In CONVERSATION with...

THIS YEAR OUR NEW STAGE WAS DEDICATED TO LEGENDS OF THE HAIRDRESSING INDUSTRY

The HJ In Conversation With... Stage at Salon International 2024 featured influential figures from the industry.

Suzie McGill opened up about her transition from cutting to colour, sharing highlights of working with Charles Worthington and Trevor Sorbie. She reflected on managing team members as an Art Director and her decision to return to Scotland to be closer to her family. Today, Suzie's passion lies in creating collections and mentoring.

Cos Sakkas discussed his progression from a struggling student to an acclaimed hairdresser, citing a transformative conversation with Christian Mascolo as a pivotal moment. He emphasised the value of hands-on experience over social media, stressing the importance of live education and the emotional intelligence required in hairdressing.

Ky Wilson shared his journey from the Lake District to running District Salon in Leigh-on-Sea. He recounted a significant 12 months of change, including closing his co-working space, The Social, and reassessing his work-life balance.

Sally Brooks spoke about working for Trevor Sorbie and how it helped shape her career. Now, she instills a similar tough work ethic in her assistants, advocating that hard work opens doors.

Sally also discussed her creative process, explaining that she creates collections for personal fulfillment rather than for accolades.

Adam Reed highlighted the importance of networking and balance in building a successful career. He urged young hairdressers to seize opportunities by connecting with professionals across various creative industries. Adam also underscored the necessity of trusting your team, allowing them the space to grow and develop.

Jordanna Cobella's path from the police force to hairdressing equipped her with people skills that have proven invaluable in her salon career. She shared her philosophy of learning through mistakes, while navigating the new challenges of balancing motherhood with her ambassadorial and creative roles.

Michelle Sultan talked about being a celebrity stylist and textured hair expert, reflecting on her journey from London to New York and back again. She shared what it takes to work with high-profile clientele and what working as a textured hair specialist in the 90s and noughties was really like.

Celebrating 40 years in the industry, Jack Howard spoke about his start as a colourist and his current focus on empowering clients. He offered advice to those hesitant about building a social media presence, affirming that it’s never too late to begin. Jack also shared his perspective on the future of hairdressing, shaped by his experiences in both the UK and US. Darren Ambrose emphasised the importance of fostering growth within your team, while highlighting that they must also be self-driven. His advice to aspiring hairdressers was to say yes to opportunities and to “find your tribe”.

Nicky Clarke, celebrating 50 years in the industry, discussed his career evolution, from his early days with Leonard Lewis to the shift from print to TV in the ‘90s, and the pandemic’s impact on self-care. Nicky emphasised the significance of building a community and being open to new opportunities.

Finally, Daniel Granger reflected on his decade-long journey as a salon owner. He explored the challenges of building a business, his mental health journey, working for TV and his hopes for the next generation.