Mia Mellor Wins November Learner of the Month
Mia Mellor won the November Concept Hair Learner of the Month award – we caught up with her to find out what it means to […]
We had a chat with Phoebe Mclavy, Concept Hair’s newest Learner of the Month!
The Concept Hair Hairdressing & Barbering Learner of the Month award celebrates students and apprentices who are passionate about the future of the hairdressing & barbering industry, going above and beyond in their apprenticeships to set the standards of the industry.
Concept Hair has launched the award to recognise the efforts that students and apprentices have put into learning the trade.
Phoebe, 21 from Reds Hair Co and Coleg Sir Gar, was chosen as Learner of the Month by our judge Let Lew after a week of voting and testimonials on Instagram and Facebook.
Let said: “She deserves it – her attention to detail and finishing of her work are very impressive!”
The award was sponsored by HairFlair, who sent Phoebe a £100 bundle.
Our runners-up were Tina Gaster from Square Roots Maidenhead, Lindsey Townsend from Chloe Hair Design, Gabby De Costa from Westrow Academy Leeds, Alfie O’Keeffe from LOOK Male Appearance and Michelle de Genaro Moreira from Gina Conway.
Phoebe’s lecturer, Adrienne Chick said: “She competed in WorldSkills in Russia last year and won a bronze medal after competing against 34 countries. She has now moved salons after having the amazing opportunity at WorldSkills.”
Concept Hair: Congratulations Phoebe! How does it feel to be the Concept Hair Learner of the Month?
PM: To be the winner of this month’s competition feels amazing, to be recognised for all the hard work I put into my work and to know how much other people can see that too is just amazing. I’d like to thank everyone in believing in me.
CH: How long have you been in the hair industry? Have you always worked at Reds Hair Company?
PM: I started as a Saturday girl five years ago in a salon called Morgan Edward Carmarthen. I later started as a trainee in the salon while studying at Coleg Sir Gar, which then led me onto an apprenticeship. The college have been so supportive of me and have helped me with regards to completing work and sourcing models. Whenever I have needed anything they have been helpful and I’m grateful for everything they have done.
Whilst studying I have been given lots of opportunities to compete firstly in UK Skills and then for Team UK and then in August after two years of training, I went to Russia to compete in WorldSkills where I became the first UK Hairdresser to get a medal in the combined hairdressing competition. I have had lots of opportunities since and I now work in Reds Hair Company in Ross on Wye since January. The salon is very supportive and has given me lots of opportunities to develop my skills, which is very important for my development.
CH: What made you want to get into the industry?
PM: I’ve always had an interest in hair since I was a little girl. I would practice on my auntie’s hair for hours. I was never academic in school and as I am dyslexic I really struggled. The only lesson I ever looked forward to was hairdressing.
CH: What do you love most about it?
PM: Updos and catwalks – I love how creative you can be, I’m able to create looks that are not your everyday styles and come up with beautiful creations.
CH: What is your day-to-day role?
PM: In the salon I’m a stylist and I’m a current member of the UK WorldSkills squad, training for EuroSkills in Austria in January where I will compete for Team UK.
CH: What would you like to achieve in your career?
PM: To travel the world doing hair, and maybe one day owning my own salon.
CH: What inspires you the most?
PM: The thing I love about my job is making people feel good about themselves and knowing that I can make someone’s day just by creating a beautiful style made me realise it’s the job for me.
CH: What about your favourite social media platform?
PM: My favourite social media platform is Instagram as it opens your close audience to a worldwide audience.
CH: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given in your apprenticeship?
PM: Take every opportunity that is given to you, and as long as you are happy, it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks.