Fresha chats to Ella Fisher

What were you doing at 17?

At Fresha, we’re passionate about celebrating professionals who are redefining what success looks like in the beauty industry. Through our global Marketplace, we celebrate people who are not only mastering their craft but also building thriving businesses, and sometimes, from a very young age.

One of those trailblazers is Ella Fisher, owner and founder of Hair Artistry Salon in Newmarket, and a professional editorial hair stylist with backstage experience at London, Paris, and Milan Fashion Week, all by the age of just 17.

When we sat down with Ella, it was clear she represents the next generation of industry leadership: ambitious, business-minded, and driven by a passion for creativity and innovation. Her journey is a masterclass in turning early ambition into a sustainable beauty business, and proof that entrepreneurship in this industry starts earlier than ever. In our conversation, Ella shares what it takes to open a salon as a teenager, the lessons she’s learned from working with world-renowned brands, and her advice for aspiring stylists who want to build a business and career with impact. 

Read our conversation below...

via @ellafisherhair

Annabelle: So, first question: You’re 17, you’ve already done incredible things, like working backstage at Paris Fashion Week with Elie Saab, sitting front row at major shows, and running your own business. Where does your drive come from?

Ella: From an early age, I saw my parents work really hard. They’ve always been my role models. They told me, “If you want something, you have to work for it. No one’s going to hand it to you.” That stuck with me. I genuinely love what I do, so it doesn’t feel like work; it just feels natural.

Annabelle: Are your parents in the same industry as you?

Ella: Not at all! My dad’s a scientist, and my mum comes from catering and accounting, but both of them are entrepreneurs, and they each run their own businesses. So, while they’re not in hair or fashion, I grew up surrounded by that entrepreneurial spirit.

Annabelle: Three businesses in one family—that’s amazing! What drew you specifically to hair?

Ella: I always loved doing my own hair. At 14, I started working in a salon just to earn a bit of extra money. On my very first day, I absolutely loved it. I realised quickly I could never do a nine-to-five office job, I need to be around people, talking, creating. Once I discovered the fashion side of hair, I was hooked.

Annabelle: And what made you turn that passion into a business?

Ella: I live in Newmarket, and I noticed a gap in the market. My clients were people who wanted to invest in themselves, so they were happy to spend a little more for an elevated experience. After working in a few salons, I realized it wasn’t just about the haircut; it was about the experience. Clients can be in the chair for up to four hours, and that atmosphere is what they remember. I thought, “If I don’t create that experience, someone else will.”

Annabelle: And you’ve already had huge career experiences like Fashion Week. How has that shaped the way you approach your work?

Ella: Fashion Week taught me to always think ahead. The fashion industry is six months in the future, so you’re constantly predicting trends. That links directly to hair. Clients always want the next new thing, often driven by social media. Trends like middle parts, slick buns, or even Sophia Richie’s wedding hair all feed into salon demand. TikTok, in particular, really drives a lot of what I do.
 

via @ellafisherhair

Annabelle: Speaking of collaborations, you’ve worked with GHD, Schwarzkopf, and Authentic Beauty Concept. How do you choose the brands you work with?

Ella: For me, it was important to partner with luxury, sustainable brands. Authentic Beauty Concept really stood out because they’re vegan, cruelty-free, and environmentally conscious. We also work with Green Salon Collective, so all the hair we cut gets recycled. Sometimes it’s even used to clean up oil spills! It’s about doing our bit while also giving clients products that feel luxurious.

Annabelle: Why did you choose to open your salon in Newmarket?

Ella: Newmarket is where I grew up, and it’s a unique town. We have two racecourses, so it attracts a lot of people who want that luxury experience, whether it’s for the races or just to treat themselves. It felt like the perfect place to bring something modern and different.

Annabelle: And what about the salon design?

Ella: I wanted it to feel modern, airy, and luxurious, almost like stepping into a members-only space. We also made a rule: no juggling clients. Each client gets their stylist’s full attention. That way, no one feels rushed or overlooked. It creates a calm, stress-free environment, which is exactly what people want when they come to us.

Annabelle: That’s such a strong approach. Switching gears, what advice would you give to younger people who want to follow in your footsteps?

Ella: If you’re passionate, just go for it. Dream big. There’s a stigma that hair and beauty are “backup” careers for people who didn’t do well in exams, but that’s not true. This industry is valuable, creative, and full of opportunities; whether it’s TV, film, fashion, events, or running your own salon. It’s not a last resort; it’s an amazing career path.

Annabelle: That’s a great point.

Ella: It’s a skilled profession that people rely on. We saw that during COVID, when salons were closed, everyone realised how important hairdressers are. With AI and automation changing so many jobs, hairdressing is irreplaceable. It’s about the human touch, the confidence you give someone, the whole experience.

Annabelle: Absolutely. And looking ahead, what are your big career goals?

Ella: I’d love to lead hair at Fashion Week, open a chain of salons, and one day, see my work on the cover of Vogue. I actually met Anna Wintour backstage once—without the sunglasses! That was a huge moment for me, and it solidified that dream.