Melanie Giles Apprentice Talent Competition
"Creativity is contagious, pass it on" Albert Einstein
The world of hairdressing intrigues me. I must admit it is an extremely fascinating industry. For me, it somehow brings together the everyday and the extravagant. I like that.
Those of you who have been to any of Melanie’s salons will know that it is an experience in itself. To be in one that is hosting a talent competition for all of their apprentice stylists was an absolute joy. The sense of anticipation, that the judges would finally see several months of effort and endeavour, was palpable even as I arrived.
Overall award winner Emily explaining her look to Melanie.
Speaking to those involved, from apprentices to models, from owner to managers, you could see just how much hard work had gone in to this showcase of some exceptional talent.
And I found myself slowly becoming a part of it all. An environment where creativity and passion are encouraged and cultivated is somehow refreshing. Witnessing those in, perhaps, their first year of hairdressing receiving encouragement from someone as inspirational as Jo McKay was beyond exciting.
Jo is Aveda’s European Education Specialist in Colour and her love of all things hair related is remarkable. It is really impossible not to want to be involved in some way. As she spoke to the room she opened with, ‘This all feels very Aveda’, swiftly followed by, ‘…for me, it feels like, you are the future of hairdressing.’ By the end of her address I was more convinced than ever that creativity, and indeed passion really is contagious. What makes Jo extraordinary is her willingness to pass it on. Her desire to inspire others to take risks, and to create.
Jo Mckay giving her feedback to one of the apprentices.
Each of the apprentices involved had worked tirelessly for several months all to come to this point. Their 'mood boards' adorning the walls on both sides of the Salon, one of the four judges Maddy Wood told me they were looking for, '...a strong representation of the boards. I want to be inspired by what the apprentices are doing.' One by one the models took to the floor and the final look was revealed. The judging process could begin.
Mood boards hanging on both sides of the Salon in Bradford-on-Avon.
"What Mel has achieved in 6 years is just incredible" Emma Hodgkins
And it really is incredible. Speaking to Mel and Bath Salon Manager Abi at the end of the evening, they both said their favourite thing about the night was that everyone was under one roof. And no wonder – to begin just 6 years ago with 3 people in one salon – and now to be sitting in this wonderful, spacious salon-number-three with a little over 50 Melanie Giles employees. It all became a bit of a love in. It was, I’m afraid to admit, difficult not to get involved.
What brought all of this together so beautifully was this idea that inspiration, creativity and passion are not only contagious, but central to all that happens at Melanie Giles Hairdressing. They have brought together the everyday and the extravagant in a rather unique way and it was a pleasure to be involved.
“What I do is a lot of research. You need to look for inspiration – seek these things out.” Jo McKay
Melanie Giles Apprentice Talent Competition
Jo McKay // European Education Specialist in Colour (Aveda)
Melanie Giles // Owner (Melanie Giles Hairdressing)
Maddy Wood // Manager (Melanie Giles Hairdressing)
Emma Hodgkins // Company Trainer (Melanie Giles Hairdressing)
1st Year Apprentices – Katherine James
2nd Year Apprentices – Faith Reed
3rd Year Apprentices – Ben McRobert-Thompson
Overall Achievement Award – Emily McLaughlin
annaxmalina
areudirty
ellievsbear
andulkaphoto
turnnoffyourmind