Step up and shine winner announced

The winner of the second Christofer Mann Step Up & Shine Scholarship (in conjunction with The Fellowship for British Hairdressing and The National Hairdressers' Federation) was announced at the glittering Fellowship President’s Night, held in London’s West End on Monday 20 April. After a six-month selection process, involving applicants filming their entries via YouTube before one-to-one interviews and two rounds of judging, the overall winner - and second ever recipient of the Scholarship - was announced as Sophie Freegard of Tops Hair and Beauty in Wiltshire. Sophie wins a year of bespoke education worth £2,500, as well as a mentoring session with industry mentor Debbie G to help her plan the year. "Step Up and Shine is an amazing project," said outgoing Fellowship President Errol Douglas.  "It’s a way of uncovering the uncut diamonds of our industry and giving young people without resources or contacts the opportunity to learn from the best and progress their career." The National Hairdressers’ Federation and World Hair Director Paul Curry agreed, commenting: "Sophie showed so much passion for education and our industry. She really shone throughout the process and sums up everything Christofer would have wanted in a new recruit." "I was absolutely gobsmacked when they announced my name," admitted Sophie. "I was shaking so much and I don't think it has sunk in yet, , but I’m really excited about meeting Debbie G and getting started."