Akin konizi's march highlights

From a new salon opening to a hectic four days at the Vitality Show, it has been a crazy busy month for British Hairdresser of the Year, Akin Konizi.

These are some of his highlights...

What: P & G Beauty Awards

Where: Freemasons Hall, Covent Garden

When: 5th March

Why: A glittering event attended by the cream of the beauty industry, the P&G Beauty awards recognised those journalists who have excelled and outshone throughout the year. Invited to present an award at the prestigious ceremony, Akin attended the evening with HJ's 2008 British Colour Technician of the Year Christel Lundqvist. Akin was in great company with a line-up of celebrity guest presenters including Mischa Barton, Dave Berry, Edith Bowman and compere for the evening, Lauren Laverne.

Akin says: "Being invited by Wella Professionals to present an award at the acclaimed P&G Beauty awards was an honour. Surrounded by very successful and established figures in the beauty world, it was a great opportunity to meet new people and represent the hairdressing industry."

What: Alan Austin Smith Seminar

Where: The Fantastic Hairdresser Company, Chiswick

When: 16th March

Why: Akin Konizi joined Alan Austin Smith of The Fantastic Hairdresser to launch an exciting new concept, which was first suggested by the hob team - The 100% Hairdresser. Interviewed by Alan on what it takes to be a fantastic hairdresser, Akin discussed his thoughts and beliefs about the industry, creativity, passion and style. He also presented a variety of models to inspire and educate the audience to be Fantastic 100% Hairdressers!

Akin says: "Teaming up with Alan Austin Smith turned out to be a great day. Working with innovative yet commercial hair looks, I presented models aimed to inspire and motivate hairdressers. The day involved a packed schedule of Q&A sessions, demonstrations and presentations and the feedback was very positive."

What: The Vitality Show

Where: London's Earls Court 2

When: 26th - 29th March

Why: Teaming up with The Vitality Show for a second year in a row, this year saw Akin and Christel appear on the main Style Theatre stage doing Live Audience Restyles. The show also saw hob salons offer visitors a day of pure beauty and pampering as one of the main show features, with the hob team offering expert advice, consultations, blow-dries, cuts and styling services.

Akin says: "Taking part at the Vitality Show last year was fantastic, so having the opportunity to be the exclusive salon at the 2009  exhibition was an offer we were excited to accept. From presenting on the Style Theatre stage to packed out audiences through to running a busy salon with fully booked columns, it was a manic but successful 4 days."

What: Elstree salon opening

Where: The Village Hotels, Centennial Avenue, Elstree

When: 31st March 2009

Why: This month saw Akin and the hob salons group move in an exciting new direction with the launch of their fifth franchise salon in the VILLAGE hotel, in Elstree.  Akin was there as to support Robert Aquino, new franchisee and previous Manager of the Bushey, along with fellow directors Clive Collins and Paul Simbler. This opening takes hob salons to a 15 salon group and with lots of high profile celebrity guests staying at the hotel, the VILLAGE are delighted to be associated with HJ's British Hairdresser of the Year. 

Akin says: "As hob's fifth franchise salon and 15th branch in the group, this opening is a great moment for us. Robert has been a fantastic manager and member of our team for many years and he will make an excellent salon owner. Cementing a fantastic partnership with a successful and growing hotel group, this is an exciting move and should this work successfully we will potentially open more with them across the country. I spend so much time away doing creative and educational work, it's great to put my Director hat on and get back into the salon, supporting our management teams who are instrumental in facilitating everything that we do on a creative level."