Name: Louise Booth

Age: 21

Occupation: Hairstylist
 

Tell us a bit about your background, why you got into hairdressing and where your career has taken you?

I began working in a salon at the age of 14 as a Saturday girl. It wasn't very glamerous making coffee and sweeping up but I soon saw through the less exciting jobs and adopted a real passion for hairdressing at a really young age. I have never been very academic but very creative instead. I recognised hairdressing as a true art form, really creative and exciting. I left school at 16 and began my training at Elite. I enjoyed my training, I was lucky enough to go on training courses, shows and seminars. I even took part in doing a couple of photo shoots which was very exciting. I qualified after turning 18 and was offered a position as a stylist on a self-employed basis. Three and a half years on I now have a full clientele. I also became a Habia Skills Team member last year and already had the fabulous opportunity to go on stage at Salon International 2009 and do my first demonstration cut.

What is the secret to your success?  

I believe that my success was my training. It is my roots to my career. I was very lucky when I was training to have such support from my colleagues at Elite, my trainers and tutors at college. I have a positive attitude, I am patient and always want to learn more.

Do you still do training?

Yes, I still do training even more now I am part of the Skill Team. I enjoy taking part in different courses, shows and seminars and enjoy taking part in photo shoots. It's really refreshing when myself or one of the team at the salon has been away training as we share new ideas and techniques. In my eyes, training is so important, probably the most important aspect in a hairdressing career. It's the core of everything to come. It doesn't matter what age you are or what stage you're at in your career, there is always more out there to learn. I was told from a young age that if you only learn one thing a day then that day has been a success.

What's the most exciting thing that happened during your career?  

I have had quite a lot of exciting things happen so far. Winning a UK competition to becoming a Habia Skills team member. I had to take part in several different heats all across the country with the final taking place in Mayfair, London. I had to do a commercial cut in 45 minutes in front of an audience. Each heat was an amazing experience but finding out that myself and 4 other hairdressers had won was the best feeling. Another exciting experience in my career was taking part at Salon International 2009 along with other Habia Skills Team members. And on that same day I met Patrick Cameron as he was working alongside Habia. He also used me as his model during his presentation.......As you can imagine I was ecstatic!

What advice would you give to someone just entering the industry?  

My advice would be to enjoy every aspect of their training and do the not so glam jobs, like sweeping and making drinks. Always maintain a positive attitude and you can reach the stars. Try to attend as many courses, read books and enter competitions. Find your own style and express yourself!