2 mins
ADVENTURES OF AN ENVIRONMENT ENTHUSIAST
Session Stylist Ky Wilson, shares the importance of taking care of yourself, and the environment
What has been your career journey so far?
I began my hairdressing career at Daniel Gray in Kendal, where I grew a solid foundation in hairdressing. Moving to London, I worked for established salons including Electric and Percy & Reed before venturing on my own 10 years ago. Along with working with some amazing brands – I'm Creative Director for Scrummi and UK Ambassador at Calligraphy Cut – Ifounded The Social in London and Lake District, as well as my new project District, Leigh-On-Sea.
What do you do in your roles as Creative Director and UK Ambassador?
I work with the Scrummi team to deliver educational content for the industry and drive Scrummi’s core sustainability messaging. For Calligraphy Cut I am in charge of all creative work, helping to raise brand awareness and build their profile in the UK.
What challenges have you faced so far in your career?
In all honesty, I feel like I’ve had it pretty easy but I work extremely hard. As my career has developed and I have matured over the years, I have struggled with burn out, which recently put me in hospital due to chronic stress. Even though I put many systems in place, it’s hard to see when you are the one living it. This has definitely put things into perspective for me and big changes are about to happen.
Why is it important for salons to act on sustainability?
It’s so important for everyone to act on sustainability. To protect our future and make sure we all have one. What’s also important is the amount of people that salons come into contact with. If each salon takes action no matter how big or small, and creates conversations around this topic, it will rub off onto the public encouraging them to act at home and within their own businesses. If you are looking at becoming more sustainable, small changes can have a big impact on costs, time and the footprint of a salon while still delivering an amazing experience for the hairdresser and client.
What’s next for Ky?
My role in this industry changes all the time but my drive towards creating a better future for it and myself doesn’t. After taking some time out recently due to my illness, it helped me re-evaluate this and put things into perspective. I’m currently focusing on how I can make my life more sustainable, so this doesn’t happen again. Taking a little me time, while working closely with the brands I want to support.
2007
Started hairdressing
2011
Moved to London and worked at Electric in Marylebone
2014
Founded The Social in London and The Lake District
2022
Founded District in Leigh-on-Sea