I want that job! john harte at tigi

John Harte has gone from being on the TIGI Inspirational Youth team to educating for the brand - here's how he got there. When did you decide you wanted to be a hairdresser? When I was 17 I got a job as a Saturday boy in a salon. I'd heard you could get £30 sweeping the floor in a salon, which I thought sounded pretty amazing! I didn’t actually think it might be the gateway to a career but very quickly, I found I loved the whole atmosphere and hanging around with the clients and salon team. Where did you train? I started at Willy Smart’s in Clapham, but all my real training was done at the TIGI Academy. What was your first job like? I really enjoyed my time at Willy Smart’s. The people were all really friendly, it was a fun atmosphere and for the first time I began to explore hanging out after work to train. But my really learning process started when I joined TIGI. I knew it was the best place to be as soon as I got there and, straight away, I wanted to be as good at their elite team of hairdressers. How did you get involved with the TIGI Creative Team? I had heard about the TIGI Academy in Battersea and decided I wanted to work there, so I rang Allan Hogg (who was the Academy Director) everyday for 3 months. He just ignored me. Then one day I gave up phoning and popped in asked for a job. He said no again, so I then asked if I could do work experience. Eventually he told me that I could come in for one day, and if the team liked me I could stay for a week. If they didn't, I'd have to go home - fortunately they liked me! I began going to the Academy on my days off and after three months they gave me a contract and told me I'd got a job. I should add that I was made to feel incredibly welcome by everyone at the Academy and they looked after me very well. From the first day, I knew I didn’t want to leave. What does your role within TIGI consist of? Now I’m involved in education, teaching at the academy, doing shoots and working on shows and events. It makes a change from all the suitcases I packed for other people in the early days, although I do still help with this too. What’s been your career highlight so far? I was part of the TIGI Inspirational Youth Team three years ago, during which period I really learnt and developed a lot. Since then I’ve helped backstage at fashion shows and been on stage at World Release in London and in Berlin. Berlin was amazing as I went on stage to talk about my experiences with Inspirational Youth. What’s your next career goal? I want to keep doing more of what I’m doing. As Anthony Mascolo says: "You should never stop learning." He’s my ultimate inspiration. I want to be like him and be able to inspire other people as much as he has inspired me. What piece of advice would you give your student self? Photo document everything you do. I wish I had a record of all my work. Looking for your next career move? Take a look at HJi Jobs for all of the latest hair and beauty job opportunities!