Protege Competition 2011 Finalists
Congratulations to our six finalists - they are all now preparing to do battle in November to create TRADE's Summer 2011 cover.
HILTON DEWES – Maelstrom, Auckland
Mentor: Kate Henry, Me salon
“What I love about hairdressing is creating something and being able to make people feel good about themselves. I know I should choose between colouring and cutting but I love both – cutting because you can create shapes and colouring because it’s fun, changeable and creative.
“I love working at Maelstrom Hairdressing because it has a great relaxed feel to it. I get fantastic training from my seniors. Without Maelstrom I wouldn’t be here today.”
JODI PULLAR – Blue Cactus, Wellington
Mentor: Mana Dave, Blaze
“I am originally from Dunedin and made my way to Wellington almost six months ago. My mum is owner/operator of ‘Do Hairdressers’ in Dunedin – so I guess you could say hairdressing is in my blood! Being in the very early stages of my apprenticeship I’m learning something new every day and being part of a large team there is no shortage of amazing opportunities that come my way.
“Hairdressing is such a unique industry and one that I am so proud to be representing. The abundance of talent within the industry is inspiring and it only motivates me to be the very best I can be.”
LAURA WILLIAMS – Jan Waite Hairdressing, Auckland
Mentor: Sasha Lenski, Bettjemans
“I have been hairdressing for 15 months and I love hairdressing for its ever-changing trends – how hairstyles can be re-invented and how I can create my own interpretation of them.
“I am passionate and hungry to learn and I involve myself in competitions and photo shoots – whatever comes my way. I also love the buzz I get when my clients leave the salon feeling fantastic, happy and confident.”
KALEB PRITCHARD – Blaze, Auckland
Mentor: Jock Robson, dharma
“I have been hairdressing for three years and I love so many things about it: hanging with people, making clients look cool, creating, competing, being part of my BLAZE team, growing as a young stylist … and the girls!”
BEN WILLIAMS – Willis York, Wellington
Mentor: Mobeen Bhikoo, Stephen Marr
“I’m a 24-year-old dad who has been hairdressing for about the last three years. I kind of stumbled into the career choice but wouldn’t change it for the world. I love to have the freedom and skill to be able to create! I’m in a great salon up in Wellington with very skilled people who will no doubt help me out along the way!”
SOPHIA STACE – Get Funk'd, Wellington
Mentor: Jaimee Smith, Zaibatsu
“I have been hairdressing since November 2009 and it’s the perfect job for me in every aspect. As a creative person, I enjoy being able to put forward my ideas and watch them come to life in front of me. There's a strong feel-good factor in the job too – nothing quite beats the feeling of knowing you've made someone feel great about themselves!”
