The Creative Retreat brings a new approach to creative development for hairdressers.
Candice McKay launches immersive two-day creative experience in London on the 26th and 27th of July, designed to help hairdressers reconnect with creativity, purpose and artistic direction.
In an industry that often prioritises output, speed and constant visibility, The Creative Retreat offers something different: space to pause, reflect and create.
Created and led by renowned hairdresser and creative mentor Candice McKay, The Creative Retreat is a two-day experience designed for hairdressers, educators, salon owners and freelancers who want to move beyond day-to-day survival mode and reconnect with themselves as artists.
Taking place in London, the retreat provides a focused studio environment where participants can step away from routine, gain clarity and rediscover their creative direction through guided workshops, collaborative discussion and mindful practice.
"Hairdressing is about far more than technique," says Candice McKay. "It's vision, creativity and storytelling. This retreat is about creating the space to explore ideas, develop confidence in your creative thinking and reconnect with why you create in the first place."
Over two immersive days, attendees will explore:
- Mood board creation
- Concept development
- Visual storytelling
- Trend forecasting
- Social media strategy
- Creative planning and execution
The retreat is designed to help participants transform raw ideas into intentional, expressive work that can be applied across salon projects, social content, photographic collections, competitions and PR opportunities.
Alongside creative development, mindful practices are woven throughout the experience to help participants reset focus, release burnout and support creative clarity. The emphasis is on observation, discussion and exploration, creating a supportive environment free from performance pressure.
Participants will work within a small group setting that encourages conversation, reflection and the exchange of ideas. The experience is intentionally non-competitive and unbranded, focusing on shared creative thinking rather than comparison.
The London edition takes place at Mash Studio, a creative incubator and community space known for its commitment to inclusion, sustainability and independent thinking. Brand-neutral and zero-to-landfill, the venue provides a welcoming environment for neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ creatives while supporting focused, meaningful creative work.
An evening walking art tour through London is also included, giving attendees the opportunity to draw inspiration directly from the city's creative landscape and continue conversations in a relaxed setting.
Who Is It For?
- The Creative Retreat is ideal for:
- Freelance hairdressers
- Salon owners
- Educators
- Session stylists
- Creative professionals seeking renewed inspiration and direction
What's Included?
Participants receive:
- Full access to all Creative Retreat sessions
- Course materials and workbooks
- Healthy lunches and refreshments across both days
- Guided evening walking art tour of London
About Candice McKay
Candice McKay is a hairdresser, educator and creative mentor dedicated to helping professionals reconnect with their artistic identity. Through education, creative development and mentoring, she supports hairdressers in building confidence, developing original ideas and creating work with greater purpose and impact.
Please find further information and booking enquiries here (payment plans are available).