As they work their way up, young up-and-coming beauty professionals are blazing trails and making waves. We scoured the country to find out who is doing what and how it all began. Here is our chat with up-and-coming beauty professional, Beverly Robertson.
Salon Magazine: How did you get your start in hair? Why did you decide to be a part of this industry?
Beverly Robertson: I knew that I wanted to be a hairdresser since I was in kindergarten and I chose my high school based on the cosmetology program. In grade 11, I went into the salon full-time on a work experience and did classes at night. I knew what I wanted to do and couldn’t wait to get started. I bought my first home at 19 so I’d say it paid off.
SM: What drives and motivates you as a hairstylist?
BR: At first, I found drive from making clients feel beautiful and having a different challenge on each client that came in. Now I find drive in collaboration with like-minded stylists, which is why I love being a part of L’Oréal Professionnel as a portfolio artist and in education, which keeps me perfecting my craft to be able to be a better leader for my peers.
SM: What is your expertise? What do you specialize in or excel at?
BR: I love every aspect of the industry. I’m always taking education to become better. I recently did a class with Tracy Cunningham and it took my colour game to the next level. In the salon, I do everything—cut, colour, style, formal finishes and even extensions. I specialize in dry cutting and custom colour.
SM: What is the one lesson you’ve learned throughout your education and career that you still keep in mind today?
BR: There’s so much I could say for this. I’ve learned so much from so many amazing artists. For where I am in my career, it’s all about dropping the ego-building superstars and making it about them and not myself that I find the most self-fulfilling. ‘A gift isn’t a gift until you give it away.’ I have more confidence now than ever before. ‘Believing in yourself, and really going after what you want no matter how big the dream.’
SM: Who is your mentor or who do you look up to when it comes to hair? Anyone in particular on social media?
BR: There are so many amazing artists out there. The industry is elevated and Instagram is such an amazing tool for inspiration. I would have to say the Trevor Sorbie Artistic Team. I’m obsessed with their collections. They’re sexy and a little street while keeping a feminine vibe. I’m always in awe.
SM: Who is your hair hero? Is there someone you want to work with?
BR: Richard Kavanagh (@richardkavanagh) hands down. I’ve always been drawn to his work. Everyone you meet knows something you don’t, so I’d never turn down any opportunity to work with anyone!
SM: As a young artist, what has been the biggest challenge you have faced and how have you overcome that?
BR: The Beverly—my salon I’m opening this month. Overcoming fear and truly believing this is the right move. I’ve overcome the fear over time. It’s taken 15 years to get to the point where I can just jump and know it’s worth all the risk. It’s been so amazing and makes me feel complete.
SM: Who gave you the best advice as you embarked on your career and what was that advice?
BR: One woman—Arlene Dickinson. I have the absolute pleasure of doing her hair, and she has given me the courage to chase my dreams. Knowing that entrepreneurship is a possibility and that my ideas about [disrupting] the hair industry can happen if I want them to. She’s been my biggest mentor and I will be forever grateful.
SM: What is your one must-have product?
BR: Iles formula finishing serum. If it was safe to drink, I’d drink it to see if what it does to the hair would happen to my skin. It’s like a B.B. cream for the hair. It makes hair soft without weighing it down and goes in every head of hair I touch. I’m obsessed.
SM: What are your goals for the next 5 to 10 years? Where do you see yourself in the beauty industry?
BR: What I love most is editorial, so I see myself growing more in this avenue. I hope to be at an international level, artistically—building my business by training artists that are doing what they love in a space they love as well as developing education classes and teaching.
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