7 minute read
Meet the 2023 Hotshots Team - MEGHAN KING
By Louise May
In the dynamic world of hairstyling, accolades often serve as milestones, marking the journey of talent and dedication. Meghan King, a Senior Stylist at Sloans of North Sydney, stands proudly as the recipient of the esteemed 2023 AHIA Hotshots Award. This recognition solidifies her status as a rising star in the industry, adding another layer of achievement to her illustrious career.
From her humble beginnings to her current role as a pivotal member of the Sloans Creative Team, Meghan’s journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment and relentless pursuit of excellence. As the recipient of the 2023 AHIA Hotshots award, Meghan joins the ranks of the industry’s most promising talents, poised to make her mark on the hairstyling landscape.
At Sloans, Meghan has found more than just a workplace; it’s a supportive environment that fosters growth and encourages innovation. Surrounded by industry veterans and mentors, Meghan has honed her skills and embraced her unique voice, propelling her towards greater heights of success.
Hair Biz Editor Louise May chats with Meghan about her journey in the industry and the excitement of being an AHIA Hotshot!
What made you want to be a hairdresser?
From a young age, I was always been obsessed with my own hair, so it felt like a natural progression to become obsessed with everyone else’s too! I used to experiment on family and friends and after some encouragement, I decided hairdressing might be for me and I committed to completing a pre-apprenticeship course at Liverpool TAFE. I had no car and had to travel to TAFE via public transport which was at least 2 hours each way, but I loved it so much, the travel time was worth it. I quickly became hooked, and my learning journey has continued ever since.
What kind of hairwork is your favourite and why?
I love everything about doing hair so it’s hard for me to pick just one aspect. If I had to though, I would say, most recently, I think it is session styling work and the whole art of collaboration whether it is with other hairdressers, photographers, makeup artists or fashion stylists.
I love the fact that you learn something new every time from different hair directors, whether it be a different way of doing something you do all the time, or something new entirely. Being part of the Sloans Creative Team has been amazing for this and I am so lucky to be part of such a diverse and egalitarian group of humans.
How do you manage work and life balance?
If you find out, let me know as I am still figuring it out! I usually try and make sure I have at least one day a month off to myself to reflect on the month that has just past and set my goals for the coming month. I also ensure I have one day off a month with just my husband and no other commitments so we can spend some quality time together with zero focus on hair.
At busy times it doesn’t always work out that way, but I work hard to make it happen as much as possible.
Who inspires you in the creative field of hairdressing and why?
Jordan Hone, my Director at Sloans of North Sydney. He has been my mentor from day one of me coming to work at Sloans and I am still inspired by him every single day. I’ll never forget assisting him on his Creative Colourist of the Year collection in 2018 during my first year at Sloans. It was such an incredible experience. I had always dreamt of creating a photographic image, so to see a full collection come together from start to finish was unbelievable – and so inspiring.
Even just standing and passing pins cemented my dream to do that myself one day and that I would keep pushing until I did. I have assisted Jordan on every possible hair event and shoot since then and am always the first to say yes to any opportunities.
If you could spend a day with anyone from a business or lifestyle mentorship perspective, who would it be and why?
In the hair world, I’d love to spend the day being mentored by the amazing Lyndal Salmon. She is just so talented both as an Educator and a Creative Artist. I’ve always been so drawn to her work as well - so many unexpected and exciting shapes and styles that I just can’t help but stare at. I also feel like we are similar with how passionate we are about the things we do, and I love that.
How important are competitions and awards to you?
They are really crucial to my journey as a hairdresser, and all of our journeys really! I love that they give us all a platform to showcase our talent and offer a creative outlet outside of the salon. I also find competitions a powerful tool for planning my year ahead with Jordan and setting my personal goals and aspirations to make sure I am always progressing and never standing still.
Watching the success of other Sloans team members in the competitive arena like Scott, Jordan and Chris has also shown me the doors competitions can open and the incredible networking opportunities that come about as a result which are so important for anyone up and coming.
Can you tell us a little about what you love about being a member of the hotshots team?
I love that being in the Hotshots team gives me the opportunity to do more in the industry outside the salon and I am so grateful for the exposure that it gives me within the industry. The Hotshots house weekend that we have already had was so amazing - I was literally pinching myself for three and a half days non-stop! Getting to chat and pick the brains of industry legends and be mentored by people the whole industry look up to, I knew how lucky I was. I’m also really looking forward to getting creative with everyone at the big photoshoot shoot we get to do together - I’m already feeling inspired!
Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?
In 10 years’, time, I’ll be 37 which is really weird to think about to be honest. I usually like to focus on much shorter goals and then see where those take me. In saying that though, I definitely know that I will still be in the world of hair somewhere. I love my salon work so I can see myself still working with my clients behind the chair, but also pushing myself creatively with new challenges.
Coming up with ideas for fun and exciting projects outside of the salon is the thing that gets me most excited. And let’s add a few trips overseas to work on Milan, Paris, London, and New York Fashion Weeks while we are at it! I am also a massive believer in education, so in addition to my personal ongoing learning journey, I’d love to create something new around colour or session styling education to really inspire younger hairdressers.
Fun Snapshot
Worst fashion moment: I don’t know that I have one but there’s still time!
Worst hair day: when I cut my hair into a pixie- unfortunately it did not suit me at all. Fave destination: I’ve never been but I’ve always wanted to go to Greece and experience the Greek Islands.
Fave drink: Got to love a spicy margarita.
If I wasn’t a hairdresser I’d be - probably working in admin somewhere! I’m a bit of an organiser at heart.
