Full Circle! Hannah Brumley’s Journey from Apprentice to Educator.

By Anthony Gray, MIG Training

If you had asked Hannah Brumley in her younger years what she saw herself doing in the future, becoming a hairdresser would not have been her immediate answer.

Growing up in her mother’s salon environment, Hannah envisioned herself pursuing a different career path. Her dream was to become a flight attendant.

However, fate had other plans, and she found herself embarking on a hairdressing apprenticeship, considering it a temporary endeavour while she waited to fulfil her dream of working as a flight attendant.

Little did Hannah know that this seemingly interim solution would turn into her true passion. As she immersed herself in the world of hairdressing during her apprenticeship, Hannah discovered a deep love for the craft and the culture.

The camaraderie among passionate individuals and the joy of creating stunning hairstyles captivated her. It was through these experiences that she realized hairdressing was not just a job but her calling.

Hannah’s journey in the hairdressing industry began with a school-based apprenticeship in a small suburban salon in Morningside, Brisbane. Starting as a shy and inexperienced apprentice, she navigated the challenges of learning the trade, including comical mishaps like mopping the floor with cold water for an entire month.

Driven by her eagerness to complete the apprenticeship, Hannah diligently juggled work and college. Along the way, she encountered difficulties understanding colour theory, leading her to change colleges to work with MIG Training to receive the support she needed.

Hannah’s dedication and talent did not go unnoticed, as she became a finalist for the QLD Training Awards twice during her apprenticeship.

Reflecting on her apprenticeship, Hannah admits that one of the biggest challenges she faced was realizing that mastery in hairdressing takes years of learning and growth. Even after completing her apprenticeship, she discovered that the journey of learning never ends, even for senior stylists.

The ever-evolving industry offers new trends and techniques to master, fuelling her excitement and passion for her career. Working alongside exceptionally talented hairdressers throughout her journey, Hannah has witnessed first-hand the ongoing development and growth that keeps the profession exhilarating.

Hannah’s career trajectory has been an adventure, with various roles and experiences shaping her into the professional she is today. Her first job at the age of 14 in a hotel laid the foundation for her work ethic and love for diverse tasks.

Balancing three jobs, attending school, and pursuing a certification in Events Management at TAFE during her final year of high school, Hannah’s days were always filled with excitement and new challenges. At 18, while exploring opportunities in the aviation industry, she stumbled upon a prestigious salon in Brisbane CBD. Kate and Oscar from Elysium Hair welcomed her, allowing her to work part-time as a hairdresser while pursuing her dream of becoming a flight attendant.

It was in this role that Hannah realized the vast potential her career held. The salon nurtured her growth as a colourist, investing in her completion of the “Loreal Colour Degree” program, which had a significant impact on her confidence and skill development.

Hannah’s progress led to an education role within the salon, managing the team and expanding her responsibilities. She achieved recognition as a finalist for the AHIA Salon Stylist of the Year, a defining moment in her journey. Subsequently, she embraced a management role in a beautiful salon in Fortitude Valley, an incredible opportunity that furthered her personal and professional growth.

Hannah’s passion for education and growth motivated her to pursue a career as an educator. Her own thirst for knowledge and the support she received from mentors propelled her in this direction. By the time she finished high school, Hannah had already completed multiple certified courses, including those at TAFE, and had just one more year to go with her apprenticeship.

As she worked closely with educators from Loreal and Kerastase, attending their classes, she felt inspired by the impact they had on the industry. The dream of becoming an educator for Loreal Professional ignited within her, fuelled by her own love for growth and education.

Throughout her career, Hannah acknowledges the crucial role of mentors, friendships, and connections in shaping her success. Kate and Oscar and the supportive team at Elysium Hair Brisbane played a significant role in her development. Their belief in her abilities, along with the guidance of her manager-turned-friend Whitney Kelly, instilled the confidence she needed to push her limits and pursue her dreams.

Today, Hannah is living her dream as an educator for Loreal Professional. Her role encompasses a diverse range of responsibilities, ensuring each day is a new and exciting challenge. She looks after salons from Byron Bay to Cairns, allowing her to develop strong connections within the Queensland hairdressing community.

Hannah finds joy in creating business plans for salons, conducting in-salon training sessions, teaching fundamental classes, and supporting incredibly talented Loreal Professional Artists in their inspiring classes at the Loreal Academy. Additionally, she actively participates in launches and networking events to foster relationships and build a vibrant network within the industry.

Recently, Hannah had the unique opportunity to go full circle as an educator, returning to the college where she received her training. Welcoming MIG Training to the world of Loreal Pro, she experienced a mix of excitement and nervousness.

The talented trainers who once taught her were now her peers. Spending two days with the team at her former hair college was an incredibly rewarding experience.

Looking towards the future, Hannah's aspirations revolve around excelling in her current role as an educator for Loreal Professional. Her primary goal is to make a substantial impact in education support and create meaningful connections within the industry.
Hannah's journey is a testament to the power of passion and the profound impact of mentors, friendships, and a supportive environment. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring hairdressers and educators alike, emphasizing the limitless possibilities for personal and professional growth within our vibrant and ever-evolving industry.