade ago, starting with CBT for OCD as a teenager. I was later introduced to Reiki and spiritual healing, and eight years on I trained in Reiki Levels 1 and 2. Somatic work, nervous system education and inner child work have helped me understand my body and find a gentler way of being with myself. Regulation, for me, isn't about being calm every minute. It is about making room for the whole of life.

I still love music, dancing, going out and the messy, joyful parts of being human. I don't want anyone to feel they must become a perfect version of themselves to belong here. This work has helped me listen more openly, be more present as a mum, wife, friend and business owner, and keep learning without shame.

Ancient wisdom around gathering, sharing stories and being alongside one another really lands with me. I feel we can become so careful about what we say or show, worried about being judged, that parts of us stay unexpressed. It can leave us feeling alone even when we're surrounded by people. I want my son to grow up knowing he can express who he is, without fear of being too much or getting it wrong. HELD grew from that hope: a space to be seen, to listen, to move or rest, and to feel connected again, in your own way.

I've always loved bringing people together and supporting other women. Now I get to do that through circles, retreats and the HELD community. BRHAIVE was where this journey began, even before I knew where it would lead. The BRHAIVE Method™ was born from my own self discovery and return to myself; its name honours the place that started it all. HELD is an invitation to find your own way back, with others beside you.

Identity connects my work

I’m also the founder and owner of BRHAIVE, a recognised brand bringing a spa-like wellness experience into the hair industry. I’ve welcomed celebrities into BRHAIVE and worked with celebrity clients, music videos and fashion shows, alongside running multiple businesses and leading teams. My business and branding have received awards over the years. I’ve built the systems and standards that allow BRHAIVE to run without relying on me working in it day to day, creating the foundations for growth and an exciting next chapter.

Alongside my somatic and identity work, I offer brand identity support, clear branding and websites that help people understand and connect with your offering. Identity connects these two areas of my work, with each offering its own support.

Leanne x