1 mins
ADVENTURES OF A COMMITTED CREATIVE
Current London Hairdresser of the Year Jordanna Cobella talks Banksy, Gucci and breaking boundaries as a female stylist
What has been your career journey so far?
I have delivered 42 education seminars, managed a team of 32, and travelled to 17 different countries. It’s allowed me to connect with so many wonderful people. Hairdressing has shaped my personality, built on my confidence, and allowed me to embrace my quirks.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Trends, patterns, spotting the common denominator in interiors, fashion, art, design and hair. A lot of consumer behaviour is dictated by cultural shifts and societal attitudes. I love Banksy and how they marry art with political activism; each project has an emotive story that the viewer is free to interpret. I believe drawing inspiration from outside your industry is imperative to keeping your work unique and fresh.
What has been your proudest moment during your career?
Working with Stewart Roberts on Haircuts 4 Homeless, connecting with people on a personal level and revisiting hairdressing in its purest form.
What has been the biggest challenge during your career?
Dividing my time between managing a business, running a column, mentoring my team, being an ambassador, session stylist, friend, girlfriend, and daughter! I’m very passionate, so there have been some sacrifices made along the way.
What advice would you give to someone who aspires to be recognised in the industry?
Patience is a virtue. Climbing the ladder in any industry requires belief, patience, and resilience. I believe you shouldn’t chase recognition but create work you’re proud of, connect with like-minded people, stay grounded, and continue to educate yourself.
What’s next for Jordanna?
I would love to evolve my salon to further upgrade the services we offer. I love trialling new ways of service, new colour menus, creating different atmospheres in the salon and collaborating with other creatives. Collaboration is at the heart of service-centred organisations and true magic happens when the right people or businesses collab. I would like to create more collections marrying session styling with creative colour, and I would love to colour for Gucci campaigns one day. I also feel strongly about breaking boundaries as a female hairdresser. Plus, it’s my dream to be British Hairdresser of the Year one day.
2013
Began hairdressing training
2015
Became the manager of Cobella
2022
Winner of London Hairdresser of the Year at #BHA22
2023
Wella Professionals UK & Ireland Colour and Trends Ambassador