UDDINGSTON STYLIST, MISHA, WINS PLACE ON SCHWARZKOPF YOUNG ARTISTIC TEAM

February 16, 2018

Being part of the Schwarzkopf Young Artistic team is a goal I've always aspired to achieve. After qualifying as a stylist in the summer of 2017 I wanted to incorporate my artistic side into my hairdressing career and the opportunity to join the Schwarzkopf you artistic team seemed the perfect opportunity to do this.

The first step of the application was to make a mood board, which displayed my creativity, my inspirations and my aspirations for the future. This, alongside my video introduction to the judges truly encapsulated my creative flare and passion for my craft. A good first impression is essential and I put my all into delivering my best.

As soon I'd heard I'd been selected as one of the finalists I was overcome with joy. In order to succeed, I instantly began to brainstorm over the look, which I would present to the judges on the final competition day. I had a desire to create something bold and fashion forward; yet something that had a personal connection to me. The sights and values of the streets of Harajuku inspired my look. Here, they are so expressive and unorthodox with their fashion choices in their traditionally conformist society. I translated this attitude of rebellion in creating a colour technique, 'Colour Burning', which was inspired by the detail and colour placement seen in the urban art graffiti.

On the day, I was wrought with nerves, yet with equal excitement. I had reached the final stage, where I (along with nearly 40 other finalists) had one hour to complete a look. This involved cutting and styling a model that I then had to present to a panel of esteemed judges. Throughout the competition, I got the privilege of spending time with each judge, as they asked about my inspirations, the techniques I was using and the overall look I was creating. I couldn't quite believe that an hour had passed once the final bell rang and all tools were to be put down. To my delight, I was the first of the group to present my model. I was presented with an amazing opportunity to share my thoughts and ideas with the judges. Once it was all over I was relieved, exhausted, yet excited, as the anticipation began to build of finding out the result. I was delighted with my final look and knew that, whole heartedly, I had put my all into it.

Just over 24 hours later I was delighted to receive an email reading 'CONGRATULATIONS'. I am so excited to be part of the 2018 Schwarzkopf Young Artistic team and can't wait to begin my year of top quality training and the opportunity to work with well renounced figures in the industry. I wouldn't have been able have this opportunity without the support of those in my salon, so I give my thanks to them. I will not take this opportunity for granted. It inspires me to keep on learning, creating and striving to be the best that I can be!

Misha x