Cheshire College – South & West is proud to celebrate Andrew Joseph Manion, a highly experienced hairstylist, entrepreneur, and valued member of the College’s Hairdressing and Barbering team. His journey—from salon owner to award finalist—has shaped him into an inspiring mentor who continues to share his passion and industry insights with students.
Earlier this year, Andrew’s talent was recognised on a national level when he was named a finalist at the 2025 UK Hair and Beauty Awards. This incredible achievement placed him among the top hair professionals in the country.
Andrew’s journey into hairdressing began at the age of 17. From working in local salons and travelling to France to hone his craft, to eventually launching AJM Hair in South Liverpool, Andrew’s passion for the industry was evident from day one.
Andrew said, “I was running the salon while attending university for four years, studying my foundation in make-up design and practice.”
His salon quickly became a community staple, with a loyal clientele and a growing team of stylists. However, like many business owners, the pandemic posed significant challenges, forcing it to close.
Ruth Szolkowska, Vice Principal of Innovation, Curriculum, and Quality at Cheshire College, commented: “We are incredibly fortunate to have someone with Andrew’s vast experience and dedication as part of our team.”
“His ability to seamlessly blend technical expertise with real-world knowledge enriches our students’ learning and equips them with the skills they need to succeed in the evolving beauty industry.”
Andrew added, “I went on to my postgraduate in education, and since the salon closed, I continued to do my master’s in education, which took me to seven years in university.”
“I had so many plans, but Covid stopped everything. It made me evaluate what was important. Running a business is very stressful, and it took my life in a different direction.”
Now, Andrew splits his time between hands-on styling at Browns Hair & Beauty and lecturing three days a week at Cheshire College. Through his teaching, he’s mentoring hundreds of students, equipping them with both technical expertise and invaluable real-world insight.
“I get to do the work I love, without the pressures of running a business—and most importantly, I get to help others find their way in this industry. Teaching has helped me grow just as much as styling ever did.” he says.
Cheshire College offers cutting-edge facilities that enable students to gain practical skills in industry-standard commercial salons.
