Twenty questions with tracey hughes
Published
14th May 2012
by rachael
Born in England, Tracey Hughes began her hairdressing career in 1986 at Christopher Boyton in the UK and after travelling to Australia as a backpacker in 1991, chose to migrate permanently.
She opened her first salon in Collingwood, Melbourne in 1997, with a second opening its doors in Nobby Beach, Queensland some 14 years later.
She has won both Australian Hairdresser of the Year and Colourist of the Year and has led her team to win Salon of the Year numerous times, is a sought-after educator and regularly works at Australian Fashion Week. Tracey Hughes Education also provides educational DVDs and on-line education programs, along with customized tuition.
Name: Tracey Hughes
Age: 42
Salon: Mieka Hairdressing, Melbourne, Victoria and Gold Coast Queensland, Australia
1. What is your biggest achievement?
I have had so many proud moments throughout my career it's hard to determine what is the biggest highlight of them all. I have been fortunate to win many awards including Australian Salon of the Year, Educator of the Year, Hairdresser of the Year and Colourist of the Year.
However I was personally awarded 2011 Australian Masters, which recognized my dedication in supporting industry growth so that was certainly a highlight.
In saying that, the ultimate moments are not always about me. Some of the proudest moments have come when someone's "light bulb" goes on or when one of my team members achieves a goal they have set and they have a profound learning experience that sparks their own personal growth. For me, these are the most inspiring moments.
2. If you weren't a hairdresser what would you be?
After completing school studies, I initially had visions of becoming a barrister and had planned on going to university to study law and politics. Although my parents had anticipated other careers, I decided to follow my creative instincts which drove me to flourish through a natural and artistic talent for hairdressing.
3. How would your clients describe you?
Confident, informative and caring.
4. Which one style do you wish you had created?
The Sassoon 5-point.
5. Who is your style icon?
Anyone with unique individuality.
6. Who is your hairdressing idol?
Vidal Sassoon was my hairdressing idol, as he was to many thousands of others. As a creative being and an educator, I have high regard for those who possess true visionary as well as those who give back to the industry through teaching.
7. Which hairdresser would you most like to work with (past or present)?
I would be happy to work with anyone highly self-motivated!
8. Who cuts your hair?
Any of my team members from Mieka.
9. Favourite part of the job?
I enjoy the diversity I have within my job. I get to work in so many areas of our industry whether it be in the salon working with my team; conducting a workshop; facilitating a seminar; organising a big event; working at fashion weeks; creating a photographic shoot; producing educational DVDs; or doing a PR launch. The list is endless but I just love working and teaching anyone who loves doing great hair.
10. Who is your most famous client past or present?
In my eyes all clients are treated equally therefore I respect the privacy of my high profile clients.
11. Last time you were lost for words?
When my husband proposed.
12. Which one product couldn't you live without?
Redken Wax Blast.
13. Is there anything about the industry that makes you mad?
The industry needs to be truly united with less competitiveness and no corporate politics. Everyone in the industry has one purpose and we must not lose sight that we are all in it for the same reason; to make people look and feel good about themselves.
The industry needs to unite in further supplying quality education. Individuals with strong technical knowledge and teaching abilities should share their knowledge and skills in any aspect possible. Education should not be about a quick fix of inspiration but instead, an ongoing process.
14. What's the biggest gaffe you've made in your career
Every experience I see as a learning experience, so although there have been numerous mistakes I have made, hopefully I have been wise enough to learn and grow from them.
15. What's the best career advice you've ever been given?
Working across the globe with so many diverse cultures and talented artists has filled my career with excitement, experiences and lots of invaluable advice so I have been humbled by all the guidance. Every day is a new learning journey and I have managed to collate a range of advice that I translate and make my own. I believe we should never stop learning and make the most of every opportunity that presents itself.
16. Last time you were star-struck?
When I met my husband.
17. Last time you were most proud to be in hairdressing?
Every time someone I teach, it makes me proud to be part of our industry. Witnessing that, regardless of location, hairdressers all have a common drive and are focused on similar outcomes and want to achieve great results.
18. What celebrity haircut do you wish had never caught on?
The haircut everyone wanted from the TV show Friends - the Rachel.
19. What haircut would you love to make a comeback and how would you re-invent it for the noughties?
Haircuts that embrace graphic lines and unique linear shapes are always a personal favourite of mine. I love shapes that encompass geometric and artistic contours with the ability to create movement and fluidity with versatility in length and shape. A classic bob always makes a comeback and will be re-invented. My favourite looks will always be contemporary and timeless images that represent the beauty of a modern woman and embodies individuality.
20. Sleek and shiny or messy bed hair?
I actually love both so my opinion is very torn. I would have to go with sleek and shiny purely because I believe in healthy, glossy hair and smooth lines. However a great haircut with messy bed hair is always cool!
