4 minute read
RISING STAR
AMY NIXON, LEVEL 3 HAIRDRESSING APPRENTICE, SAKS REDCAR
It’s been a great year for Amy, so we caught up with her and asked her some killer questions about her hairdressing journey.
Kleek: So, Amy, tell us about why you got into hairdressing?
Amy: At about 17, I’d dropped out of two different colleges. I couldn’t deal with the paperwork side of education and needed something I could really get my hands on.
It was actually my mum's idea (and she still credits all my success to her fabulous idea!). I’d always thought about being either a therapist or an artist. and I felt that hairdressing combined both of those disciplines into one! However, much to my disappointment, you don’t get your own hair done half as much as you’d think you would!
Kleek: And what’s a working week like for you?
Amy: It’s busy, always busy. I have a really diverse mix of clients from bright white long blondes to rainbowcoloured mullets, so it keeps my days and weeks interesting. In fact, no two days are the same.
Kleek: Have you enjoyed being a Kleek Apprentice? What are/were the best things about being an apprentice for you?
Amy: The first two years of my apprenticeship were tough - as I was training to be a hairdresser over Zoom calls during the pandemic and had barely any practical experience.
I found the favourite bits of my apprenticeship were working with the clients, who gave me their full trust, despite the fact I was probably a nervous mess just looking at their hair!
Being an apprentice also really boosted my confidence and communication skills, as I was talking to strangers every day. I think I could talk the ears off of anyone now!
Kleek: For someone thinking of starting a Kleek Apprenticeship in 2024, what advice would give them?
Amy: Just go for it... you have nothing to lose!
Kleek Apprenticeships couldn’t have been more supportive to me and have made my Level 3 a super positive experience. Hairdressing is one of those careers that has endless possibilities, and you’ll never know if you don’t try.
Kleek: What do you love most about being a hairdresser, that helps you get up in the morning?
Amy: My team at the salon. The girls I work with are like sisters, I never wake up for work not looking forward to seeing them. We support each other and they’re always there when I’m stressing in the Colour Room over what to use or if I’m having a tough day.
My clients too... they always keep me on my toes and allow me to do what I love, so I’m super grateful for them.
Kleek: You’ve only just started your career in hairdressing, but up to now, what are you most proud of and why?
Amy: I’m super proud of my award nominations. I won two Saks Awards this year – Special Recognition and Colour Award, and I came in the top four for the VTCT Apprentice of the Year Award. It was surreal to be recognised for my work out of so many people.
But for me, the biggest prize is the fact that I get to go to work every day and do what I love.
Kleek: So, where would you like to be in the future? Want to own your own salon? Use your skills in other ways?
Amy: For now, I’m loving running my column in the salon. It’s amazing to be busy day in and day out, when 3 years ago I couldn’t even get a model in for a blow dry!
As for the future, who knows? I have a recurring dream of standing at the side of the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury, watching a headliner with my work on their head, so fingers crossed, dreams can come true!
Kleek: Thanks for your time, Amy, and congratulations again on all your successes in 2023. We’re looking forward to watching how your career progresses and will definitely keep an eye out for you styling the tresses of the next Taylor Swift or Harry Styles on TV!
