Discover how Shaping Futures is helping aspiring hairdressers develop their skills, build confidence and take steps towards their future career path.
What started as a small Japanese project supporting Cambodian street children in 2008, grew into a global initiative when we partnered with leading non-profit organisation SOS Children's Villages in 2010.
Today, Shaping Futures offers more than just hairdressing education. With the support of over 500 volunteer salon professionals, we have empowered more than 4,000 students across over 30 countries towards a brighter future.
“Shaping Futures is the living expression of Schwarzkopf Professional’s brand purpose: lifting self-potential through hair, colour and style. The programme translates this purpose into real social impact by opening doors for individuals who have talent but lack opportunity.”
Kaisimon Goerlitz
Global Senior CSR and Sustainability Manager at Henkel Consumer Brands
#MoveMumbai is the latest chapter in our Shaping Futures global social initiative. Delivered in collaboration with local partner KSWA/Yuva Parivartan, the transformational training programme has been designed to empower untapped talent, providing hairdressing education and direct access to professional hairdressing career opportunities for underprivileged young adults in India.
Yuva Parivartan supports disadvantaged young adults across India through vocational training, life skills and employment opportunities. As Shaping Futures' local partner, the organisation recruits participants and provides them with day-to-day guidance throughout the programme.
The latest #MoveMumbai programme saw 20 young adults, who have talent but simply lack opportunity, build the skills and confidence to carve their own path in hairdressing. Led by committed Schwarzkopf Professional volunteers from both our global and local communities, the four-week curriculum covered essential techniques across cutting, colour, salon management and professional etiquette.
The programme concluded with a vibrant graduation at the Mumbai Academy of Hair, where participants showcased their work before industry leaders. Following this, the initiative immediately proved its success, with 12 students securing placements with leading salons including Envi Salon, Tabu’s Studio, and Salao Club – showing the impact education, mentorship and industry collaboration can have in transforming lives.
The exceptional success of Shaping Futures is thanks to the tireless work performed by volunteers from Schwarzkopf Professional's experienced partner salons, who offer their time, passion and skill for free, so that some of the most vulnerable people in the world can start to build a successful hairdressing career and an independent future.
Meet just a few of our passionate #MoveMumbai volunteers and learn more about their experience and passion for mentoring…
Arjan Bevers
Schwarzkopf Professional Colour Ambassador (Global)
“It’s a beautiful job – we have to inspire new and young hairdressers to become a part of that.”
Tara Rose
Schwarzkopf Professional Ambassador & Educator (UAE)
“We teach people how to cut and colour hair, but we don't teach them how to uncover limiting beliefs.”
Emilia Lucka
Schwarzkopf Professional Educator (Poland)
“Working with the beginners is really special for me, I can see the spark in their heart, and it reminds me of myself.”
Catherine Hawkes
Schwarzkopf Professional Ambassador & Educator (UAE)
“Shaping Futures is so important [...] you've got a skill for life, and no-one can take that away from you.”
With the right guidance, Shaping Futures empowers students to build the skills and confidence to carve their own path. Every success story demonstrates the power our initiative has in rewriting futures – such as those from Manashi and Ingrid...
Manashi Bharati’s journey began with Shaping Futures in Mumbai back in 2013. Following her training, Manashi went on to build a professional hairdressing career. Now, she has come full circle, joining #MoveMumbai to share her inspirational story and show aspiring students what’s possible.
“Shaping Futures is something that can transform someone's life and give them a big career and I am an example of that.”
Until Ingrid Bosak joined Shaping Futures, her future felt uncertain. On the final day of the programme, Ingrid received a job offer and ten years on became a successful salon owner. Now working with the full Schwarzkopf Professional portfolio in her salon, Ingrid has joined our most recent festive initiative as a guest stylist.
“Knowledge is the most important thing someone can give to you. The volunteers are great role models, you stick with them and soak up all the knowledge they have.”
If you’re interested in supporting our Shaping Futures initiative, through becoming a volunteer trainer or making a donation, visit the link below and help turn social disadvantage into professional success.
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