Life of a stylist - taking your talents abroad with serena daye

The Hairdressing industry is so varied that it can be hard to know what path to follow. For the Life of a Stylist Series we have exclusively tracked down hair professionals from a variety of industry positions from pop star tour stylists to A-list Afro barbers so that you can gain insight into the breadth of the industry. For this week’s instalment of Life of a Stylist we spoke to Serena Daye, Top Stylist and Senior Technician at Trevor Sorbie Dubai who previously worked in the Trevor Sorbie Manchester salon. We speak to Serena about how she made the move and how you can make your overseas dreams a reality... What was your route into hair? I had always had a huge interest in hair styling, up-do's and braiding etc. From a very young age I was forever experimenting on family members hair. I had my first salon experience when I was 16 on work experience. That's where I really felt this was a big passion of mine. How did you come to working with Trevor Sorbie? I had taken a few months out of hairdressing to spend the summer in Ibiza. After returning to the UK and finding myself working for a very small hair company who only had 2 salons, I realised I missed the standards, the training structure and opportunities that are more freely available when working for an established salon company. I had always admired the work produced by Trevor Sorbie salons, so I sent off my C.V. and that was it from there. What made you decide to move abroad for work?  Traveling is a huge passion of mine and I'm jetting off for some sunshine at every possible chance I get. When we found out Trevor Sorbie Dubai was opening it was a no brainier really. I had a couple of doubts, but they soon went away after realising what an amazing opportunity it was in front of me. I knew I would have full support from the company and thought it would do nothing but add to my hairdressing experience along with life experience. https://www.instagram.com/p/BiwPT3ODZDP/?hl=en&taken-by=serenadaye Have you faced any challenges in your career so far? I feel very blessed to say I don't feel I have faced many challenges, not that I have found a struggle anyway. I'm a firm believer that pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and setting yourself a challenge is where there is most to learn. Every challenge is an experience. What are your top tips for future talent that want to work overseas? • Don't overthink it just do it! • There's no guarantee how anything will work out in life. • Best case scenario you have the most amazing time, develop further in your career and gain experience that would maybe never be possible. • Worst case scenario, it is not what you expect and you catch a flight home. Still with something learned along the way. What is your hair styling philosophy? Your hair should bring out your most confident, happy self. Favourite account to follow on Instagram? One of my colleagues from in Manchester, Mai ha is one of the most inspiring, creative stylists I have ever worked with. Her account is one to definitely check out. My other huge passion is yoga. I have recently done my yoga teacher training India so every time I open my Instagram, more than likely, the first post I come across is one of the many inspirational teachers I follow. Do you have a signature look you like to create in salon? I love a tousled, mid to shoulder length balayage. It can be personalised to every single client and is not too difficult for your client to recreate style wise at home which is what every client wants. What are the most reached for items in your kit bag? • Irons (for creating beach waves) • Dry texturising spray for that natural finish And where do you see your career heading next? • As mentioned before I try not to get too set on looking too far ahead. Moving abroad has definitely been one of the best things I have done in a very long time. I'm looking forward to getting stuck in and making a stamp for Trevor Sorbie in Dubai. Possibly picking up session work where possible as there is A LOT of long hair and A LOT of events in Dubai.