Bryony Watson met celebrity hairdresser Patrick Cameron when she represented Gateshead in the finals of the Young Apprentice of the year event, at a sparkling ceremony in London this week.
The competition sponsored by the Hair and Beauty Industry Authority (HABIA) commenced at the Skills Academy in Gateshead and required Young Apprentices to choose a design and create a mood board to reflect the image they wanted to portray; they then had to style a long hair mannequin head reflecting the look. Finally they had to produce a personal statement about their experiences and the challenges they found in the styling and how they overcame them. Out of 22 entrants, independent judges picked Bryony as the winner and entrant to the National stage.
Bryony's mood board, personal statement and photographs of her mannequin were sent to HABIA in Doncaster for judging.
Entries from all over the UK were received, from the northern Scottish isles to Jersey and judges declared that this year's entries were very strong showing close relation in all competition component parts and excellent problem solving skills.
Everyone was delighted when Bryony's entry was successful in being selected as one of the final 12, a fantastic achievement which required her to go to London for the celebration event.
Accompanied by her family and training provider Susan Briganti from Neeta Ltd, Bryony travelled to London for the event which included a hair show from the HABIA skills team and International platform hairdresser Patrick Cameron. Although Bryony was not the National winner her achievement in getting to the finals is no small feat.
Presenting Bryony with her certificates, Patrick Cameron told the audience that the skills shown by the finalists exceeded those held by many "professional " stylists and spoke about the industry as a billion pound sector with opportunities for travel and fame.
Erik Lander, HABIA skills team leader and compere for the evening, added that Hairdressing and teachers in Hairdressing appear in the top five skills required for emigration to Australia.
Parents and young people attending the event were all impressed by the professionalism of the industry and the opportunities presented.
After the event Bryony celebrated with a meal out in London, some retail therapy and sightseeing.
Bryony commented "When is the next competition? Bring it on!"
I think we should all look out for Bryony Scissorhands?
Well done Bryony we are very proud of what you have achieved so far. We are confident you will get to where you want to be
Well done Bryony, you have the confidence and the talent to go far in life and get to where you want to be, you constantly thrive to style hair to the best of your ability and always try your best, well done and good luck for wherever you go in the future x