Spotlight on . . . lewis taylor - junior
Name:
Job Title: Graduate Stylist
Place of Work: West Row Hairdressing York
Why did you get into hairdressing?
I had an interest in hair from an early age and always wanted to pursue a career in hairdressing.
How did you get your foot in the door?
I was 14 years old and on a busy Saturday afternoon I walked into the West Row York salon 
and said to the owner I wanted a job in her salon. She was impressed that I'd shown initiative and asked me back next week for a trial.
What is the best part of your job?
Working with different people everyday and seeing them walk out 100% happy with the service I have given. I also get on really well with a mostly female team.
What is the worst part of your job?
When the girls gang up on me with the ratio being 1 guy to 7 women!
And not eating every hour on the hour plays havoc with my physique!
Who inspires you and why?
The team I work with inspire me to be better and give me the advice that if I work hard anything is possible. It has been great helping out on shows with Steve Rowbottom and the West Row creative team and I have learnt more and more each time I have worked with them.
Name or describe your favourite hair cut or style
I enjoy working on sharper styles and I'm influenced by vintage Vidal Sassoon cuts.
Which part of the job do you find the most rewarding?
After having a fully booked day and leaving work 100% confident that all my clients are happy with their result. All my team have a great sense of humour and this keeps my spirits high.
If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?
The old school stereotype that all male hairdressers are gay, both gay and straight guys work in salons!
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
I would like to be working with our creative team helping out with any shows, photographic work or competitions they do. I also hope to be a more senior stylist in my salon with a good clientele.
Describe an average day at work
I grab a Starbucks on the way to work then I check out what models I have got in as I'm working towards the final part of my training. One important thing I have learnt is that preparation is key.
What advice would you give to someone who would like to do your job?
I would start off working weekends to get used to the job and see what opportunities lie ahead. It's a good industry to be in, just make sure it's the right one for you because you need to give it your all.
Which celebrity would you like to style and what would you change about their hair?
I'd definitely re-style Katie Price's image and get her away from the glamour girl look by giving her a androgynous look set to turn heads but still retain a soft feminine feel.
If you weren't a hairdresser (or working in the industry), what would you be?
I would probably work in Personal training as I love working out.
