Q&A with Hairdressing Apprentice of the Year 2023 – Alexandra Kenny

Can you tell us about your journey in Hairdressing? Prior to starting an apprenticeship, I had participated in industry events, usually as a hair model or assistant to a stylist. I fell in love with the industry at an early age and was eager to be a part of it. Since beginning my apprenticeship in 2020 I have been chasing opportunity. Recently, I have been attending coloring and styling classes outside of my regular training, I held my own haircut fashion show, I’ve spoken at a business conference on behalf of junior staff members, and I’ve participated in charity events, just to name a few. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I have had and have loved every minute of my journey.

Why did you choose to train as an apprentice with HITO? I am dyslexic and a kinaesthetic learner, which means that I am a creative problem solver that learns best in practical, hands-on situations. I also enjoy working collaboratively and in a customer service-oriented industry. Doing an apprenticeship allowed me to learn in a way that works best for me. I also love that an apprenticeship gave me the opportunity to learn on the job and left me with a globally recognised qualification. Essentially an apprenticeship ticked all the boxes.

How did it feel to win 2023 Hairdressing Apprentice of the Year? It was an incredibly validating experience to be recognized for all my hard work; I am truly very grateful. It was also very special for me to share that moment with my family and with my amazing team at Morgan and Morgan. They were incredibly supportive throughout my apprenticeship and on the night.

Why did you decide to enter The Industry Awards 2023? It has been a personal goal of mine since I began my apprenticeship in 2020. The industry awards are about celebrating the hard work and achievements of industry professionals. I decided to enter the awards this year it was because I felt I had worked hard throughout my apprenticeship, and I wanted to challenge myself outside of my regular work and training. Entering this award also gave me an opportunity reflect on my achievements and begin thinking about my future in this industry.

What words of wisdom or advice do you have for other hairdressing apprentices? The best advice I can give is the advice others have given me. These little reminders helped me a lot.

• Challenge yourself.
• Support each other.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
• Ask for feedback constantly.
• Remember that you take full responsibility for your personal growth and progress.
• find something that motivates you and run with it.

What do you love the most about the hairdressing industry? The hairdressing industry is multifaceted and is constantly evolving, providing me with endless opportunities for learning, growth, and inspiration. I also love making my clients feel good about themselves and working collaboratively with my team. Every day is exciting.

What’s next for you? Aside from finishing my apprenticeship, I am currently enjoying exploring vibrant fashion shades, discovering new ways to experiment with them. Crafting hair for ‘rockstars and rascals’ sets my soul on fire. I am also interested in education. I thoroughly enjoy training in salon as well as attending classes and would love to teach one day. Additionally, I aspire to collaborate with incredible artists, and hopefully see my work in magazines one day. Dream big, right?