Professional haircare brand MOOD has unveiled the fifteen finalists selected to compete for a place on its newly launched MOOD Lifestyle Artistic Team – a creative initiative designed to elevate the brand’s presence and showcase excellence in hair colour, care and styling.
Led by MOOD Artistic Director Tracey Ann Smith, the search for new Artistic Team Members attracted a high calibre of talent from across the industry.
To enter, applicants were required to submit a short video sharing insight into their career journey and outlining why they wanted to join the MOOD Art Team. In addition, entrants submitted two examples of their work: one behind-the-chair image and one professional image, or two behind-the-chair images where a professional shoot was not available.
Following an exceptionally strong response, Tracey and the independent judges faced the challenging task of selecting just fifteen finalists.
The fifteen finalists for MOOD’s Lifestyle Artistic Team are:
- Archie Smith, Forresters @archie_smith
- Kate Ledbrook, Cora Hair @hairbykateledbrook
- Bianca Gray, Grays International @bianca_grays.international
- Connor Macintyre, House of Lunor Hair Studio @hairbyconnormcintyre
- Sam Walters, Blunt Lines @samwthehairstylist
- Luke Bird, West Salon Barber @luketombirdhairdressing
- Shruty Stevenson, Rachel Dee Atelier @shrutystephenson
- Billy Dodds, French and Ivi @billydoddshair
- Zoe Clark, Urban Hair Beauty @zoeclark_hair
- Nicole Cain @cut.with.care
- Stephanie Hay, Gemma Louise Hair @stephanie.hay_
- Connie Graham, House of Marshall Hairdressing @connielife_
- Bethany Howard @hair_by_bethhoward
- Samantha Hatch, Hatch Hair Design @sam.hair.life
- Robert Corrall @robertoworrall
All finalists will now attend MOOD’s blind auditions on 1 March at Blank Space Creative in Nottingham, where they will work to a live brief and showcase a captivating cut, colour and style using MOOD products. The auditions are the chance for finalists to show the judges their vibe and truly express who they are as a salon stylist.
Joining Tracey on the judging panel will be MOOD Brand Ambassador and Artistic Team Member Marlene Lamont, owner of Urban Hair & Beauty; MOOD Brand Ambassador and Artistic Team Member Simon Tuckwell, owner of Blank Space Creative; and Barrie Stephen, owner of multi-award-winning salon group, Barrie Stephen Hair. Finalists will be assessed on cutting, colouring and styling expertise, presentation skills, and overall suitability for the MOOD Artistic Team.
Commenting on the finalist announcement, Tracey said: “The standard of applications for our MOOD Lifestyle Team has been incredible. I’m so excited to move into the next stage and see our finalists showcase their talent in person.
“We have an amazing year ahead, with opportunities including shows, events and potential future shoots alongside myself and Marlene. MOOD has built a strong and supportive community, and we’re ready to grow it even further with passionate, creative artists who want to develop both themselves and the brand.”
