10 MINUTES WITH
BRAD LEPPER! Brad Lepper is a globally recognised Stylist and Educator, travelling the world as ghd Ambassador and Sebastian Professional International Artist, to deliver education to his ever-expanding tribe. He’s been honoured as a Finalist in Hair Expo AU/NZ Men’s Hairdresser of the Year, Industry Men’s Hair Stylist of the Year and L’Oreal Colour Trophy Supreme Hairdresser of the Year as well as being awarded Silver Placegetter in Wella Trend Vision Awards. Brad is the personal hairstylist for some of New Zealand’s top celebrities and musicians and has directed hair for shoots with the All Blacks Rugby World Cup Jockey advertising campaigns, and for magazines such as Remix, Mindfood Style, The Journal, Viva, and Woman’s Day.
“EACH PERSON IN MY SALON IS THEIR OWN ARTIST AND LIKE A TATTOO STUDIO, EACH ARTIST DRAWS THEIR OWN CLIENT.” 18
Hair Biz Year 12 Issue 2
With over seventeen years of industry experience, Brad is also the Owner and Creative Director of Auckland based salon, French Revolver Studio – a concept salon and creative hub renown for the fusion of art and fashion. Hair Biz Editor, Kym Krey spent 10 Minutes With…Brad Lepper.
BRAD, TELL US ABOUT YOUR VARIOUS ROLES IN THE INDUSTRY TODAY:
Sebastian Professional Global Artist, Creative Director of Sebastian Professional ANZ, Brand Warrior for GHD and Owner of French Revolver Studio in Auckland.
TO HELP US GET TO KNOW YOU A LITTLE MORE, TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR UPBRINGING.
I grew up in Manurewa, South Auckland and left school at 16 years old as I felt school was boring and limiting. I was surrounded by amazing culture, food and colour which still inspires me today. Starting my apprenticeship at the age of 21 in Papatoetoe salon Mark & Co, I had the best mentor and friend who kept me focused and expanded my mind. My dad worked in a factory and my mother in real-estate and both are very supportive of what I do, As parents, my wife and I know how you want your children to follow their dreams and support them in doing that.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED IN THE INDUSTRY?
I went to as many courses as I could and failed a lot, and from these failures I learnt more about what I couldn’t do and tried to understand how I could make this better. I got into the finals for the second competition I ever entered but had to pull out due to my model being overseas at the time of the competition. The next day I was asked if I would apply to be on the Sebastian Professional Artistic team for New Zealand which was a dream come true for me.