One to watch - benjamin kristian
Published
01st Apr 2013
by bathamm
Benjamin Kristian, 24, is a senior stylist and educator at Nottingham-based Zullo & Holland. With a win at last year's Wella Trend Vision and a place on the 2011/2012 Wella Generation Now team already under his belt, he is definitely a face of the future.
What do you love about what you do?
The industry is crammed with creative, enthusiastic types, all keen to make a mark on the fashion industry. No two days are the same - one day I'm in the salon with clients, the next I'm teaching trainees and next day I'm on stage demonstrating. The versatility and opportunities offered in hairdressing are like no other.
Who inspires you both in and outside the industry - and why?
The late and great Vidal Sassoon. Everyone knows the impact he had on the industry; the legacy of his methods and philosophy will last forever. It's also been amazing to work closely with Angelo Vallillo at Zullo & Holland. He drives me to be the best I can. Outside the industry, I've some great friends and family who have succeeded in their chosen field and I look to them for support and inspiration.
What have been some of your career highlights to date?
I've been lucky enough to have had quite a few in a very short period of time: styling the hair for the Vivienne Westwood Men's Campaign on my own was a big breakthrough for me. Working alongside Jim Shaw backstage at V Festival and launching Topshop's winter campaign was also an experience I won't forget and I'm truly grateful to Jim for those opportunities. But the ultimate for me would be winning Gold at Wella Trend Vision 2012 and representing Great Britain in Madrid at the end of last year.
What did winning at Trend Vision mean to you?
Winning was a personal battle. I'd been shortlisted three times before, so winning was the culmination of four long, hard years of trying. Having my name announced as the Gold Winner will be a moment I'll treasure for the rest of my life.
What did you learn during your time with Generation Now and how has this helped your career?
Becoming a member of the Generation Now team was another career goal. Working with the guys has been amazing. The team is fresh and full of ideas as we all come from different hairdressing backgrounds. It's given me a platform to showcase my work and the confidence to develop my presentation skills.
What are your career ambitions?
Like any young ambitious hairdresser, the ultimate goal is to open my own salon, but for now I love working with Angelo and the guys at Zullo & Holland, it's a great place to work. I'm keen to develop my skills further and continue learning.
