How did it feel to win 2013 Southern Hairdresser of the Year?

I was so pleased to win Southern Hairdresser of the Year for the second time. It means so much to not only myself but to everyone that is connected with Rush Hair. This award is also a great tribute to all the fantastic and talented hairdressers that were nominated or finalised for the British Hairdressing Awards. It’s a great way to kick start 2014 and has definitely motivated me for the year ahead.

What advice would you give someone just starting out in the trade?

Hairdressing is a very special career that can take you to amazing places. You need to love what you do and have the passion, determination and the drive to succeed. The best piece of advice I could give to someone just starting out in the hairdressing industry would be to never give up.

What salon product could you absolutely not do without?

I cannot work without a heat protecting blow dry gel. My personal favourite is the Forme Fatale Voluptuous Blow Dry Gel by Kerastase. It has a strong hold but still allows the hair to move. It smells great too.

Which styles do you think will be big in 2014?

I think that the Bohemian theme is always a strong one especially during spring/summer. Think soft waves, braids and just got out of bed blow-drys inspired by Nicole Richie, Alexa Chung and the Olsen twins. However this year I think we’ll see this theme become darker and edgier heavily influenced by last years A/W grunge trend.

What is it you enjoy most about your work?

I love my job, there’s so many different aspects of my job as a hairdresser. I have my day to day work in the busy salon, where I have lots of regular clients. I enjoy catching up with my clients, many of them I have seen for years so it’s more like catching up with a friend. The best thing about being a hairdresser is that I can change  how people feel about themselves.

I’m also part of the Rush Artistic Team which allows me to let my passion and creativity take over.

What made you want to become a hairdresser?

My auntie was a hairdresser in South Korea and she loved it so much she pushed me in the same direction. I soon developed a huge passion for hairdressing. I can’t imagine myself doing anything else.

What is your funniest story from your time in the trade?

I was working with my auntie in South Korea when I was assisting her with a client, she accidentally picked up her cutting scissors instead of her hair thinning scissors and ended up cutting the clients whole fringe off.