'I run a hairdressing salon in a Staffordshire market town and my hair care tips have been televised in Japan during a trip to Tokyo'
A Staffordshire-born entrepreneur and global hair educator is proving small-town beginnings can lead to international success as she takes Japan by storm with a televised trip to Tokyo.
Hairdresser Heffy Wheeler, who runs HX Hair salon in Rugeley, has taken Japan by storm after representing the UK at Global Beauty Fes - the country's major new international hair and beauty event.
The award-winning stylist and business owner, known for her vivid colour transformations and digital-first salon education, travelled to Tokyo in October 2025 to headline the show, teach at Japan’s leading beauty colleges and appear on one of the country’s most-watched TV shows.
The experience was a major moment for Heffy, who started her career with just £30, a dream and a passion for colour.
She said: “Coming from a small town like Rugeley, people often think the big opportunities are out of reach. But this trip proved that where you start doesn’t define where you can go. With hard work, consistency, and belief in your craft, you really can achieve anything.”
