Hello! I am Neil, the Director Hair Artist, and Founder of ILLUMI.
With deep gratitude, I acknowledge everyone who has supported me along the way, and those who continue to do so in helping ILLUMI in Studley become a reality.
Welcome, and thank you for taking the time to be here and for your interest in ILLUMI, an independently owned Aveda Hair, Spa, and Wellbeing Salon.
ILLUMI is an energetic space, thoughtfully created for every individual who enters to receive exactly what they need in that moment, restoring equilibrium on all levels, while our professional artists deliver exceptional results for your hair, skin, and body.
ILLUMI was first conceived as a dream at the age of 21. Through the support of others, and with guidance from the greater world of Spirit, that vision has now been brought into physical reality.
From the very beginning, I have been driven to bring something different to the hair industry. Something exceptional. Something that creates meaningful impact, not only within the industry, but in the lives of the people I work with.
My journey in hairdressing began at 17, and now, at 43, that same drive remains at the core of everything I do. A commitment to excellence, to growth, and to delivering the highest standard of work possible. It is this focus that has shaped every step of my path.
My career began with TONI&GUY, where I quickly completed my training and established myself within the industry. I became known locally and in surrounding areas for my technical ability and high standards. As a newly qualified stylist, I thrived in a fast-paced environment, constantly refining my craft through advanced cutting, exploring creativity, and recognising the profound impact of my work in how people feel within themselves.
Alongside my professional development, I continued to deepen my connection to spirituality, something that has been present throughout my life. Over time, this became an essential part of who I am and how I work.
Originally, I set out to become a session and editorial stylist. However, as opportunities began to unfold in London, my path shifted. I transitioned into management, where I was already mentoring and training apprentices, guiding them towards qualification within TONI&GUY.
This shift ignited a deeper passion within me, understanding what strong leadership truly means within the hair industry, and how it shapes the experience and wellbeing of those within it.
Not long after, I was approached by a long-standing client who recognised something in me early on, even before I qualified. From the very first time I styled her hair as an apprentice, she saw potential. She later became instrumental in offering me the opportunity to own my own salon.
That client is Joti.
Joti, a successful businesswoman and a dear friend, played a pivotal role in bringing ILLUMI to Studley Village.
My career has since spanned working, teaching, and managing within several leading brands, including TONI&GUY, REGIS INTERNATIONAL, HEADMASTERS, RUSH, and TONI&GUY ESSENSUALS. I have worked across the Midlands and spent the four years leading up to the opening of ILLUMI refining my skills in London, preparing to bring something elevated, refined, and distinctive back to the Midlands.
ILLUMI is a reflection of my life’s work. A synthesis of experience, passion, and purpose. It is built on the intention to create positive change, empowering individuals through a deeply considered and complete experience, combining advanced hairdressing, education, energy healing, spiritual guidance, and personal development.
Yet ILLUMI is far greater than myself. It is brought to life by a collective of highly talented artists, each contributing their own individuality and strength, creating something unified and powerful. There is also a deeper level of support, a dynamic team in Spirit, guiding and assisting in ways that are felt as much as they are unseen.
At ILLUMI, I offer a fully bespoke, high-standard service, where knowledge, experience, intuition, and vision come together. Clients are also offered the opportunity to experience Energy Healing during their appointment, often leading to deeply personal and transformative moments.
There is so much more to share, but that is something best experienced in person, when you are sitting in my chair.
With love,
Neil x
