What happens when you grow up without a roadmap — no female role models, a mum who handed you a too-big bra and told you to figure it out — and decide to build a life anyway, entirely on self-belief? You get Jenni Spence. In this episode of Unravelling: The Diary of a Midlife Mess, I sit down with the hilariously brilliant hairdresser, salon owner and South African-turned-Australian Jenni Spence — who has been cutting, colouring and quietly revolutionising the hair industry for over 40 years. We talk about a childhood full of Wham posters and makeshift bra stuffing, the strict upbringing that somehow produced a woman who never takes no for an answer, and the career she built from scratch with no blueprint and no safety net. We get into the move to Australia with her son and her parents, the loneliness of starting over in a new country, and the relationship breakdown that unravelled everything and somehow led to everything good. We also get into the big stuff: how the industry has changed, why education matters more than ever, managing clients armed with AI images, and what it looks like to keep growing when the world expects you to slow down. Funny, raw, deeply wise and completely unrepeatable — Jenni is the kind of woman who makes you want to call your friends, go outside, and remind yourself that you are, in fact, bloody marvellous. Episode themes: resilience, self-belief, reinvention, women in business, hairdressing industry, mentorship, humour, midlife, starting over keywords hairdressing, industry evolution, mentorship, career journey, personal growth, industry change, self-belief, Australia, South Africa, salon success resilience, personal growth, industry evolution, education, humor, authenticity, women in business, life lessons key topics Childhood and teenage experiences of the speakers Industry evolution and changing client expectations The importance of mentorship and role models Personal growth and resilience in the industry Resilience and overcoming challenges The evolution of the beauty industry and education The role of humour and authenticity in personal and professional life Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Backgrounds 01:58 Childhood Diaries and Teenage Revelations 04:02 Music, Influences, and Cultural Memories 07:01 Perceptions of Womanhood and Fami The Glow Deeper Retreat — Swan Valley, Perth One day. 15 women... And your make up bag! The Glow Deeper Retreat is a one-day women's retreat at Raw Space in the Swan Valley, built around a Confidence Reset Makeup Masterclass — because when you finally unlock the mystery of what's already in your drawer, something shifts. You stop being so mean to the woman in the mirror. You remember what it feels like to take up space. Whether you're 30 and your makeup bag is a complete mystery, or you're in midlife and barely recognise the face looking back — this day is for you. We'll work through what you already own, make it actually make sense, and send you home with more than a better routine. You'll leave with that feeling — you know the one — where you look good, you feel good, and that energy ripples into everything. 15 spots. One day. Early bird tickets available now. 👉 https://events.humanitix.com/the-glow-deeper-retreat Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Unravelling: The Diary of a Midlife Mess. If something resonated with you today, I’d love to hear your thoughts, come join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram @theglowupguide_au or visit sharonwilkesburt.com for more resources and support. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you’re enjoying the journey so far!
