Q&A with Janine Simons – Industry Trainer of the Year 2021

Long time hairdresser, Janine Simons, won big at The Industry Awards 2021, taking out the Industry Trainer of the Year and Excellence in Marketing awards.

We spoke with Janine about her experience in the hairdressing industry and why being qualified is important to her.

How did your career in hairdressing begin?

I started at age 14, as an after school assistant in a salon in Kilbirnie, Wellington, funnily enough with Kelly Oliver who now owns the salon!  We remain great industry friends to this day. I moved into the city when I left college and began my apprenticeship in a salon called Balliage. After travelling for two years, during which time I worked as a stylist on cruise liners, I returned and became the owner of Balliage for 10 years.

 

What do you love most about the industry?

I love the opportunities our industry provides, and that everyday feels more like a hobby or a social gathering than a job! There are so many great aspects, innovations and people in our industry, there is never a dull day.

How does it feel to be Industry Trainer of the Year?

I am delighted to be named Industry Trainer of the year, education is vital to having a successful career in hairdressing, I love to teach as much as I love to learn.

Why is being qualified so important to you?

The more we can elevate the standards and the perceptions that surround the hairdressing industry the better and I see qualifications as playing an important part in doing this.

Do you have any top tips for other trainers in the industry?

I think everyone has something they can teach someone.  Teach what you know and pass on the skills and insights to anyone who is willing to learn, this will see continued growth in the great potential there is in our industry. Oh, and it’s an oldie but a goody, never stop learning!