Making the cut
I took an apprenticeship in Tunbridge Wells when I was 17, whilst I was finishing my A Levels. I continued in the industry for a few years after completing my apprenticeship, but became disillusioned with the company I was working for and actually decided to make a career change.
I worked as an estate agent in the Sevenoaks area, but after one year I realised how much I missed the hairdressing industry. I became increasingly aware that I needed the daily creativity and energy that hairdressing gives you. I made some enquiries at some good salons and was grateful to get some good offers but I’d always had my heart set on working at Leigh Roberts.
I always used to drive past the salon on my way home and thought how great it looked and I knew of their amazing reputation. I decided that this was the salon where I could really further my career. So I took the plunge and called Leigh and the next thing you know, I had an interview, then a trade test.
When I was offered the job I was so proud and happy – and a bit nervous – to be part of such an amazing team in this incredible salon. It’s very different to other salons. It’s hard to explain. I love it.
Because she’s worth it
The ID Artist programme from L’Oréal Professionnel has one goal: to find an elite team of exceptionally talented individuals who could be the future stars of the hairdressing industry and work with them to further develop their talent and help them to discover their full potential. Following in the footsteps of legends such as Chris Appleton and Sophia Hilton, both former ID Artists, the team has access to an intense high level education programme and are mentored by some of the leading names in the industry. This is education that you just can’t buy.
The L’oreal ID Artist Team was something I had thought about a lot before, but I was always too nervous to audition for it. One day Leigh just said to me that he was putting me forward for it. He said that he had total faith in me and would help me through it from start to finish. Well, what could I say? We just got on with it. It was really hard work over many months, but our preparation was so unbelievably thorough that by the time I actually got to the audition, although extremely nervous, I felt that I had given it everything and was very confident with my presentation.
The competition is judged by an esteemed panel of leading industry names in a live audition. During this audition you have to give a presentation, showing your completed model and taking the panel of judges through your journey, from initial concept and how you then researched and developed your theme using mood boards and digital displays.
‘I’m so excited to have my eyes opened to whole new techniques and inspiration which I can bring back to Tunbridge Wells and use on my clients’
Winning it still hasn’t sunk in. When Leigh called me to tell me the news I truly thought he was winding me up, he was so calm while telling me. He knew I could do it and he wasn’t surprised that I had won my place on the team whereas I still can’t believe it. I never dreamed I would part of the L’Oreal ID Artist Team and I’m just very proud that I have achieved it.
I can’t wait to experience first hand what goes on behind the scenes in the hairdressing/fashion world as well as to meet some of the biggest names in the industry. I’m so excited to have my eyes opened to whole new level of inspiration, which I can use to propel myself forward in my career. I’m working backstage at the Central Saint Martins graduate show which I’m really looking forward to, and then soon after that I’m off to Barcelona to work on stage at a big hairdressing event. It’s going to be a lot of hard work but a lot of fun too…
I love that my job is constantly changing and challenging me all the time. I’m learning something new on a daily basis and that can be very rewarding. I work with a fantastic team in a very cool, creative and inspiring environment and I get to meet new people every day. I love the fact that what I do can make a real difference to my clients and how they feel about themselves.”
Rosie’s top hair hacks for party season
“It’s a really fun time of year with party season upon us. Being a colourist I get to play more with some of the temporary fashion colours and I can be more creative with my toners and tinted conditioners.
What’s great is that clients are more open to being a little more creative this time of year as well, what with their Christmas parties and everything. It’s quite good fun to have your blonde highlights or balayage toned with a nice soft pink or even a beautiful teal green, safe in the knowledge that you’ll be back to normal in a couple of days.
If that’s not enough, how about adding an awesome jewelled hair clip like we saw on the runways at Chanel, Versace and Dolce & Gabbana for that added bling…”
