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, Robin Bacon.
Salon Magazine: How did you get your start in hair? Why did you decide to be a part of this industry?
Robin Bacon: I have wanted to be a hairstylist since I was a young girl. I am fortunate that I have always known. I got my start in hairdressing at a small salon in Barrie, ON., called Hair in Motion. I was working a retail job at the mall and I made a comment about a hairstyling ring that a woman wore. Next thing I knew it, I was working as an apprentice at the salon that she co-owned.
SM: What drives and motivates you as a hairstylist?
RB: Being able to make someone else feel empowered or beautiful is a very powerful thing. There is nothing more rewarding than making someone feel special and seeing the look someone gets when they feel good.
SM: What is your expertise? What do you specialize in or excel at?
RB: I would say that my area of specialty is styling. I love creating beautiful silhouettes and textures with hair.
SM: What is the one lesson you’ve learned throughout your education and career that you still keep in mind today?
RB: Body posture is extremely important for the sake of our craft as well as our bodies. When we hold our bodies properly, our work is cleaner and balanced. The cuts sit nicer and grow out better and they are more manageable for your clients to handle at home. When we hold our bodies in better form, there is much less physical stress on ourselves, which equals a healthier and happier hairstylist.
SM: Who is your mentor or who do you look up to when it comes to hair? Anyone in particular on social media?
RB: There are so many amazing influencers and incredible stylists out there. Tyler Johnston is absolutely brilliant and I have followed his work since before social media was a thing. His style interpretations are genius and the shapes in which he creates them are what captivated me.
SM: Who is your hair hero? Is there someone you want to work with?
RB: My hair hero(es) are Hooker and Young. Their aesthetic for beauty and hair makes my creativity swirl. Their femininity is not overshadowed by their loud presence and signature to their looks. If I had the opportunity to learn and work with them, I would be a human sponge and absorb as much information as I could.
SM: As a young artist, what has been the biggest challenge have you faced and how have you overcome that?
RB: As a young artist, my biggest challenge was a lack of knowledge for what I wanted to achieve. I had the desire of an Elite Master stylist with the knowledge of, well, exactly what I was. A newbie fresh out of hairstylist with a strong backround as a shampoo specialist. I found that enrolling in hairstyling courses was what boosted my skill and my confidence. I still feel strongly about education and love taking classes.
SM: Who gave you the best advice as you embarked on your career and what was that advice?
RB: The best advice given to me as I began my career was that people aren’t made of porcelain. Give them a good shampoo, listen to them and make them feel special and they will love you forever. A few years into my career, I had the opportunity to hear John Steinberg speak. He suggested that we all make an imaginary friend and take them everywhere we went, exploring our creativity and seeing what will come of that. It is something I have always kept with me. As my creative journey unfolds, I often try and change my perspective to that of my imaginary friend to see what my eyes are missing when I am too close to a project.
SM: What is your one must-have product?
RB: Hairspray! Schwarzkopf OSIS Session Label Super Dry Fix hairspray is my ride or die product. It is dry and flexible while having a great hold and style memory. It is amazing for photoshoots, bridal parties and for clients that want a day to night product.
SM: What are your goals for the next 5 to 10 years? Where do you see yourself in the beauty industry?
RB: My goals for the next 5-10 years are to continue to teach and spread the hair love through education and with the platforms I have. I will continue to compete in the Contessa Awards (and hopefully add a few more trophies to my collection) and encourage others to do so as well to keep the passion contagious. My biggest goal is to organize a charity event for struggling youth. They are our future and so many of them have not been given a fair playing hand at life. With the creative gifts we have been given, I think an epic night of fashion and beauty could raise some money and give this community a better chance. Lots of details are unknown and there is lots to be planned, but that is my goal.
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