6 minute read
LETS HEAR IT FOR THE GIRLS
By Candice McKay
We invited Freelance Art Director and International Educator Candice McKay to dial up the inspirational female figureheads who are shaking up hairdressing on the global stage.
The first in the series is Jordanna Cobella. With illustrious roots in the hairdressing world (her father is co-founder of Cobella salon, Anestis Cobella, while mum Beverly C is a living hairdressing legend), Jordanna has made a significant mark in her 15 years in the industry.
Carrying on the family legacy, Jordanna now heads a thriving salon in Kensington. Her dedication is highlighted by twice winning the title of London Hairdresser of the Year at the British Hairdressing Awards. Despite planning a brief hiatus due to a new family addition, Jordanna has been nominated for British Hairdresser of the Year in 2024, showcasing her adaptability and continued commitment to excellence.
Jordanna, it’s wonderful to meet you. What advice would you give to young hairdressers?
Embrace the transformative power of being a hairdresser. In an era dominated by technology, the personal, intimate connection you create with clients is invaluable. You offer more than just technical skills; you impact how clients feel. While technical training is crucial, the emotional aspect of client interaction is often overlooked. This aspect, although not typically covered in formal training, is vital.
By understanding and nurturing this connection, you enhance the client experience, which leads to greater success in your career. Balancing emotional intelligence with technical expertise keeps the industry vibrant and highlights what makes our profession unique.
What does success mean to you personally, and how do you measure it in your career?
Success, to me, is about overall satisfaction with your work. The job has its glamorized aspects—like owning a salon or participating in high-profile events—but the reality involves less glamorous tasks and challenges. For me, success is reflected in feeling fulfilled despite these challenges. If, at the end of the year, you can look back and feel that, although it was difficult, you’re glad you persevered, then you’ve achieved success.
My diverse background—having worked as a lawyer and police officer before hairdressing—helps me see parallels between these fields and hairdressing, especially in terms of emotional intelligence and connecting with people. Success is about finding joy in your daily work and handling tough tasks with a positive attitude.
It’s not just about avoiding difficulties but about overall satisfaction and passion for your job. Success varies from person to person; if what you do brings you joy and satisfaction, you’re on the right track. Embracing your own definition of success and acknowledging diverse career paths within our industry is essential.
What changes or innovations would you like to see in the hairdressing industry over the next five years?
I’m excited about the potential for increased collaboration within the industry. Cross industry collaborations can lead to remarkable breakthroughs and fresh approaches. For instance, the recent collaboration between H&M and Moschino resulted in something truly unique. I’d love to see more unexpected partnerships in hairdressing.
Combining different perspectives and expertise can open doors to innovative ideas. Embracing cross-industry collaborations can lead to new trends and elevate the entire field, making our work more dynamic and interconnected.
It seems that while being an ambassador for certain brands is beneficial, it can sometimes create barriers between creatives who might otherwise collaborate effectively. How do you feel about this?
Brand affiliations can indeed create silos, limiting collaboration between talented individuals who could spark incredible ideas together. To overcome this, I think we should actively organize cross-collaborative events—perhaps even informal gatherings that bring together diverse talents.
Pairing a self-taught barber with a seasoned art director, for example, could lead to exciting outcomes. Embracing such collaborations could invigorate our industry and foster a more creative and interconnected community.
The hairdressing industry is predominantly female, with women comprising 77% of the workforce. Despite this, there are relatively few female art directors. What do you think are the main barriers preventing women from reaching these top positions?
The issue often starts at the top. Major brands and ambassadors—particularly tool and color companies—heavily influence industry dynamics.
The current imbalance in representation at these high-profile roles affects the industry’s culture and opportunities.
To address this, we need more female ambassadors who reflect the industry’s demographic. Representation at the top is crucial for setting the tone and encouraging more women to aspire to leadership roles. Beyond representation, there are issues of pay and opportunities. Advocating for higher visibility of female leaders and ensuring fair opportunities is essential.
The disparity in media representation also plays a role. Despite the industry being predominantly female, recognition often skews male. We need to normalize female representation in prominent roles and encourage women to aspire to them.
It’s important to have conversations, write articles, and address these issues to create pressure for change. Highlighting disparities and pushing for balanced representation will help ensure female talent is recognized and celebrated.
How important is mentorship in your career? Do you mentor others, and how do you see your role in shaping future generations in the industry?
Mentorship is crucial. While formal training provides foundational skills, mentorship helps apply these skills in real-world scenarios. I initially struggled with client interactions because I was focused on perfecting techniques.
Observing and learning from others helped me engage with clients more effectively. Mentorship must be actively sought. I encourage my team to seek out mentors, shadow professionals, and attend networking events.
Mentorship is in the hands of the mentee; they need to be proactive in their learning journey. By collecting insights from various sources, individuals can shape their own paths and define their professional identities.
Do you think your aesthetic and technique are influenced by being a woman? If so, how does this impact your work?
I haven’t consciously considered how my gender influences my aesthetic and technique. However, my perspective as a woman affects how I approach my work. When creating a look, I focus on whether it suits the individual and enhances their features.
My understanding of feminine beauty and societal constraints plays a role in how I approach designs. For instance, while I might experiment with unconventional color placements, I ensure they complement the model’s natural beauty.
My female perspective influences how I view and execute my work, although I’m unsure if it has fundamentally altered my aesthetic. It certainly impacts how I perceive and interpret beauty in my designs.
About the Interviewer
Candice McKay is a renowned interviewer and freelance art director, celebrated for her deep industry insights and engaging conversations with top professionals. Her expertise extends to art direction and education, where she nurtures emerging talent and shares valuable industry knowledge.
@candicemckay_ @cobellasalon
