On September 16th 2014, Martin Hillier, the International Artistic Director for Senscience, will reach a major career milestone. This seasoned hair guru will celebrate 40 years in the industry.
Based in Vancouver, the award-winning hair stylist continues to jetset the world, and is widely received at New York Fashion Week, Salon International London UK, and the main stage at the ABA's. His work has been graced the pages of Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Elle, and Marie Claire, among other notable publications.
Not an academic child, Hillier was told at a young age that he forgo schooling and enter the workforce.
At 16, he took an apprentice position at Raymonds-a local salon in Bletchley, Buckinghamshire, England. At the onset of his apprenticeship, he knew he found a career.
Hillier credits the senior stylists for teaching him how to style, as well as the importance of building skills. When his apprenticeship was over, Hillier moved back to London and worked for S&L Group at the Dickens and Jones department store. Working with many famous London faces, he was constantly learning and honing his skill set.
"I have to thank my hair heroes," says Hillier. "Toni and Guy, Sassoon, Trevor Sorbie, Robert Labbetta, Jingles, and The Rusks allowed me to feel like I was a part of something remarkable and helped me believe in this extraordinary art that is hair."
Hillier beams as he looks back at his extensive career, "It is simply amazing that a boy who was told he had no potential is a partner at a prestigious salon in Vancouver, travels the world as a Global Art Director, is bumping shoulders with the rich and famous, and has had work published in trade and consumer magazines worldwide."
An inspiration, Hillier remains humble and imparts some words of wisdom: "For all the other young people out there that maybe think they'll never be enough or that they're dreams are for other people. It's not up to someone else to decide who you are; it's up to you to show the world!"
Hiller will continue to work at the Lounge Hair Studio in Vancouver.
Some looks styled by Hillier | Hillier with singer Rita Ora |