Meet the 2023 Hotshots Team - PAIGE CAMERON

At age 16 Paige Cameron began her dream of working in the art of hairdressing by starting a school-based apprenticeship. After being told by some teachers at school, that hairdressing isn’t a job, it’s a hobby, she wanted to prove them wrong. Paige decided to leave school at the end of year 10 to pursue her dream further.

After many hurdles, she had found a salon that had both embraced her and encouraged her to do great things for the industry. Having worked at Cobelle Creative for 5 years now they have not only helped with her confidence but with her journey.

Paige’s milestones have included winning third place at BHB expo, becoming Australian Apprentice Of The Year finalist in 2020 and won in 2021 with her collection called VANADEY which gave her the opportunity to be published worldwide!

At the age of 20 Paige finished her apprenticeship and was fully qualified. She went on to create another collection called PAPILIO and was a finalist for Hotshots and New Creative Talent 2022

In 2023 she pushed her boundaries and created a look for AvantGarde and HotShots which resulted in her winning a spot on the hotshots team. To push more out of her comfort zone, she put in a submission for an International Hair Awards and became a Finalist!

Hair Biz Editor Louise May chats with Paige Cameron about her journey in the industry so far and what inspires her…

What made you want to be a hairdresser?

I chose this profession for the opportunity to make people feel good and lift their spirits. I love that a hair service can empower a person and provide a way to express themselves. I am able to feed my creativity whilst making a positive impact on my client, team, and workplace.

I am ever appreciative of the doors that continue to open and the opportunities that wait for me within this industry.

What kind of hair work is your favourite and why?

I love styling in all ways there are so many new things that can be created within our craft. There are so many opportunities for self-expression beyond the salon environment. I enjoy using various methods and materials to create imaginative art, in addition to, how you can express yourself and tell a story with hair.

Styling, as a hair service, has a significant impact on how the overall visual appears at the end, I love seeing how happy it makes someone as well as how it completes the transformation and to assist clients on how best to maintain their dream-style we achieved together.

How do you manage life and work balance?

To be honest I haven’t yet and still learning how to balance the two. I like to take holidays to escape and just be present with my partner. Who inspires you in the creative field of hairdressing and why?

I’m inspired by artists that show no boundary to their determination and passion and honestly there is too many that inspires me, but I absolutely love and admire the works of Mark Van Westerop.

For their creative foresight and ability to take inspiration from an environment, story or cultural observation and make it applicable to hair. I love this inventive side of the industry and hope to explore it further.

If you could spend a day with anyone from a business or lifestyle mentorship perspective, who would it be and why?

I honestly would love to spend the day with the person who I admire in the industry which is Mark Van Westerop. and learn everything from him.

How important are competitions and awards to you?

I love doing competitions they are so fun to do. I love pushing myself out of my comfort zone. I enjoy looking back and seeing how much have I grown or where I can improve more for next time.

Can you tell us a little about what you are most looking forward to being a member of the Hot Shots team?

There are so many things I’m looking forward to! I’m so excited to meet my hotshots family and learn from so many amazing people in this industry and bring everything I learned into the salon or just for myself.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?

In 10 years’, time I hope I have made more of a name for myself and have ticked things off my bucket list, and have created some wacky stuff and be a role model for others.

FUN SNAPSHOT

Worst fashion moment - Oh my I’ve got many, but it would be putting big flower headbands with everything!

Worst Hair day - When I thought it would be good to home bleach let’s say didn’t end well.

Fave Destination - Hard choice but Paris and Interlaken

Fave Drink - Espresso Martini, hands down!

If you weren’t a hairdresser, you would be? If I wasn’t doing hairdressing, I would love to be part of the crime investigations or even homicide detectives.