Spotlight on a HotShot – Elie Kashi

Continuing our series of articles on the 2020/21 HOT SHOTS Team, we finish up with none other than Elie Kashi from Royals hair.

Elie started doing hair when he was 15 at his uncle’s celebrity salon in Syria while also studying English Literature. At the age of 18 he was managing the salon but when war hit his country, this tale becomes not only one of passion and determination but also of bravery when he was kidnapped by ISIS! Thankfully after being rescued and saved by the army he fled to Lebanon and after two years requested to come to Australia as a refugee.

The rest as they say is history, where, after some time in a local salon he found his ‘home’ at Royals Hair in Sydney and part of the family with Adam and Mary Alamine.

His accolades to date include 2018 AHFA Finalist Apprentice of the Year, 2019 Hair Expo Finalist Artistic Team of the Year, 2019 Key Stylist at GenNext Hair Expo, 2019 AHFA Finalist Artistic Team of the Year, 2019 AHFA Finalist Hot Shots and 2020 AHIA Winner Shots. Elie is in discussions now to become a business partner with Mary and Adam in a new salon, a testament to his skillset and drive, so we caught up with Elie to talk about his life here in Australia, his future goals and his dreams. We certainly hope all he wishes for will come true for this resilient and beautiful individual.

What made you want to be a hairdresser?

I grew up with a family full of hairdressers, but i mainly love the feeling you get when you can make someone happy and confidant or even give them the ability to change their life by simply doing their hair. It is something you can’t find just anywhere.

What kind of hair work is your favourite and why?

I enjoy everything I do in hair, but I find colouring is where I can express my creativity and happiness. Really, it’s an unending world when it comes to colouring and I believe it is a great way of challenging myself in my technical and creative ability.

What inspired you to become a business partner with royals in a new salon and how did that come about?

Sometimes what you need comes about by just being honesty, loyal and reliable. I am so lucky that I am working with Royals where you are actually seen and appreciated. We are more like a family and now still working on the potential partnership but Covid has delayed things a little. We are in no rush and when the time is right I am sure it will be good for us all.

How to you manage life and work balance?

To be honest my life is about hair all the time. I don’t call it work when I enjoy what I do. If I have a day off I often just pop into the salon and see if they need any help or do some online educating.

Who inspires you in the creative field of hairdressing and why?

Sharon Blain! She impresses me in so many ways. The creativity and passion she has for the hair industry is amazing and to share her knowledge as she does makes her a true inspiration to me. I feel that we have the same values in terms of the fact that no matter where you are or what age you are, you are still able to improve yourself and your skills. There are no obstacles that cannot be overcome.

If you could spend a day with anyone from a business mentorship perspective who would it be and why?

Dario Cotroneo. He is my idol, to be honest. Words cannot describe how much I love this man. His knowledge is at the top and the way he delivers his ideas and messages are both relatable and incredible. The way he talks just makes you feel comfortable and boosts your confidence.

How important are competitions and awards for you?

Winning an award is truly a great feeling but that doesn’t define who I am. As a very competitive person, however, I like to challenge myself and know that winning competitions and awards gives my work the chance to be recognised and then the ability to share and motivate others, making them also believe that anything is possible.

Can you tell us a little about your time in the Hot Shots Team and House so far and what you have to look forward to ?

As soon as I walked in to the house I felt like I was home. We blended in really quickly and felt like we had known each other for years, just like a family. We learnt so much from each other and shared valuable experiences. I am really looking forward to the photo shoot with the team and Jayne Wild and Andrew O’Toole, putting all the pieces together and bringing it to life. The experience and skills I have obtained from this are priceless and I feel very blessed!

Where do you see yourself in 10 year time?

A business owner and winning more competitions and awards

SOME FUN…

Worst moment in your fashion life

That one time when the director for the show didn’t show up and everyone was trying to find a replacement. Absolute chaos with everyone working on their own!

Worst moment in your hair life

It was actually when there was no one free to wash my foils …then I woke up and it was all in my dreams haha

Fav drink

Vodka or Long island

If you weren’t a hairdresser you would be a …

English professor at University. I love sharing my knowledge with others to help them grow