Nottingham stylist cuts through to leading UK mentoring programme

Added by Love Business East Midlands | 19 July 2022

UPDATED: 19 July 2022

A talented hair stylist from Nottingham has been chosen from hundreds of hopefuls to join Generation NOW (GenNOW) – a 12-month mentoring programme run by Wella Professionals.

Recognised as one of the greatest up and coming talent teams in the hairdressing industry, GenNOW is made up of just six rising stars from the industry. The programme is designed to grow their talents through a number of once in a lifetime experiences throughout the UK, and 22-year-old Emily Dyer, who works at KH Hair on Castle Gate, says making the cut has been one of the highlights of her career so far.

"It still feels surreal to be on the team but I’m over the moon,” says Emily. I am super grateful for the opportunity, and I can’t wait to push myself creatively. There is so much to be excited about and I’m really looking forward to working with the mentors over the next year and getting as much industry experience as I can."

Emily made it through a rigorous process which began with the submission of her work on Instagram before moving on to an audition in Manchester, where she was put through her paces in front of a panel of industry judges. Candidates had to prepare a model’s hair, makeup and styling and present them to the judges, demonstrating why they would make a great GenNOW team member.

Salon director, Debbie McMenamin, says Emily thoroughly deserves to be on the team.

“This is an amazing opportunity for Emily and so well deserved,” she says. “The next year will help her develop both her skills and confidence. She has such a natural talent and energy, and the team and clients love her. Emily joined us on our apprenticeship scheme after her work experience and it’s been incredible to watch her grow into the talented stylist she has become.”

The mentoring programme is designed to develop and grow up and coming talent by introducing them to all aspects of the hairdressing industry. The six team members will be mentored by some of the industry’s greatest creatives and will have the opportunity to present at some of the hairdressing world’s biggest events including Salon International and TrendVision.

GenNOW 2022/23 programme kicked off in June with an intensive boot-camp week in London where the team enhanced their presentation skills and learned more about Wella brands.

“I was really nervous,” says Emily. “However, when I met the team and leader, Karen, I instantly felt part of the best group of people. The three days I spent with them felt too good to be true and made me very excited for the next 12 months.”

Emily and her fellow team members will now be mentored by four industry leading creatives who have been selected for their specific expertise: Michael Gray, digital mentor; Jordanna Cobella, creative colour mentor; Syd Hayes, session styling and education mentor; and Nikki Clifford, who will prepare them for educating the next generation of hairdressers.

KH Hair's managing director, Darren Messias, says everyone is very proud of Emily for winning a place on the prestigious team.

“The process to gaining a place on the team is extremely rigorous, so to achieve this just goes to show Emily’s talent and determination. We know she is going to have the most fantastic experiences over the next twelve months and we are so excited to watch her grow and become even more successful.”

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