A bit about Sally and her life which lead her to the incredible hairdresser she is today….
I am from a small village in Northamptonshire. Hairdressing was never my go-to choice of career when leaving school I wanted to do something in the theatre so I chose a course on theatrical make-up. The course was expensive so I worked as a florist to fund my training and really threw myself into the course. I won Student of the Year which gave me my first taste of entering – and winning – awards. When I finished the course I knew I had to work in London so I moved here and needed a job. The Trevor Sorbie Salon was looking for assistants so I applied. I told them I had three years experience even though I had never picked up a pair of scissors and it was going so well until Trevor asked me to cut a bob! I thought I had ruined my chances and was actually gutted as I fell in love with hairdressing the minute I picked up those scissors! Luckily Trevor gave me a chance and I was qualified in just two years. I will also be thankful to Trevor for training my eye and believing in me
First reaction when you were awarded British Hairdresser Of The Year?
To be nominated for this award was the best news to hear – that you have been recognised by your peers and it’s them that put you forward. Hearing your name announced at such an amazing event with all your friends in the room was amazing – I think I was stunned! know my dad was; he didn’t move from his seat he just stared at me!
Opportunities you have been able to be involved with as a result of being British Hairdresser Of The Year?
When I won this award I decided that I had an opportunity to give back to the industry so I decided to take the title and use it to promote hairdressing in a positive light. All salon owners will know that we are struggling to find the right youngsters to make hairdressing their go-to career choice. So with my friend Gabriel Maciuca who is a barber, had an idea to make a short YouTube clip to promote the industry in a positive light. This clip is now a one hour-long documentary that we are finalising and will be released in 2019.
It is called ‘The Journey to my Destination’ showcasing the different destinations the industry has to offer, the hard work you put in at the bottom and the rewards at the top and I can’t wait to share it with everyone. Hopefully, if we can show teachers and parents and youngsters what hairdressing is really about we can show them that hairdressing is a profession with opportunities – not just a hairdresser.
This year I worked on the closing show for L’Oreal Colour Trophy and present at the Tribute show in London. I have been really busy this year – but I have also stayed really true to myself. It’s not always what you say yes to but also what you are prepared to say no to. You can take opportunities or you can make new ones.
Do you still work on the salon floor day to day?
I love working in the salon and I love working alongside my team – I fell in love with hairdressing not only for the show work and the travel and the more glamorous side of the job, but I fell in love with my clients and the feeling it gives you to cut someone’s hair and make them feel good.
I am really lucky that I get to choose what I do every day and I am lucky to own a salon like I have. I work on the floor with clients 3-4 days a week depending on the time of year and what events and jobs are going on around that. I feel as a boss if you work alongside the team in the same way as you expect them to work, you see the same problems that they do. I’m very lucky as I absolutely love my job.
How did you come up with the concept for your winning collection?
I wanted to do something where every picture was individual and the hair, clothes and photography worked together to create a great image – like individual pieces of art.
For me, a picture is when there’s not one thing that stands out – the hair complemented the girl, the girl complemented the image and the clothes and photography brought it to life.
I didn’t mind if the picture was full length or cropped I just wanted to create eight individual, beautiful images.
What continues to motivate and inspire you?
I am a real people watcher and I love being around successful people in whatever they do and listening to them – I am continually inspired by different things and different people. I love this industry and I love how much it changes and I love the fact that it gives you longevity in your career as there is always something new around the corner – I love doing things out of the box!
What advice would you give to a stylist wanting to create a collection to enter into an awards category?
It’s not about winning – it’s about who you are as a hairdresser at that moment and capturing that in a collection. There is room in this industry for all of us to be who we want to be. If we were all the same how boring would that be – so it’s about showcasing who you are so that in years to come you can look back on that collection and remember what it meant to you. If it means something to you when you look at it hopefully other people will be inspired as well. Winning is the icing on the cake, but being proud of your collection is the most important. It is your vision so choose a team around you of photographers and stylist that are going to capture it – and have fun!
Do you have a mentor/idol whether in the hair industry or outside?
I always believe that the person who trained you will always be your mentor and idol so mine has to be Trevor Sorbie – and on top of that I love to listen to people that love what they do. If people love what they do its infectious – like Einstein said, “creativity is contagious – pass it on”.
Favourite place in London?
Home
One thing that you would like to see change or improve in the industry?
Social media is amazing, it is a fantastic platform to share work – but going to see a show or picking up a magazine and meeting different hairdressers is different. I would like to see more youngsters going to events and finding their own platform to share their work in a live arena. Creativity isn’t about content; it’s not about flicking through post after post, it’s about looking and listening. So we need to make these events a bit sexier for the next generation so they get to experience what we experienced when we went to an event – ideas welcome!
https://www.instagram.com/brookshair/ @brookshair
https://www.instagram.com/sallybrookshair/ @sallybrookshair
Website: http://www.brooksandbrooks.co.uk