Success Stories

Stephanie thrives on competition and loves hairdressing as there’s always a new challenge to set yourself.

“I really love the competitive side of hairdressing. I’m a competitive person and really enjoy putting myself to the test and seeing where I stand. I want to do my best and I want to be the best. Competitions are a great motivator,” says Stephanie.

“I love hairdressing because every day is so different, and you get to help out at things like Fashion Week.”

Stephanie’s apprenticeship has given her the opportunity to set herself up with a great career.

“I didn’t want to go to University…doing an apprenticeship keeps you focused and on track. It ensures you’re motivated as there’s always something else to achieve. I am learning all the time and setting myself up for life!”

Stephanie says HITO have provided her with great support throughout her apprenticeship.

“They come in, check your progress and make sure there aren’t any barriers in the way. HITO supports you through it all,” she says. “One day I’d like to travel to Europe and I know that with an internationally recognised hairdressing qualification behind me, there will be lots of great opportunities for me.”

Louise has always had a passion for hair and make up.

“Hairdressing broadens your outlook on life and enriches it. You mix with people from all walks of life, of all ages, and from all ethnic groups. Some confide in you, others express their feelings about things, ask your opinion or give you theirs. All of them share a little bit of their life with you,” she says.

For two years while at school Louise did work experience in a salon as part of the Gateway programme. She also volunteered in the salon on weekends and at night in order to learn more about working in a salon. When she left school she was taken on as an apprentice.
Louise believes that apprenticeships are the best way to learn the art of hairdressing.

“Apprentices are in the salon all day, every day, so you’re seeing and experiencing new things all the time. There’s so much variation, you’re always learning, and it’s real life.”

“If you are already in an apprenticeship you have your foot in the door and get a head start over people who are just learning in the classroom,” she explains.

In the future Louise would like to put her artistic talents to the test by working overseas in the movie industry.

“Overseas they love New Zealand hairdressers as we have a qualification that’s recognised as the best in the world, and because we’re a breath of fresh air.”

Being brave enough to follow his true passion has given Joel the opportunity to do what he really loves.

Joel left school at the age of 15 to follow his dream and become a hairdresser. After a year he left his salon to work in a variety of retail jobs, but became frustrated without a creative outlet.

“When I was 25 I decided to go back to hairdressing. I knew it was right for me and what I was meant to be doing,” says Joel.

“The feeling you get from doing what you’re meant to be doing in life is awesome. Hairdressing is what I was born to do. It’s something I want to do, and not just something I have to do to get money.”

Joel has now moved back to his home town of Whangarei with a goal of putting the town on the fashion map and he is making plans for a promising future.

“I am going to own my own salon one day, and I am going to be heavily involved in training, industry events and competitions,” he says.

“My career is in my own hands and I’m going to take it to the limit.”

Ardita’s creativity, drive and passion to be the best make her a rising hairdressing star.

Originally from Kosova, Ardita moved to New Zealand knowing very little English. Unable to pursue her childhood dream of being a dancer, Ardita realised that she could pursue her artistic dreams through hairdressing.

“I decided that hairdressing was a great way for me to be creative and have a career I could be passionate about,” says Ardita.

Ardita was offered an apprenticeship after working as a model in a salon and she has blossomed in hairdressing.

“I never knew I would be good at this but I was given a chance and took it, and have loved it. As an apprentice you’re always learning new techniques, and learning about different hair. There are so many different types of hair out there it’s crazy!”

Ardita’s salon holds training sessions for apprentices every Wednesday.

“In each training session a different stylist teaches us new techniques and styles. Even though I’ve now graduated from my apprenticeship, I still go to some of the training sessions as you always need to be learning in this industry if you want to succeed,” she says.

“I am a competitive person and love competition work. The great thing about hairdressing is that there’s always another competition and always something new to get involved in. Competitions give you the chance to work with amazing people such as photographers, make-up artists and models. Even if you don’t win, you learn so much.”

Ardita believes that to be a great hairdresser you need to have the right attitude, be dedicated, committed to customer service and able to keep learning every day.

Since becoming qualified, Nikita has continued to grow as a stylist by expanding her skills and taking on new challenges. Coming first in a competition for young hairdressers, Nikita won travel and accommodation to London, including a week’s training at the prestigious Vidal Sassoon Academy.

“It was such an incredible, inspiring, and motivating experience. People in my class were from all over the World, and all had different skills and perspectives. It was the most informative week of my life,” she smiles.

While Nikita loves the opportunities available outside the salon, she also enjoys the day-to-day stuff.

“Every day in the salon is different, and there’s such a great atmosphere. There’s about 20 staff in my salon and we’re all best friends – we even hang out together in our spare time. It’s such a fun place to be.”

Nikita believes there are lots of advantages to doing an apprenticeship.

“Every salon is different and has a different culture. Because you learn things from scratch when you’re an apprentice, you learn the culture straight away and become part of it,” she explains. “As an apprentice you’re always watching senior stylists and learning from them. My apprenticeship taught me that you never stop learning. It provided me with a really solid understanding of the fundamentals of hairdressing. It’s given me a great base to put my own creative angle on a look.”

Nikita really enjoys teaching and training new apprentices and is looking forward to doing more of this in the future. She would also like to get more involved in the photographic and make-up aspects of the industry.