ED…UCATION + CO By Louise May
Edwards + Co. is well-known for producing sparkling brunettes, killer curls, creamy blondes and textured beach waves, having developed a signature look that is synonymous with the brand while gaining a cult international following. With eight salons located in Sydney, Melbourne, Byron Bay, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast, Edwards + Co. has seen dramatic growth both as a hair salon and business throughout its eight years, cementing itself a spot at the forefront of the industry.
Michelle Surace
As well as inspiring a generation of richgirl hair and saturating Instagram feeds all over the world, at the heart of Edwards & Co is its education team, made up of wellaccomplished colourists, stylists and barbers, offering a wealth of knowledge and bringing a creative flair to each and every class. Edwards + Co Education offers a mix of their signature Colour and Styling Workshops, tailored Private Classes, Shadowing Programs and Business Mentoring to take your business to limits beyond your dreams.
“WE RECOGNISE OUR APPRENTICES AS THE NEXT GENERATION OF SUPERSTARS, SO WE ARE HEAVILY INVESTED IN THEIR ENGAGEMENT AND GROWTH. ” MICHELLE SURACE
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Hair Biz Year 15 Issue 4
Editor Louise May spoke with Michelle Surace, Education Director of Edwards + Co to find out more about their Emerging Academy, and how they grow their own highly skilled stylists, internally. What do you look for in an applicant, when taking on new apprentices? We are looking for driven and keen individuals with a genuine passion for the industry – everything else we can teach! When do your apprentices start on the floor? For the first two years, we focus on getting our apprentices hands on with glossing, blow drying and treatments. These are what we consider to be non-negotiable skills that will advance them further, and faster. This is all while they attend Emerging Academy on Tuesday every week.
Once they finish their TAFE units, they are given a tailored plan according to their development areas – if they need more focus on low lights for example, the Educators will assign those kinds of models – it’s really so individual to their needs. They will also be able to bring in models during the week to hone in their skills. Upon completing their Apprenticeship, they step into a Senior Emerging Stylist role, which sees them starting to take clients, their first taste of a commission scheme and building their competency as a stylist. What do you offer ‘ in-house’ to keep them focused and excited? I think the real question is what we don’t do! We recognise our apprentices as the next generation of superstars, so we are heavily invested in their engagement and growth.
