AMBERLEY GITTINGS

Continuing our series of Meet the 20/21 HOT SHOTS, we introduce Amberley Gittings from Amberly Rose Hair Design, who from a very young age, used to go into the salon with her mum, when she would get her hair done, and ended up starting her career there, with work experience. “I loved being in the salon and talking to different people. I loved seeing everyone leave feeling great and I knew I wanted that to be my job,” she says.

Having spent the last 6 years at award-wining salon Rubi Hair, working alongside some ‘true industry legends’, Amberley has much love and respect for the ‘Rubi fam’ and her time there, setting her up well, for her new adventure in her own business. We spoke to Amberley about her career thus far and future goals.

AT WHAT KIND OF HAIR WORK IS YOUR FAVOURITE AND WHY?

I would say colouring is my favourite, I love tailoring blondes to each Individual. I love the challenge of a colour correction or creative colour job.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BRANCH OUT ON YOUR OWN?

I am all about continued growth, I needed a new challenge and decided that after 13 years in the industry I would try working for myself. I am super grateful to all of my supportive clients that have come along for the ride where Amberley Rose Hair Design is now based at 1 Maples Lane.

WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU FACED IN BECOMING A BUSINESS OWNER?

I think getting my head around all of the backend stuff has been the most challenging, but in a good way. I am loving learning all the new things that come with building a business.

HOW TO YOU MANAGE LIFE AND WORK BALANCE?

This is something I am still working on, I’m very much an all of nothing person and sometimes I have 1000 things on the go at once. Having the flexibility of working for myself has been great for work life balance.

WHO INSPIRES YOU IN THE CREATIVE FIELD OF HAIRDRESSING AND WHY?

Dee Parker Atwood, her work is amazing and she is such an incredible mentor to me and leader within the industry.

IF YOU COULD SPEND A DAY WITH ANYONE FROM A BUSINESS MENTORSHIP PERSPECTIVE WHO WOULD IT BE?

Probably Jess Lewis from ‘@hair by Jess Lewis’ I’ve followed her on Instagram for a while and have watched her business grow from a home salon to a salon with multiple staff. It’s very

inspiring to someone just getting started in the business world like myself.

HOW IMPORTANT ARE COMPETITIONS AND AWARDS TO YOU?

Competition work challenges me and I think it’s good to push myself out of my comfort zone. I love being a part of the competitions and awards, it’s such a great industry and community to be part of!

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO DURING YOUR TENURE AS A MEMBER OF THE HOT SHOTS TEAM?

Meeting and getting to know the other team members, I am so excited to work with that talented bunch. Not to mention all of the incredible mentors we have coming in to the Hot Shots House. I can’t wait to learn from you all!

HOW HAVE YOU KEPT MOTIVATED DURING THE LAST 12 CRAZY 12 MONTHS?

It was a crazy year, being in Melbourne in lock down for the best part of 6 months was tough. The biggest thing that kept me sane and motivated was exercising, I started running and was training every day (I never want to do another burpee in my lounge ever again).

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 10 YEARS’ TIME?

The dream would be to have two salons, one in Melbourne and one in Wellington, NZ (my home town) and travel between the two places. I would also love to get into more education, I am passionate about training and helping to mentor people as I have been lucky enough to have some incredible mentors over the last few years.

FUN 5

Worst fashion moment

When I first moved to Melbourne I had a separate laundry room to my apartment. I locked myself out of the apartment accidentally with my keys and phone inside, so I had to walk down chapel street in my boyfriend’s wet jeans (from the washing machine) and a wet hoodie to pick up his keys from him at work so I could get back inside. Not to mention it was a 40-degree day. Safe to say this wasn’t my best look! Lucky I didn’t know anyone in Melbourne yet!

Worst Hair day

When I decided to colour a blonde square in my fringe and colour the rest of my hair dark brown. My family called it my “box fringe”

Fav Destination:

Right now, it would have to be New Zealand. I can’t wait to get back and see my family and friends.

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Fav Drink

In the Am a long black and in the PM an espresso martini.

If you weren’t a hairdresser, you would be a….

Well I’m crrently studying my cert 3&4 in fitness on the side so probably something in the fitness industry