3 minute read
Career Focus
EDUCATION STORIES SUCCESS
Inspiring tales show that empowering education changes lives and businesses. Think that sounds too dramatic? Read on…
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Farah Naz, owner of Farah Naz Hairdressing says attending Schwarzkopf Professional Colour Masters had been a dream for years, yet as a salon owner Farah struggled to justify taking the time away from the salon to do it. However when she did complete the course, she had the following to say: “Wow, how I wish I had done this course sooner! It has simply transformed the way I colour hair. Not only did we learn creative new ways to colour and all the technology behind the Schwarzkopf Pro colour ranges, we also covered presenting and photography too." And it wasn't just the course itself that Farah loved. "For me, the cherry on the top was gaining a distinction for the masters which led me to being asked to showcase my work on the Schwarzkopf Pro stage at Salon International which has been the pinnacle of my career so far," she adds. "To anyone who is considering this course I’d say do it! It will expand your colour knowledge like you would not believe and progress you to a whole new level as a stylist!” For Heather Shaw, salon director at Francesco Group Newport, being a certified L’Oréal Professionnel Paris Colour Specialist elevated her as a colourist in the salon. “Standards are set high from day one,” she explains. “The course takes you on a complete journey and is led by some of the best L’Oréal Educators.”
On the course learners explore the L’Oréal Professionnel Paris Portfolio in finer detail, learn innovative techniques and take their colour knowledge to a new level. “My mind was blown!” adds Heather. “I have the knowledge to back my passion now. As a salon we promote that we have a Colour Specialist and this has attracted new clients. Every colourist knows that technology is evolving every day and, for me, this is where L’Oréal Education get it right every time. Once you become a Certified Colour Specialist you are invited to training on new products launched.” Alongside this, Colour Speciailists are also invited to an annual Colour Congress Event where they can collaborate and be inspired by industry icons. Heather concludes: “I would not be the colourist I am today without completing this program.” How do you support a client that has just entrusted you with their deepest, darkest worries? This is a question that our sector has to grapple with on an almost daily basis. Tyler Gray, educator at VTCT training provider Hair@theAcademy says, “Having a good understanding of mental health will help you to be able to listen and understand what your client may be going through.”
As an Awarding Body, VTCT recognised the need to not only equip learners with the skills to signpost clients that may be suffering, but also ensure that they can take care of their own mental wellbeing by developing a suite of Mental Health Awareness qualifications. Tyler Gray currently delivers the Level 1 Award in Mental Health Awareness. He says: “I attended Hair@the Academy as a student battling my own mental health issues. They supported me to achieve my Level 2 diploma in hairdressing. I volunteered to help the other students when I had finished my qualification. I enjoy supporting learners with complex mental health as a way of giving back.”
