A Fresh Start
There’s something about a good visit to the hairdresser that goes beyond a fresh cut or a new look. It can give us a confidence boost, a chance to reset, and a space to chat. At Stilo Hair Co., owner Mary Hardstaff is also creating opportunities for young people to discover their potential and build a career close to home.
For more than a decade, Stilo has supported young people through both the Gateway programme at Mercury Bay Area School (MBAS) and local apprenticeships, giving students and aspiring hairdressers a chance to gain practical experience, develop their confidence and learn from professionals in a real salon environment.
Mary first became involved with Gateway in 2014, after being approached by the MBAS coordinator.
Since then, she has welcomed around eight or nine students, usually for one day a week.
Gateway allows students to experience an industry they may be considering for their future, while also working towards relevant unit standards.
“It gives the student a real-world taste of what their future career can look like,” Mary says. “It helps them plan a pathway to employment straight out of school.”
For Mary, however, the benefits go well beyond learning how to shampoo, blow-dry or style hair. Working with clients helps young people develop communication skills and confidence that can be difficult to build in a classroom.
“I often see shy, inexperienced students start at the beginning and by the end of the year they are so much more confident in communicating with clients,” she says.
“It may sound crazy, but just answering the phone or calling clients is hugely intimidating for teens in a world where we are used to texting or Snapchatting.”
For some students, that first experience at Stilo has become the beginning of a genuine career.
Three Mercury Bay students who started through Gateway have gone on to complete their apprenticeships and qualify as hairdressers, while four other local women have also signed on as apprentices over the years.
One former student, Nina, says Gateway helped her discover a genuine passion for the industry.
“Mary took me on as a Gateway student and I got to learn the ins and outs of the job. Doing Gateway made me realise that I had an interest and passion in the job. I completed my apprenticeship at Stilo Hair Co., which led me to become a qualified hairdresser.”
Another former Gateway student, Hannah, has taken her career even further. After beginning her journey at Stilo, she went on to qualify and now works as a senior hairstylist on the Sunshine Coast in Australia, where she also mentors other stylists.
Mary is proud that Stilo can offer young people the opportunity to train locally.
With fewer traditional apprenticeship opportunities available and more hairdressers working independently, she sees investing in apprentices as a way of future-proofing both her business and the wider industry.
“It’s so rewarding to see them grow,” Mary says. “And if they are a good fit for your business, you are essentially trying before you buy.”
The benefits work both ways: young people can discover whether the industry is right for them, while businesses can find their next superstar.
For Mary, it all comes down to giving people a chance to take that first step. Her advice to young people considering their future is simple: take the initiative, ask about work experience and get through the door.
Sometimes, the beginning of a career starts with nothing more than an opportunity – and someone willing to give you one.
stilo.co.nz
07-866 4229
info@stilo.co.nz
INSTA: @stilohairco
FACEBOOK: Stilo Hair Co.
30 Monk St, Whitianga
Words by Leonardo Magri
Photos by Lia Priemus
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