ON THE UP WITH ERROL DOUGLAS SERIES

Over the next few issues of HAIRBIZ, special guest contributor, Errol Douglas MBE, spotlights some young talented individuals that are, “On The Up” and the ones to watch!

Hairdressing chooses you like a bolt of lightning, and for me it struck at the age of just 10. Over 40 years later I’m still devoting everything I’ve got to this incredible industry. It’s been my lifelong ambition to represent this craft, and today when covid allows, I travel the world doing just that.

Globally recognised and with a host of awards and accolades – the most recent being International Hairdresser of the Year 2021, I also hold the prestigious title of Patron of Honour for the Fellowship for British Hairdressing – one of only four other hair stylists ever chosen to receive it.

Whether on stage, behind the scenes at a shoot, educating, or acting as an ambassador, I continue to translate my passion and dedication into showcasing the best of global hairdressing. I’ve even been described as the King of Hair. I don’t know about that. But if you want to call me an icon, I’ll definitely take that compliment.

In 2008 I achieved the ultimate honour when I received an MBE from HM The Queen for education and services to the hairdressing industry. Being recognised for my commitment to this professional has to be the pinnacle of all I’ve accomplished.

In recognition of the emerging global talent surrounding me, my next key project is to bring you this feature. ON THE UP with Errol Douglas MBE is going to be spotlighting some of those talented individuals that are, most definitely the ones to watch.

MEET STEPHANIE BACELIC

I had the good fortune to meet Stephanie Bacelic on a not so recent trip to London and since this time we’ve kept in contact, becoming firm friends.

Stephanie has been hairdressing for 16 years, starting as an apprentice at the age of 15 she has literally lived and breathed the industry ever since. Currently you can find her working alongside her mum at her salon Chiseled Hair in Melbourne. As well as hairdressing, Stephanie enjoys the role of fitness coach which she feels is a very important part of her life. “My job is twofold”, says Stephanie, “I help people to glow both inside and out.”

Stephanie has worked with some pretty incredible hairdressers in her time. Starting her career at Biba Hair in Melbourne, she learned the Sassoon way of hair, which has given her the most amazing foundational skills and fuelled a desire in me to want to learn and grow more.

From there she worked alongside Joey Scandizzo and his team for almost 8 years, touring and styling with GHD hair, presenting on stages at Hair Expo, working with brands like Excellent Edges and more. She was also lucky enough to be able to shoot and work along with Andrew O’Toole who shot her winning image for Wella TrendVision which then saw her winning Young Talent and representing Australia in Madrid. “This was such a big highlight in my career as the winner for the colour category was her mum Sanja Scher, being able to experience this with her on an international stage was, she says, truly incredible.”

Stephanie then took her skills overseas to London which is where we met and we’ve since become close friends. Working for herself in London she was lucky enough to experience the rushes of Fashion Weeks, collaborating with creatives all over the world, learning from so many amazing hair experts in the British Fellowship of Hairdressing, she grew overall into a more confident stylist.

Her career so far has been nothing short of amazing, she’s just shot a collection for the Australian Hair & Fashion Awards 2021, and is planning on entering Victorian Hairdresser of the Year, which she’s extremely excited and proud of.

I cannot wait to see what the next couple of years have installed for her. She plans on hopefully travelling overseas again for work and to network with other creatives, creating an online course so she can teach a wider audience and just have fun!

I asked Stephanie if there was one piece of advice she would give to the younger generation: “Never compare your journey to anyone else’s, the sky’s the limit, surround yourself with people who bring you up, support you and help you believe that anything you want is possible. Know your why and never give up on you.”

FUN 5 MINUTES

What’s your perfect 9-5?

My day usually starts at 5am, I wake up, watch the sunrise, exercise, fuel my body with good food so I’m ready for the day in the salon with my amazing team and clients. I already live in my perfect day. Just add in a beach swim and family and friends.

What has been the most favourite workday in your life to date – and why, what was so special about it?

I don’t have one specific date but a highlight in my career was moving to London in 2013 to work and live for 5 years. I met you Errol, my amazing friend and mentor, and joined the Fellowship of British Hairdressing.

What is the most favourite aspect of your hairdressing career, what part of hairdressing do you enjoy most and why, and how much time can you allocate to it.

I love making people fall in love with their hair, and the look on their face when they see it for the first time. Creating beautiful hair and making people feel amazing is what it’s all about.

If you could make a wish and have a 1-2-1 with any hairdresser, who would you pick and why?

I can’t pick one but here are two: Eugene Souleiman, because I have never had the pleasure of meeting him and I would love to learn from him and of course you Errol!, because it’s been so long due to not being able to travel, I can’t wait to work together again and create hair magic!

What would be your advice to other young people considering a career in hairdressing?

Network, always be open to learning and growing, surround yourself with people you look up to in the industry, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.

How do you see your next 5 years in hairdressing spanning out?

I would love to be able to teach the younger generation, and hopefully travel overseas again to work on fashion weeks with some of my amazing friends and mentors.

If there is a special technique you feel you could be better at (in hairdressing), what would it be?

I believe in constant and neverending growth, one area of hairdressing I would love to learn and grow in is afro styling. On a global platform who is that you most admire in hairdressing and why? Name 2 people for different talents. My mum, Sanja Scher. She is incredible, I have and always will admire her work ethic, creativity and just love for the industry. Again, my good friend and mentor you of course, from the moment we met in London on a shoot with Andrew O’toole we have been great friends. Your support and encouragement to go for what you want is admirable. Thank you.

What are the wisest words you have ever adhered to?

Never compare your journey to anyone else’s. It is really hard these days with social media and everything being so accessible to us, I feel it can give really warped expectations on life timelines. This is something I never want to focus on, my journey is my own, comparison is the thief of joy.

What is your go-to hair product in the salon, one that you simply can’t live without?

Any heat protection product! In a world filled with heat styling this is something all of my clients use to help protect their hair from all of the elements.

When did you realise that you actually wanted to be a hairdresser?

My mum is an amazing hairdresser, and I grew up in the industry, I knew from a very young age and started my apprenticeship when I was 15. I love my job and the creative industry.

What’s the best book you’ve ever read?

A great book I have read is ‘Start with Why’ by Simon Sinek, it’s a brilliant book which gets you thinking and asking yourself questions about your Why’s, why you do what you do, why you don’t follow through, why you do, and so on. It’s a must read in my opinion.

What’s the greatest film you’ve ever watched?

Not really a film as such, more of a documentary, but any David Attenborough episode or film, I love animals and nature, the world is beautiful.

In the performing arts, what presentation literally blew you away?

A performance I have watched which really brought back some amazing childhood memories is The Lion King in London, I went with my cousins, and it just reminded us all of when we were watching it together growing up.