British hairdresser of the year 2008 nominees question time
It's a huge honour to be nominated for HJ's British Hairdresser of the Year Award. This year's nominees - Akin Konizi, Angelo Seminara, Antoinette Beenders, Errol Douglas, Gary Hooker & Michael Young and Phil Smith - reveal their feelings about the prestigious award.
Akin Konizi, international creative director for hob salons
Where were you when you discovered you had been nominated and how did it feel?
I was driving and the call went onto hands-free loud speaker. I felt relief as I had been preparing myself for not getting it this year and then delayed elation.
Why do you think you were nominated?
I hope for my dedication and commitment to the industry and my hairdressing skills.
What do you think the role of HJ's British Hairdresser of the Year should be about?
I feel the role of HJ's British Hairdresser of the Year should be about being a great ambassador for the industry. It is about being committed to maintaining the high profile of British hairdressing throughout the world as an aspirational profession, both in and outside of the industry. The winner should focus on the continual progression of British hairdressing, to maintain its reputation as the best in the world.
If you could dedicate your nomination to anyone, who would it be and why?
It would have to be to my team. Receiving this nomination is not only a reflection of my work and dedication to hairdressing, but also that of my two business partners Paul and Clive, the hob creative team and the entire hob salons group. It is the combination of all these people that have helped in achieving this nomination. And, of course, my family, who have been supportive throughout my career.
What would winning HJ's British Hairdresser of the Year mean to you?
To become HJ's British Hairdresser of the Year would be the pinnacle of my career, and the ultimate endorsement for all the work I have put in to succeed in this fantastic profession.
Angelo Seminara, international creative director Trevor Sorbie, London
Where were you when you discovered you had been nominated and how did it feel?
I was at home having a barbeque with my family when I found out. I was so excited and actually really shocked.
Why do you think you were nominated?
I can truly say that I never stop thinking about hairdressing 365 days of the year! It is my complete passion. I love my job and sharing my ideas with others. I think that it's this together with my creative ideas that have captured the attention of the industry.
What do you think the role of HJ's British Hairdresser of the Year should be about?
For me it's about sharing passion and creativity, focusing on being a great
ambassador for the industry as well as ensuring international recognition.
If you could dedicate your nomination to anyone, who would it be and why?
It would be to my family for all their continuous support .
What would winning HJ's British Hairdresser of the Year mean to you?
I would feel incredibly privileged to win again. It is the biggest accolade in the industry particularly when you consider the amazing names that have won in the past.
Antoinette Beenders, global creative director of Aveda
Where were you when you discovered you had been nominated?
I was on a shoot doing the autumn/winter fashion trend for Aveda. It was on a really busy, hectic day so the news didn't sink in until later that evening. I was absolutely thrilled.
Why do you think you were nominated?
I hope I was nominated because the nominators recognised that I continually try to push the boundaries in hair, creating new techniques and carrying the message to the next generation of stylists.
What do you think the role of HJ's British Hairdresser of the Year should be about?
Supporting the industry, educating, motivating, and raising the profile of the craft.
If you could dedicate your nomination to anyone, who would it be and why?
It would be to my support team. Without them I wouldn't be able to spend the majority of my time and energy taking my expertise forward.
What would winning HJ's British Hairdresser of the Year mean to you?
It would mean so much. To be acknowledged by your peers is the ultimate accolade.
Errol Douglas, Errol Douglas, London
Where were you when you discovered you had been nominated?
I was in the salon. Everyone knew because I started shouting out loud and I was jubilant!
Why do you think you were nominated?
Hopefully, because of what I have done for the industry. I love education work and I thrive on passing on what I know to others and believe I continuously promote British hairdressing.
What do you think the role of HJ's British Hairdresser of the Year should be about?
For me, it would be about continuously flagging and promoting British hairdressing around the globe, having a good presence with education and TV, and being a voice for our industry.
If you could dedicate your nomination to anyone, who would it be and why?
I'd dedicate it to my late son, and to Umberto Giannini, because we always used to go to the awards together and we plotted to open a shop together! He was the first to get his off the ground.
What would winning HJ's British Hairdresser of the Year mean to you?
It's something I've always strived for, and it would mean everything really - it would further the brand and I'd use it to push our industry forward - it would be the ultimate platform not just for me, but for my team. After all this time it would be lovely - hopefully my persistence will pay off.
Gary Hooker AND Michael Young, Hooker & Young, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Where were you when you discovered you had been nominated?
GH: Actually we'd had quite an emotional day already as we attended the funeral of a dear friend which had left us both feeling quite drained. Later that day we received the phone call to give us the amazing news, which came as a shock as our minds were elsewhere.
Why do you think you were nominated?
MY: I think our longevity and dedication to the industry has demonstrated our passion for hairdressing. We continuously promote British hairdressing wherever we go.
What do you think the role of HJ's British Hairdresser of the Year should be about?
MY: It is about endorsing the industry to both the consumer and the press. It is important to keep the industry fresh, to create new trends and colour techniques and inspire those involved in hairdressing and those thinking about joining.
If you could dedicate your nomination to anyone, who would it be and why?
MY: We would dedicate it to our parents who have been to every competition we've entered and given us strength and unfaltering support. Also to our dear friend Bill Whitcomb who sadly passed away earlier this year.
What would winning HJ's British Hairdresser of the Year mean to you?
GH: It would mean everything to us, to have the recognition and admiration from our peers and the industry. It would show that you don't need to be based in London with a celebrity clientele and also to help others to realise you can achieve your dreams.
Phil Smith, Toni & Guy, Salisbury
Where were you when you discovered you had been nominated?
I was driving home from the salon with my wife Louise when I got the call. I really can't describe the feeling - you go through every emotion possible and some you didn't even know existed!
Why do you think you were nominated?
I hope my consistency and dedication to the industry along with my overseas work, and the fact that I run a number of salons is why people would like to see me as HJ's British Hairdresser of the Year.
What do you think the role of HJ's British Hairdresser of the Year should be about?
I believe it is about being a complete all rounder. Being creative and inspiring and being a role model for British hairdressing.
If you could dedicate your nomination to anyone, who would it be and why?
Umberto Giannini for having belief in me and giving me the confidence to go for it. My dad and my wife Louise for their continued help.
What would winning HJ's British Hairdresser of the Year mean to you?
To win would represent one moment in time where I would be up there as the best of British hairdressing. It doesn't get any better than that.
