Beverly c awarded mbe for services to hairdressing
Published
06th Jan 2008
by rachael
Beverly C is the only woman to win HJ's British Hairdresser of the Year title twice and is an in-demand stylist around the world. She was made an MBE in 2008.
Why do you think you received the award?
No-one ever really knows why these awards are bestowed which is part of why they're so special, but I'd like to think it's because of my commitment, achievements in hairdressing, and my role in pushing women to the forefront of our industry. I think I was one of the first women to make people sit up and take notice.
What did you do to get it?
To be honest it's all a bit of a mystery. It's not something you can apply for or particularly work towards, so the exact reason is never clear. Obviously I have been active in changing the way women are perceived in our industry, involved in charity work, helped raise the public profile of the hairdressing industry as a whole and I'm committed to educating and mentoring wherever I can - in the UK and globally.
How did it feel when you found out?
Amazing! I was totally staggered but completely elated. I think I was in shock for a while though, and I even thought the initial call might be a wind-up.
Is it important that hairdressers get recognised?
It's important that anybody who works tirelessly in their chosen career gets recognised and appreciated - whether they are teachers, hairdressers, doctors or dustmen. A person who puts 100% into everything they do, not just for personal gain, but for the greater good, deserves to be applauded. And, of course, anything that recognises hairdressing as an important profession is extremely valuable.
Who would you like to see get an award?
The kind of characters the successful business people meet on Channel 4's The Secret Millionaire. They always astound me in their selflessness and generosity to others. People who spend their free time and often their own money helping those less fortunate, like the homeless, disabled children, the elderly. If they don't deserve a medal I don't know who does.
