THE BIG PICTURE
I see myself as a vibrant, versatile and committed artist with many talents in the Hairdressing field. The skills that I bring to the table are presenting, public speaking, creativity, judging, fairness, attention to detail, a genuine passion for the field, personal talent, decision making, organisational skills, communication and creativity.
I love interacting with people, traveling and being an integral part in uplifting and empowering others.
THE PAPERWORK
My extensive training has included Gents/Ladies/Afro Hairdressing trade tests and a Cape Master Hairdressers Association’s Master Certificate. I’ve kept up to date via ongoing courses, diploma and seminars (Goldwell, Schwarzkopf Bronze/Silver/Gold, Paul Mitchell, Joico , Wella, L’Oreal, Revlon and Redken).
Added highlights of my ongoing education have been Redken’s International Beauty and Hair Seminar in 96 and L’Oreal’s Professional business Development Seminar in 00.
I’m committed to continuously updating my expertise and have travelled to Organisation Mondiale Coiffure’s Hairworld Competitions in London (04), Russia (06), Chicago, U.S.A.(08) and Paris (10)
SETTING THE STAGE
My career started in 76 as an Apprentice Hairdresser with Salon Emile in Cape Town, where I qualified and remained until 86. At that stage I decided to broaden my experience by training and practicing as a Beauty Consultant, which I did from 86 to 91. During that time I gained extensive experience in leading cosmetic brands.
My passion for the Hair industry had definitely not abated and in 91 I returned to my first love by purchasing Way-Ahead salon in Lotus River. I definitely needed to expand and thus, in 94 I successfully sold Way-Ahead and opened Coiffure Ezra in Ottery. Over the years my salon has expanded further and now employs 9 qualified Hairstylists. In 2011 I opened Ezra Nails & Beauty in adjoining premises allowing me to offer clients an expanded hair and beauty experience.
CURTAIN UP
One of the primary joys of my hairdressing career has been becoming renowned as a top South African Stage Artist. I have represented industry leaders (Wella, GHD, Twincare , Hands Down and Goldwell) via inspirational live multi-media presentations at major centres throughout South Africa (96 to present). I also presented for Intercoiffure, Australia, at their Golden Jubilee celebrations in Melbourne.
Over the years my work has been published in South African Hairdressing journal, Estetica (including their 1st Afro front cover), Image Magazine, Glamour, Marie Claire and Fair Lady.
Whereas my hairdressing expertise is broad-based, I have built a reputation as The Long Hair Specialist.
I thrive on competition and, amongst others was a Finalist in Paul Mitchell’s national Hairstylist of the Year (09), received 1st Prize for Haircare Distributors Upstyle Long Hair Fashion (05), Black Like Me’s 1st place (Grand Stylist national hairdressing competition 93), 3rd place (Grand Stylist regional finals 97), Revlon’s Ethnic Hair award and a Final Place in Structa’s Hair Colour and Style Competition.
I was proud to be Team Trainer for OMC Hairworld 2010 competition in Paris where South Africa placed 1st/2nd/3rd (Ethnic Section) and 5th overall in the World.
PRODUCTION VALUES
I feel it’s vital that one pays back to one’s industry upon reaching a certain level and hence I’m involved in numerous industry committees and bargaining councils. To this end I’ve also been an Assessor for industry trade tests and independent colleges since 00 (Services SETA).
As Vice President (South Africa) of Intercoiffure Interbeaute, Paris (00 to present) I’ve been organised photo shoots and hair shows for local and Parisian magazines. As Fashion Director for the Western Cape I’ve regularly organised hair and fashion shows in collaboration with local suppliers.
After completing a Juror seminar in 02 I began judging both Western Province and National events on a regular basis. I’m thrilled to observe the creativity and ongoing growth and the state of healthy competition in the South African industry.
