8 minute read
Across the Ditch with Shannon Dowd
By Louise May
Shannon Dowd started her career nearly 24 years ago at the age of 15 working in a salon during her school holidays as a salon assistant. A year later she started studying at Waikato school of hairdressing and from there she went onto an apprenticeship.
Shannon admits that she did work at a few salons until she bought Zibido Hair in 2006, like many hairdressers it was a struggle to find a salon that fit her and her values. So, she created her own environment, Shannon wanted a space that was about creativity, personal growth and being your true self.
We caught up with Shannon and got to ask her about her journey in the industry this far…
What excites you most about your work?
In 2012 I got back into competing, after taking away my first trophy I got the bug and every year since then I have competed in both live events (pre covid) and photographic competitions. It wasn’t until 2015 when I was lucky enough to get picked to do an online course Mastered with Sam McKnight.
This course taught me how to work from a brief, how to create a vision and reined in my crazy creativity to create a more cohesive image. This course gave me the selfconfidence to challenge myself by upskilling myself and passing my knowledge onto others, creating collections, and also putting myself out there by entering not only editorial but business and training awards.
I’ve had so many incredible opportunities in my career and met so many talented stylists that I am proud to call my “hairy” friends. Highlights of my career are finalist HITO trainer of the year 2014,2019,2022. Finalist industry awards colourist of the year 2017, finalist workplace of the year 2019, 2022 and winner 2021.Winner of regional competitions 2012,2016,2017,2018,2019 And of course Finalist AHIA NZ Hairdresser of the Year 2021,2022.
I’m looking forward to what 2023 has to bring, more creativity, growing myself and my team and hopefully more presentation opportunities. Nothing excites me more than nailing the brief, whether it’s a client consultation or a photoshoot. Seeing the agreed vision come to life and it coming out better than what was in your head. I’m my own worst critic so when I create something that gets those excitement bubbles going, it’s just the best feeling.
If you had to name one skill that got you where you are today, would it be?
Being a strong leader. To get the best out of anyone you need to inspire, encourage, motivate, and challenge your team. I’ve got a team that backs me 100% and they know I have their backs. Having these strong relationships has given me the confidence to grow both my business my personal career.
Can you share with our readers a time when you overcame a challenge?
I’ve faced many challenges as a business owner, but we all can agree covid has been the biggest by far. The stress of is my business going to make it on the other side, the mental stress and the unknown of lockdowns. This is how we survived, during lockdowns I made sure we kept busy, daily check-ins with my staff I created little challenges to keep my team motivated and connected.
We would do daily training thanks to ghd, Biba and haircare group. Once we got out of lockdown, we split the teams to protect the business, which was a blessing as the team went down with covid weekly and this made it easier for us to cover shifts. It definitely made us look at our business differently and we made changes. The staff wanted a better work life balance so we changed up some hours and can say the salon is back to running smoothly and we have plans in place if we get another wave.
What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given in your career?
The best piece of advice I ever got was from a tutor when I was stuck in a job that I was unhappy in. She said “this is your career, your future. You do what you need to do to become the stylist you want to be”. I’ve used this throughout my career, not only on myself but my staff and giving advice to other hairdressers. But I add in what can I do to help you find the pathway to your goal.
Where do you find your creative inspiration for your collection work?
This may sound weird, but I get insomnia and my brain just doesn’t stop. I will be lying there and literally will come up with an idea. I’ll draw it up the next day and that’s when the investigation starts. I start googling images that relate to what I’ve drawn up to get ideas on makeup, outfits, photography, the feel of what I’m trying to portray. It just all evolves from there. It’s always fun getting mood boards together and planning a shoot with your team.
Who do you look too for inspiration, or who has guided your career?
My biggest inspirations creatively during my career have been Anthony Muscolo. I learnt to cut from his videos and worked with TIGI for years. Editorial, I lean towards Avant-garde so Derek Elvy, Angelo Seminara are my idols, both have created such iconic looks, showing us the beauty in avant-garde.
In my personal career I’ve been so lucky to have the most amazing “Hairy” friends they are people who I’ve looked up to and have advised me with collections or business matters. I’ve got 2 people who have stood by me throughout my career both encourage me to keep doing what I love. My hubby and work wife Pip Grundy. Everyone needs these people in their lives.
What are your top tips for the planning and execution of a collection?
Build a team that you trust to get your vision. We all have different budgets when it comes to a shoot, but the most important people are your photographer and makeup artist. These are the 2 people that will make your vision come to life.
You can style on a budget by hiring outfits, making them, or seeing if a shop or local designer will collab. I’ve been working with my team both photographer Kate Ryan and makeup either See Aan or Lauran Bryant for 8 years. We’ve built a friendship and have grown our skill together. The most important part is have fun. It’s about you creating something you love.
Do you find the Hair Trends in NZ different to what’s trending here in Oz?
I’ve recently become part of the evo family, and what I love is being able to see the collections and trends coming directly from oz. I feel NZ is definitely on par with Oz. The one thing I’ve noticed lately is the shift in our blonde clients. They are slowly stepping away from super ash to warmer creamy, honey blondes.
How do you achieve your balance between the creative and the commercial needs of your business?
I’m so lucky to have a team as passionate and creative as I am. We take any opportunity to unleash of creative side. We shoot at least 3 times a year and work backstage fashion week, present on stage or work on a film. Our clients love hearing about what we are up to and get just as excited as we do. We’re known for our colour work and are lucky enough to have lots of clients that let us get as creative as we want. It’s easy to balance the commercial side and creative side of hairdressing when you love both.
What’s on the agenda for the future?
I’ve got 2 major goals; I’m currently working with my haircare group rep Holly on how to make my business a $1million business in the next 2 years. We’ve set goals and how to achieve them. The second is to one day win that title of AHIA NZ Hairdresser of the year. So, building my personal profile and using the feedback I get to better my collections. I will always be creating something, keeping that passion alive.
