Kaitlin (ICONIC Hairdressing Stylist) -

“Before starting my apprenticeship at Iconic, I was studying full-time at college, but I knew I wanted to gain real salon experience alongside my education. I decided an apprenticeship was the best route for me because I wanted to learn in a real salon environment, and from the beginning I felt that Kayley genuinely cared about our education and wanted us to succeed.

Starting out, I was excited but nervous, but being on the salon floor from the beginning helped me build my confidence and understand what working with real clients was actually like. We were able to shadow and learn from the stylists, practise different client scenarios and develop not only our technical skills, but also our communication and confidence. I found this much more practical and easier to understand than my experience of full-time college.

The support I received throughout my apprenticeship has been incredible, and that support hasn’t stopped now that I’m qualified. If I’m ever unsure about something, Kayley is always there to help, but she never just gives you the answer. She encourages you to think for yourself and work things out, which has helped me develop so much more knowledge and confidence as a stylist.

Over the last couple of years, I’ve seen such a huge difference in my confidence, skills and even my time management. What I love most about Iconic is that the learning never really stops. Even after qualifying, we’re still encouraged to attend courses, learn new techniques and keep up with the latest trends. Kayley genuinely invests time, effort and care into helping everyone become the best stylist they can be.

I’d absolutely recommend Iconic to anyone wanting a career in hairdressing. My experience has been empowering, supportive and inspiring, and I honestly feel I’ve learnt so much more through my apprenticeship than I ever did at full-time college.”

Tori (ICONIC Hairdressing Stylist) -

“Before I started at Iconic, I was working at Superdrug doing the same thing every day. I knew I needed a change, something that would challenge me, allow me to try new things and ultimately help me start a career.

I had always wanted to be part of the team at Iconic. I’ve had an interest in hair since I was young and hairdressing was always something I wanted to pursue. I’d visited the salon while family members had their hair done and always loved the atmosphere. You could see how well the team worked together and the standard of work they created was amazing.

Throughout my apprenticeship, I received so much support from Kayley. If there was ever something I wasn’t confident with or struggled with, she would work with me until I felt comfortable. That support wasn’t just with my hairdressing skills, but with my confidence in myself too, which is something I had always struggled with.

During my time at Iconic, I’ve gained so many skills, both personally and professionally. I’ve developed my hairdressing skills to a standard I never thought I’d reach, with Kayley constantly guiding me, shadowing my work and helping me every step of the way. At the same time, I’ve been encouraged to work on myself and become more confident in who I am.

One of my favourite things about Iconic is becoming part of such a strong and supportive team. Every day is different, I’m constantly learning something new and I feel like I can genuinely be myself while enjoying what I do.

The progression I’ve made has been huge. I’ve learnt skills I never thought I’d be able to do and have progressed on to completing my Level 3, which is something I’ve always dreamed of. Iconic has helped make that possible.

If I had to describe my experience at Iconic in three words, it would be: supported, empowering and rewarding.”