What made you decide to enter the 2008 Style Stars Global Hair Contest?
The contest has a reputation for being a unique international competition, so I entered to win for the exposure and the pure challenge of creating a global image.
How did you prepare for the contest?
It was a lot of prep work! First, I found great models with ideal hair for what I wanted to accomplish, then I worked on story boards with lots of fashion images from international magazines such as French and Italian Vogue. Once I made my decision with respect to the direction I wanted to take, then I worked with the photographer, stylist, and makeup artist to achieve the final result.
How long have you been a hairdresser?
I´ve been hairdressing for 18 years and have owned a salon for 12 years. My focus has always been on education, both in teaching and being taught. That´s how you constantly improve your skill. I took up a role as part of the Goldwell education team in 2001 and have never looked back!
What does the term “style artist” mean to you?
The term “style artist” represents a person who is willing to push the creative boundaries while still maintaining technical excellence — someone who shares their passion through styling hair.
Jesse Briggs, founder of Yellow Strawberry Global Salons and President of Style Star USA, Inc., believes that stylists today are “faced with the challenges of creating modern looks from styles and fashions past.” Do you feel your work also reflects this idea?
Yes I do. Even my winning entry was a new take on the classic graduated bob — because of the totally new color treatment. Hair and fashion alike go around in circles. It´s the new twists that make the old styles very contemporary and modern. I think you must have a good understanding of the classics and basic techniques, then you can use your imagination for the new twist.
How did you create that gorgeous pinktoned pastel color treatment?
My inspiration was all about the reflection of light and how it hits the hair. I cut a classic graduated bob and created a very heavy fringe as a platform for the cooler color palette. For the color treatment, I used dark level 3 violet as the base in the fringe with pearl level 10 blonde, level 7 red violet and level 8 dark ash blonde. I used the jewels in the clothing to play off the colors and accentuate this cool color treatment.
You have won many awards. Do you feel these awards are your greatest achievements thus far in your career?
Yes — awards let me be recognized in the industry that I love — and this competition is global and gets lots of exposure.
What do you see as the challenges for stylists at the present time?
I hate to say it but, the hairstyling industry is not immune — the global economy has taken its toll on opportunities for newcomers, on creativity and on being able to make a living owning a salon or working as a hairdresser.
What challenges await in the near future?
Obviously we want to keep people coming in to this industry — luckily if you have a passion for hair styling and are great at it — there is still plenty of opportunity — like this contest, for example!
You currently operate your own salon called Nischler. So, what do you feel are the basic skills any salon operator must possess?
Great communication skills! The owner must provide a clear direction in which you want the people in your business to go so everyone works together toward that common goal.
What do you feel makes a client return again and again to your salon?
Great service, great rapport with people and of course amazing technical skills!
If you were to write your autobiography right now, how would you describe your creations?
Classic, fun, wearable…which is important nowadays in keeping clients coming back… they need to be able to do their hair at home just as beautifully as I do it in the salon!
Describe your typical day.
I get to the salon around 8 a.m. and start the cleaning (yes, I clean!), I make sure everyone´s appointment sheets are printed, then I start cutting! I service 13-14 clients daily. Usually any staff requests and business dealings are taken care of at the end of the day. I get home at 7-7:30 p.m.
When do you feel you are most creative? What inspires your creativity?
It sounds stupid, but when I am running, I become very much focused on an idea and it allows me to block out everything else. In addition, I am inspired by other stylists, like Sassoon, and some Australian talents such as Tracey Hughes, Sandy Chong and Adam Noble.
How would you describe the education a hairdresser receives in Australia?
The education in Australia is fantastic! Every major brand has an extensive program and the hunger for great education is amazing, here.
If you could style the hair of one historical figure you learned about in school, who would it be and why?
Marie Antoinette — I think it´s the wig usage in this period on men and women. You can create some amazing shapes.
What advice would you give to this year´s Style Stars Global Hair Contest contestants?
Go for it! It´s an amazing event and it will not only raise your profile, but open up the hairdressing world to you.
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