The lady behind Cath Kidston

Today I was lucky enough to be invited to a speculator Fellowship event at Wella Studios in London. Off I went in my bright green jacket (sometimes I do question my fashion choices but at least cars can't miss me as I dive across the busy streets). I get to attend some fantastic things as part of my role as PR and Marketing Manager so I never take for granted what I get to see. This was no exception! I was that excited I even took a selfie on the train (insert awkward looks from fellow travellers - what a poser!)

I got a front row seat too - which is a massive benefit of my job as unfortunately my photos just aren't as great from the back. 

I thought it only fair I give you an insight into this fantastic lady and the brand she has built so keep reading :) 

Cath Kidston took to the stage in a rather humble manner and I was automatically attentive to everything she had to say (not just because of what I was there to do). This woman gave us the opportunity to understand her as a person and I felt honoured. This event is the first of a long line of calendar dates we will be adding and if they are amazing as this I honestly cannot wait. 

I heard about how Cath Kidston was a name chosen so her clients could easily find her as the Internet wasn't so well utilised then. Her brand became about accessorising the home with mugs, iron board covers and table cloths and her approach gave her many challenges. She was open about how she sought investment to assist with the business running but that gave her new aspects to deal with. I personally loved her ability to captivate the audience with personal anecdotes without even realising how in awe we were. I particularly loved her trip down memory lane in which she talked of forgetting to lock her shop in the early days but finding nothing got stolen as everyone just assumed it was a bric and brac shop. 

There was an opportunity to ask questions in this intimate environment and again she honestly and openly talked about her relationship with her husband and how she chooses to relax. Don't be surprised if you bump into her walking around Selfridges admiring the atmosphere and the ambience! I aim to look out for her and entice her for tea and cake with me! Although she has only just stopped working every day so tracking her down might be hard - this lady truly has the passion for her brand and deserves the success she has both here and internationally! 

If you get chance to attend an event Cath Kidston is at then snap it up! I felt very lucky and I cannot wait for the next Fellowship event of this kind. If you want to find out more about our upcoming schedule get in touch or if you have any questions then please ask. 

P.s if you can add her book to your shopping cart as I really don't think you would be disappointed!

F.A.M.E. Team Finalists are Announced

On Tuesday 22nd September I made my way down from Members' Night in Stockport to the Wella Studios in London for the eagerly anticipated Semi Finals for F.A.M.E. Team 2016. With only 4 places available this really is a competitive opportunity to showcase their talents to a panel of judges.

I was very excited to attend this competition and the talent filling the rooms was tremendous. However, before I go on I should fill you on The Team and why it is so renowned in the industry.

The F.A.M.E. Team is 4 individuals who undertake a year of mentoring days with top industry names providing a platform for future recognition. They can expert to learn from workshops, photo shoots and large trade shows which in turn develop their skills, confidence and expertise. I feature the Team a lot and that is mainly because I am very lucky to be able to attend a lot of what they do and January will see me working alongside 4 new individuals which is very exciting!

Okay so the Semi Finals ... well it was all about finding out who these hairdressers were and what their skills were. Judging was on their haircutting ability; how they could recreate their photographic image and also what they could produce in terms of hair up. The aim is to showcase what they can do and how they work under pressure. Shows can be stressful and the F.A.M.E. Team will often be under time constraints to produce work ready for call times.

Further to this it was about getting to know them so formal interviews provided a background for the judges to understand why and what they were about.

That evening a stage show was put on where everyone worked in teams of 4 to present their cut and hair up to a sold out audience (with me smiling at the front on my "reserved" seat). This also provided an opportunity to see how they were able to prepare as a Team and how they could work as a group. It was fascinating to see what they produced and how they worked well with people they had just met.

The show was extraordinary and the room was a flurry or those supporting and cheering on colleagues, family and friends. the current Team I worked with were also on stage which is always a pleasure.

I can now announce the finalists who will be on stage at Salon International in a few weeks, and I really encourage you to come along and see us if you are there

Rosie Binns, Ethos
Matthew Gavin, Christian Wiles Hairdressing
Jamie Benny, Rush
Casey Coleman, Ocean Hairdressing
Melissa Timperley, Sassoons
Alfie Pfeffer, Headmasters
James Earnshaw, Francesco Advanced Academy
Zoe Williams, Ken Picton

A massive congratulations to all 8 and good luck for next month!

I am also looking for an enthusiastic person(s) who wants some PR experience. Come join me for some or all of the weekend to see what it is all about and meet some fab people!

Stockport welcomes a night of inspiration

Last night I was lucky enough to be invited to attend an exciting industry evening at Alan Howard.

The Fellowship has fast become a big part of my life with my role as PR & Marketing being a position I love and enjoy. Our Members' Night has been an eagerly anticipated event in London for many years and last night it took to the stage in Stockport for the first time. Teams prepped their models backstage as the auditorium filled with excited individuals there to support and be inspired by the work introduced on stage. 

Having been a manager of a salon previously I think nights like this are so important for developing skills. Many of those who presented models had never done anything like this and I was incredibly impressed with the level of expertise and confidence. I highly recommend getting involved at one of these events! 

Ten teams have 4 minute presentations with inspirations including Alexander McQueen; animal skins and even ceramics. There was bold silhouettes, and matte colour placements as well as strong geometric shapes and each look was complimented by styling. The aim is to impress the room and get yourself noticed and it provides the experience needed l put on a show. 

Along with this we were treated to a wonderful interview with Darren Messiah of K H Salons. The fabulous Karine Jackson asked Darren about his professional career and it was really interesting hearing about how he balances his personal life with his 21 salons. He was insightful and knowledgeable and I loved hearing how supportive he is of his Teams, who even presented three models on stage last night too. 

If you are an upcoming hairdresser and want to get involved or find out more get in touch. Perhaps you are wanting to get involved in the PR of this amazing industry I might be able to help :)