A week in my life: fellowship scholarship winner cilesté rogers gets inspired at sassoon academy
The journey has officially started for Cilesté Rogers from We Love Salons in Southsea and on Monday 1st August she attended the first of four fabulous weeks at the Sassoon Academy in London as this year’s Scholarship winner.
We caught up with Cilesté to find out what she got up to and this is her diary of her week.
Day One
'I was so excited to start my first week at the Sassoon Academy and couldn’t wait to make my way to London! I spent the whole weekend preparing for today and trying to distract myself from how excited I was.
I arrived at the Sassoon Academy and I was introduced to Sasha and Gary who were the educators for the day. The morning was a chance to see a demonstration from both Gary and Sasha. Sasha created a beautiful graduated bob, while Gary created a stunning finish with medium layers. It was amazing to see how different techniques and shapes can build varied looks.
The afternoon was a chance for me to work on my own model and put into practice the ABC education we had learnt during the morning session. My model had lovely long hair and wanted to change it to go slightly shorter and working with soft layers I created a voluminous finish.
After just day one I will never look at cutting the same way again! It is incredible how these new techniques I have learnt will totally impact the way I now cut hair.'
Day Two
'I returned for my second day armed with my Denman tool roll excited for another day of education. I feel so lucky to not only be able to attend such an amazing course, but to also have a brand new kit to use as well.
Today our educators were Keith and Gary and their focus was blowdrying. Their demonstrations were on graduated bobs but using very different techniques. Today was the perfect opportunity to try out my new brushes and that afternoon I was able to learn exactly what products and brushes work best.
I had lots to think about by the time I finished the day and a book full of notes.'
Day Three
'I cannot believe it is already the middle of the week! I am loving every minute and feel so lucky to have been awarded this fantastic opportunity. I still think back to the judging day and cannot believe they chose me as the winner. I am determined to make the most out of this experience!
Keith and Gary returned as our educators again today but this time, the focus was face shapes. The demonstrations in the morning focused on shorter haircuts and was an opportunity to really understand suitability. I made lots of notes from the morning session focusing on the three main shapes that Sassoon work towards which are curve, broad and angular.
I was fully prepared for my model that afternoon as we had discussed not just face shapes but growing patterns as well as the art of a good consultation. My model had a short round graduation with a square layer and I loved adapting the cut to suit her. She was so pleased at the end which is always the best feeling.
I board my train home with a big smile on my face and head full of new knowledge.'
Day Four
'The penultimate day for my first week has arrived and I am back with Keith and Gary to go over everything we have learnt so far this week. This was a great way of refreshing all the education we have received as it has been so intense and education focused. Every night I have gone home I have been going over my notes as I want to remember everything!
Keith demonstrated an a-symmetrical curly hair style with disconnection that morning, while Gary used disconnection within a layered bob. The best thing about learning all the rules is learning how to break them!
That afternoon I used the disconnection I had learnt in the morning on my model to create a round graduated short haircut. I loved the finished look and felt so confident in applying all the techniques.'
Day Five
'I can’t believe today is my last day. I have had the best week and cannot wait to be back again for my next week. I still cannot believe I have the opportunity to attend 4 weeks at this prestigious Academy. I am so grateful to everyone who selected me, but also to Hairdressers Journal for contributing towards my travel, which means my only focus is the course itself. Amazing!
I was back with Gary and Keith today and this morning we started off with our own models. I was able to completely reshape my models hair without much help at all from Keith. The education we have had over the last week enabled me to decide on the Sassoon shape and technique with complete confidence.
What a way to end the week! This has been the BEST training I have ever had and I cannot wait to get back to the salon and share everything I have learnt. Thank you so much to everyone for this opportunity and I cannot wait to start week two next month'
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