Salon Apprentice Blog

Interview with Sue Pemberton

3rd April, 2010 - Posted by admin - No Comments

Sue Pemberton is an International Hair Color Artistic Director and NAHA award winner.

What advice does she have for newcomers into the beauty industry?

Q:  Who influenced you the most when learning your craft?:

A: A lot of people, some in a small way some in a bigger way, but I loved and still do love Trevor Sorbie, Vidal Sassoon, Annie Humphrey’s and Vivienne Mackinder.

Q: Where do you draw your inspiration from?:

A: My inspiration comes from many things, mainly the world around me, nature, flowers, plants, birds, water, rocks, trees, light reflection, fabrics, art, architecture, photography, interior design and fashion runways.

Q: What would you say to new future professionals entering this industry?:

A: Education, education, did I say education and also learn the basics don’t learn them on the client where there is error to go wrong. If you feel you have not had a good foundation go on all the courses seminars events you can, the more you learn the more you will be successful. Also I would recommend learning how to do a good consultation with the client as it makes you look confidant and instills trust with the client.

I think people underestimate us, you know you get comments like “your just a hairdresser” I love it when people say that because it makes me realize how little they know. Hairstylists are caring, fun and very talented artists and we make very good money, what more could you ask for. We are the hair doctor’s, therapists; know all the right connections, confidants and someone that truly makes people feel good on the inside and out so I don’t consider that to be “just a hairdresser”.

I would also say you have choose a great industry and you can take your art to what ever level you choose, “know the rules to break the rules” I would explain that it is important to truly understand the basics first as this is your foundation and the artistry and creativity builds from the foundation. I would also advise them to find a mentor someone who will take them under their wing and guide them. Be a sponge and truly listen and observe as that is how you truly learn, someone said this to me many years ago and it really stuck with me and that is: “you have two ears and one mouth” um I wonder.

Q: Where did you attend Beauty School?:

A: In the UK you leave school (12th grade) at the age of 16, I was already working as a Saturday girl in the salon whilst I was at school for a year before I left school. I went straight to beauty school one day a week whilst simultaneously doing a five-day a week apprenticeship program in a busy salon. I graduated from beauty school in 1981 the collage I attended was Clarendon Collage in Nottingham England. I then worked in the busy salon for a few years and decided to move to Los Angeles in 1984 looking for an adventure of which I am still living everyday.

Q: What was the turning point of your career?:

A: I have had many turning points I always have a new goal, every goal I achieve weather that be graduating from beauty school then that is a turning point and I have succeeded, building up a clientele than I have succeeded, becoming a educator then I have succeeded, learning my craft then I have succeeded so on. When did I consider myself to have “a turning point in my career” when I started doing platform work and traveling world wide 0ver 25 years ago and most recently when I won NAHA, I just wanted the award so I can say I have achieved that goal.