I want that job! jonathan turner at hooker & young

Jonathan Turner works at Hooker & Young and was a member of Matrix Destination Fame. He also won Junior of the Year at HJ's British Hairdressing Business Awards. When did you decide you wanted to be a hairdresser? Not until I was 26. I came into the industry quite late and wish I had done it sooner. I went to university and got a fashion degree, then worked in the fashion industry for a few years but wanted something more creative. My partner, who is also a hairdresser, said I should try hairdressing, so I did and I have never looked back. Where did you train? I have only ever worked for Hooker & Young and have been lucky enough to be taught everything I know in-house, therefore taught by the best. What was your first job like? My first ever job was working in retail, which I HATED! My first job in hairdressing was becoming Michael Young's personal assistant. I had been friends with Michael for about five years before coming into hairdressing so thought it might have seemed a little strange to work alongside him. From day one it was completely natural and felt I had always been a member of the team. When did you join Hooker & Young? Four years ago. I knew if I wanted to be in hairdressing, this was the salon group I wanted to work for. I had been to lots of their shows and was always amazed. Why did you decide to enter Destination FAME and what did you get out of your year on the team? I wanted to enter Destination FAME as I love being creative and saw this as a great opportunity for pushing myself. It provides a platform for anyone wanting to get more into stage work and working backstage on shows. This is a side to hairdressing I always love being part of. I always think you have nothing to lose by entering competitions so to just go for it and see what happens. You have nothing to lose. Winning Destination FAME I was mentored by Jamie Stevens for the twelve-month duration, and as part of the prize there was a winners photo shoot in London. From this I managed to get my first front cover, which was a bonus. How important is it for you to work for a salon group that supports your competition work? It’s great to work for a salon group that both supports and encourages staff to be creative. Sometimes it can seem intimidating to share thoughts and ideas for the fear of sounding stupid, but working with like-minded people encourages you to explore and push new boundaries. Also, it's great to bounce ideas off one another. What’s been your career highlight so far? It’s hard to choose as I have had some amazing experiences and been very lucky. Some of my stand-out moments would have to be being involved with the Matrix International Dream Team in Spain where we did a show for their Global Conference. As part of the Hooker & Young Art Team I led an inspiration day, finishing the day drinking cocktails on the beach celebrating my birthday. That day I will never forget. I also won Junior of the Year at HJ's British Hairdressing Business Awards which cemented my appreciation and passion for our industry. Also being invited to work in New York along side part of the Matrix Global Design Team for a week was incredible. New York has always been a place I have been desperate to visit. It’s somewhere everyone needs to experience. What’s your next career goal? To enter more competitions this year which are currently in the pipeline. Watch this space... What piece of advice would you give your student self? Keep working hard, pushing yourself and don't let time pass you by. Also 'fail to prepare, prepare to fail' is a motto I live by. Looking for your next career move? Take a look at HJi Jobs for all of the latest hair and beauty job opportunities!