MAKING THE MOST OF THE AREA! BY REX A.C. SILVER
Leigh Winsor has been an Australian Barber Expo Barber of the Year, won a fistful of UK awards and a few more Aussie ones at that. He is an ambassador and national educator with the likes of Andis, Dyson and Osaka, but Leigh Winsor finds the biggest win and most rewarding for him, is not the sparkling crystal trophies.
It’s the sparkling eyes in the room he spots when sharing his knowledge with others…that moment he knows he has hit the sweet spot and connected and taught someone something. Let’s find out more about Leigh and later in the piece, all about AREA Academy and AREA CONNECT, projects he and his partner in crime, Eoin McCarthy, have co-founded together, and a platform that is quickly gaining traction and getting attention in our industry here in Australia. How did things begin? My journey in the hair industry started at a young age, as a Trainee at Bowlers Hair & Beauty (Plymouth, UK) in 2006, before commencing my hairdressing apprenticeship in September 2007. Hair has been a part of my identity for half my life now. It’s the craft for me; a never-ending learning cycle, with endless possibilities when it comes to methodology, design, creativity and innovation. I spent the early years of my career heavily focused on developing my craft with every chance. Focusing on the technique and detail of hair. I had great teachers and mentors from day one. The two brothers who taught me were both NHF British Hairdressing Team alumni
and both won 1st Place NHF British Hairdressing Awards respectively. Naturally this catapulted me into the competition scene. I loved the whole experience and had great success, eventually becoming the NHF Southwest of England Senior Champion. When I look back now, I really think that was an anchor point to me staying the distance in my career. I work great under pressure, and I think I have these early competition experiences to thank for that! And the move to Oz? 2011 came around and I made the bittersweet decision to whisk myself off to the sunny shores of Australia with the motivation to make this country my primary residence. After travelling the country for a short while I settled in regional Victoria and fulfilled my sponsorship requirements at a hair salon and became an Australian Permanent Resident. Area Studio has been my home since 2017. A gift that just keeps on giving. Area Studio has helped me channel energy and enthusiasm into the creative process, developing as a human and learning what it means to be a great contributor to a team and to this industry. As a team we secured HBIA Small Salon of the Year in 2017 and 2018. 10 Barber Shop Year 10 Issue 3
I am a full-time stylist at Area Studio. Helping the younger team members on their journey to becoming successful stylists is a role that I take great pride in. I’m always encouraging them to watch haircuts, ask lots of questions and soak up as much information as possible! I’ve entered and had success in creative comps including HBIA, American Crew, Hair Expo Australia and Barber Expo (Barber of The Year 1st Place), presented onstage at various industry events and Expos, and it’s allowed me to share and impart my knowledge as an Educator, competition Judge and Ambassador for brands like; Andis Clippers, Osaka Scissors, Motion Cosmetics, Kofer Suitcases and Dyson Hair Professional. Continuing to up-skill and be the best version of myself within my craft, will be a lifelong pursuit. These days I find myself sharing knowledge and mentoring others more than ever. It warms my soul the second you see the light bulb moment go off in someone’s mind. I split my time between Area Studio, educating for Area Academy in person and online, and educating for Andis Clippers. One of my proudest moments to date is becoming an Australian Citizen. What a wonderful gift to have, and to be able to pass on to future generations.
