Hairdressing the ultimate job satisfaction for darren ambrose

Admired within the industry for both his creative skills and business acumen, Darren Ambrose from D&J Ambrose, is one of hairdressing's visionaries.   A former British Hairdressing Awards Avant Garde Hairdresser of the Year and owner of a successful salon, he believes that it is time that hairdressing is given its due recognition.     Who do you admire? Creatively, Alexander McQueen; business-wise Alan Sugar. I admire them both for the progress they have made within their businesses by embracing delegation. They have freed up their own time so they can be innovative and creative. What's the best career advice you have been given? My parents told me to keep focussed at all times, to give myself a five-year plan and make sure that I didn't get caught up in politics. They also advised me to be clear about what I wanted to achieve and always experience all aspects of the job myself before asking others to do it - that way you know what is involved. What ambitions do you still have? My main ambition is to be nominated for HJ's British Hairdresser of the Year. I'd also like to ensure that my company is always associated with creativity and innovation within the industry. Has there ever been a crossroads in your career? Did you make the right choice? There was a crossroads in my career two or three years ago when I researched and visited quite a few agencies, with a view to becoming a session stylist. I decided against it after I was told that session stylists needed to be available at the drop of a hat. That would have meant being part-time in the business. I had a busy column - I was fully booked every day. However, I wanted to grow that side of the business too but realised I couldn't do both. So, I chose to go down the salon route and it was the right decision because I discovered I had a very successful business with a great team behind me. The ironic thing was, as the business grew, I was asked to do independent jobs and international shows and shoots, so that part of my creativity was fulfilled anyway. What was your first job and did you learn anything that you use today? I knew I wanted to be a hairdresser when I was eight. As soon as I finished school I couldn't wait to begin learning and get into the craft. I learnt everything I could possibly absorb from that first day. I quickly became engrossed in the industry and it has just got better and better. What's the best part of your job? Being able to wake up every day and know that I will be able to create something that is unique, having no one to tell me what to do and getting 100% job satisfaction. What's the worst part of your job? Accounts and paperwork. If you could change one thing about the industry what would it be? I think we need more government backing. The government should encourage young people to join our industry and make them aware of the opportunities hairdressing can bring. University and college are not for everyone; creatively-minded kids need more support and encouragement. More Hairdresser Profiles

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