British hairdressing business awards: uncovering young talent

Young talent is the future of the hairdressing industry, and at HJ’s British Hairdressing Business Awards, the Junior of the Year category recognises just that. Every year, judges pore over hundreds of entries from ultra-enthusiastic, up-and-coming hairdressers, who have embarked on the first step of their careers. With so many budding stars to choose from, picking the candidate that shines the brightest is never easy, but those who have seized opportunities and thrown themselves into the profession with passion stand out from the crowd. The rookie recruits who make it to the shortlist on the night are those in which HJ’s panel of experienced industry judges have seen something truly special. Many of them have gone on to achieve tremendous career success since their names flashed up on the big screens at the glittering event while others have left the industry. And for the winners, stepping onstage to collect their prize – often to the biggest round of applause of the night – is a moment to treasure for a lifetime.2007 British Hairdressing Business Awards Junior of the Year Leah Walton, The Colour Room, Stockport, Cheshire "It is a great honour and privilege to have been named Junior of the Year 2007, and since winning I’ve had the most challenging and busy year of my career. I’ve continued to push myself and strive to take on new challenges. "In December 2007, I was promoted to technical director at The Colour Room in recognition of the quality of the technical and creative work I was producing and the growth of my client base. I’ve also taken on responsibility for the provision of our in-house colour training; have worked on some fantastic magazine shoots and catwalk shows; and have spent a day with my hairdressing idol Lisa Shepherd, which was amazing. "Putting my entry together was a great process – and really made me analyse my job, my achievements and my aspirations. It also made me very focused on building up my portfolio of work and experience in preparation for being interviewed by the judging panel. I was very nervous before I met them but soon relaxed, and even started to enjoy the interview! "Hearing my name announced on the night as the winner was beyond my wildest dreams. I know that I’m on the right track with my career and that I can achieve anything as long as I put in the effort, push myself and take advantage of every opportunity that comes my way. It’s a wonderful feeling." 2005 British Hairdressing Business Awards Junior of the Year Marc Smith, Falltricks, Romford, Essex "It felt amazing to win Junior of the Year, and was incredible recognition for all the hard work that my colleagues had put into developing my skills, along with my own efforts. Standing on the stage was a completely surreal, but brilliant feeling. "I’d been working seven days a week in the run-up to winning, spending all my free time on training courses to build up my skills and assisting on magazine shoots and shows all over the UK. At that stage in my career I had just gone on to the shop floor as a stylist, and have since worked my way up the ranks. I now co-manage the 7,000sq ft Falltricks salon in Romford, with Ross Taylor. "Winning gave me a lot more confidence in my abilities and has made me want to put even more effort into my work. It’s given me a stronger enthusiasm for the industry. "I’d definitely encourage people to enter the 2008 awards. The competition is tough but to make the shortlist feels incredible, and that boost to your confidence makes you want to take the success you’ve had even further." 2004 British Hairdressing Business Awards Junior of the Year Ross Taylor, Falltricks, Romford, Essex "Being named Junior of the Year was the best experience of my career to date – although I was so shocked it’s still a bit of a blur! I had only been in hairdressing for about 18 months at the time, so it was a great achievement for me, and the salon too. "I think my entry might have appealed to the judges as it was clear I had worked exceptionally hard, and made the most of every opportunity I had been offered. I qualified in seven months, and then spent most of my holidays assisting Paul Falltrick to get a taste of the session world, which was amazing. I was more than happy to use my time off to get experience on photo shoots and fashion shows, and loved having the chance to travel to destinations that included New York and Sweden, for the jobs. "In November 2007, I was promoted to joint manager of the Romford branch of Falltricks – the flagship salon in the chain – along with 2005 Junior of the Year Marc Smith, so it’s been a life-changing experience. "Before I got into hairdressing I was a quiet person but the success I’ve had in the profession has given my confidence a brilliant boost. There are so many opportunities in this job and it’s definitely true that the more you put in, the more you get out." Download your entry form for the 2008 British Hairdressing Business Awards