4 minute read
Karoliina Saunders with Pauline McCabe
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In the final instalment of our TALENT SPOTTING features, Pauline McCabe, owner of Rock, Paper, Scissors meets Karoliina Saunders who from her selftiled salon base in the beautiful village of Highworth, Wiltshire, UK, she has been fortunate enough to indulge her first love of fashion through a jampacked line-up of stage, photographic, editorial and session work.
These assignments have taken her all over the world, as well as working backstage at all the major Fashion weeks. As a style influencer, Karoliina has carved out a reputation for a gritty more edgy look than the mainstream and this daring eye has led to her being picked out as a finalist for various top awards. She also holds a role as an educator and Ambassador for the Label.m brand.
If you had to name one skill that has got you to where you are today, what would it be?
Attention to detail.
What professional achievement are you most proud of?
My career has had so many moments that I truly am great full and proud of, but getting to work with the great teams in fashion weeks and shoots has definitely been one of the achievements I’m super proud of, I have to put another one in as well though because becoming a mentor and part of the Council and the Chancellory for The Fellowship of British hairdressing has been another one of my greatest achievements I’m proud of.
Can you share with readers a time when you overcame a challenge?
I was in Milan Fashion week and had a call from my salon team to inform me that things were going wrong so I knew I had to go back to UK to check things out, but my dilemma was that I had a Dior show booked in Paris in two days’ time. My plan originally was to go straight to Paris from Milan but as it was, I went back home.
I then realised I could not get a flight to Paris in time for the show .... absolute nightmare... so I had a brilliant idea.. there’s an overnight coach from London to Paris so I jumped in that and ended up outside the show space 4am. The call time was at 7:30am so I had to sit outside a multi-million -pound -show space for over three hours unwashed with my tracksuit. But hey I was there, I was on time, and when they let me in, I ran to the ladies, brushed my teeth, put makeup on and changed my clothes and I was ready for work. Sometimes it takes what it takes but I’m strong believer, if you really want it, you will do anything it takes to achieve it.
I’M GRATEFUL FOR THE AMAZING NETWORK I HAVE AROUND ME, MY HUSBAND, FRIENDS, FAMILY, WHO HELP ME GO FORWARD AND SUPPORT ME”
What three words would you use to describe your ideal environment?
I love working on creative projects especially when I’m in my studio with great tunes on so i suppose those three ; in my studio with the tunes being creative
What excites you most about your work?
Being able share what I have learned thoroughout my career. Giving others the opportunities and knowledge to pursue further in their journey
What three habits will improve your life?
This year has changed me a lot, I have looked at my life from all angles and I have decided that I want to do more of the things that I really want to do, I want time with my family, and I have started to plan and organise my team so that we make sure it happens, it’s about finding a work/ life balance. I want to educate more so I have worked on my KSHD education platform, which is in digital form right now but there will also be face to face courses. I also want to do more shoots so I have taken a day off per week from behind the chair and this will give me more time to be creative. So it’s all about organisation to achieve things that are important, exciting and makes me happy
For what in your life do you feel most grateful?
I’m grateful for the amazing network I have around me, my husband, friends, family, who help me go forward and support me. Keep me on track and grounded. My industry peers who keep me inspired. Health, I’m grateful that I have my health and my family is healthy.
If you could do the hair of one person alive or dead, who would it be?
I have to give two...Debbie Harry and Grace Jones
