Protege Competition 2011 Mentors
Our mentors for the NZ Protege Competition 2011 were chosen not only because they were some of the best hairdressers in the country, but also for their passion for the industry and training the next generation. The mentors are there to support and guide our six finalists in bringing their ideas to life, rather than imposing their own vision. The mentors will be assigned randomly.
Jaimee Smith – ZAIbatsu
Jaimee Smith is the proud owner of Zaibatsu Hair Art in Dunedin. Having worked in the industry for 19 years, Jaimee’s career has seen her working as a platform artist all around the world as well as here in New Zealand. She has won numerous awards, and created beautiful photographic collections that have been published in many top industry magazines both nationally and internationally. Her passion for the industry is reflected in the achievements of her staff and her outstanding salon success.
Jock Robson – Dharma
Jock Robson is the co-owner of dharma, one of New Zealand’s leading boutique hair salons. He has achieved success in many of the major industry awards on offer in New Zealand, including a finalist for NZ Hairdresser of the Year at Hair Expo 2011, he gains motivation in the success of others he has trained throughout his career. His work has been published in the likes of Remix, Pulp, Culture and TRAD. Jock has also worked at New Zealand Fashion Week and Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week as either a hair director or stylist.
KATE HENRY – Me salon
Kate Henry is an artistic team member at Me in Ponsonby. During her 26 years in the industry Kate has filled the role of Creative Director numerous times, leading teams in New Zealand and London. Kate's muse is Patti Smith which reflects her Rock Chic Style. This year Kate is touring New Zealand representing L'Oréal's H3 Team as well as demonstrating her skills on "Teach Me" educational DVDs.
Mana Dave – Blaze
Mana Dave is the Creative Director and co-owner of Blaze in Newmarket, Auckland. He is passionate in training and education and is a Redken International Platform Artist, a role that has seen him demonstrating on stage in countries such as Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Barcelona and the USA. He has had success in most of the industry competitions including as a six-time finalist for NZ Hair Expo Hairdresser of the Year, a title he won in 2008 and 2010. Mana has directed hair at New Zealand Fashion week and worked consistently at ID Dunedin Fashion Week as well as having his collections published worldwide. Anyone who knows Mana, knows of his dedication to the industry and his commitment to new emerging talent.
Mobeen Bhikoo – Stephen Marr
Mobeen joined the Stephen Marr brand eight years ago, becoming a business partner within four years. He now manages a creative team of 20-odd stylists. With a strong belief in quality education systems, culture and branding, the team at Stephen Marr is immersed in pop culture, fashion, architecture and other forms of media, giving Mobeen opportunities to have his work published in Nylon, Oyster, Dazed and Confused and Pavement magazines as well as all of New Zealand's fashion magazines. He has also worked at NYC, Melbourne and NZ fashion weeks as a stylist and hair director for shows, thus giving all of Mobeen's work a true editorial feel and direction.
Sasha Lenski – Bettjemans
Sasha Lenski is creative director at Bettjemans and he is the current Schwarzkopf Business Hairdresser of the Year. In recent years he has been runner up in the L'Oréal Colour Trophy and winner of Redken Face. Sasha's Russian background and experience have given him a keen eye for both high fashion and editorial work. His passion for training young hairdressers has seen him hold seminars all over the world and he will be joining a mentoring team to support the New Zealand "Gen Next Show" at Hair Expo in June.
