Chris heads for the top of her profession after College career boost

: Created: 22 July 2020

Now a fully qualified and experienced hairdresser, Chris runs her own home studio salon (Hair by Chrisbecks) as well as operating a mobile hair service - particularly for bridal hair and styling. During lockdown, Chris also became involved with the College once again by providing extra tutoring for students working remotely and online.

Chris answered her calling back in 2015 enrolling at the College’s Bromley Campus to study English and Maths before taking on a level 2 in hairdressing. Progressing just one year later to the level 3 course, Chris was careering ahead and full of enthusiasm for the craft she has loved since childhood. For many years, while bringing up her children, Chris did the hair of friends and neighbours but knew that to be able to work as a professional in the industry would mean some serious studying and self-discipline.

This came when she decided the time was right to get qualified and begin her career in earnest. First though, she was required to improve her literacy and numeracy skills in order to cope with the theory the course demanded.

“At first, this felt a little bit like a setback but was completely the opposite,” said Chris. “With English not my first language, and maths not my strongest subject, I soon realised that I needed to get over these barriers before I could get to work in the salon.

“Without this, I know now I wouldn’t have been equipped to handle all the written assignments that came with studying so in-depth and I would have been seriously held back. Looking back, I’m so glad I took the advice of the tutors - it has helped in more ways than one.

“Just a few years down the line and here I am making myself a good living, I have lots of regular clients and there seems to be more each month. I spend a lot of my time doing the hair of brides in hotel rooms around the capital before their big day and I also take in lots of clients at home.

“Lockdown was not good for business of course and it also made lots of hairstylists like me wonder when they could finally get back to doing what they do best. Luckily, I was asked by my former tutor and good friend Lisa if I would provide some extra tutorials and support for current level 2 and 3 students who were suddenly plunged into the unknown like the rest of us. Obviously, I jumped at the chance and thoroughly loved the experience.

“As a result, I would like to take my skills-set one step further and maybe study a teaching course. Passing on my skills and knowledge is something I do via my YouTube Channel with video training in a variety of different techniques. I love doing this and it helps to showcase my skills and build my business.

“The next step for me will be to establish my own high-street salon and hairdressing training services. It’s part of my five year plan and I think I have the skills, knowledge and business acumen to go and do just about anything I feel like doing.

London South East Colleges is a superb place to go and get started - and it is never too late to do so. Don’t let anything hold you back. All you need to succeed is an interest, a desire and the willingness to learn and take your studies seriously. It’s your chance to shine."

Chris has twice been a winner of the College’s annual industry competition - once in first place at level 2 and then again as runner-up at level 3. James Galvin (Stylist and Director at Daniel Galvin) who judged the competitions said that Chris is an amazing talent and that she will travel far in the industry.

Hairdressing tutor Lisa McKellow is full of praise for Chris and delighted that the course has had such a profound effect on her career. She says: “I’m truly in awe of Chris and her achievements both at College and since she completed her course a couple of years ago. She has really taken everything we taught her and used it brilliantly.

“Obviously, as a tutor, it is very heartening to see your former students succeed in such a big way. To feel confident enough to actually invite them back to give guest lectures and demonstrations on a regular basis means you have full confidence in their abilities and integrity - something Chris has in abundance. Add to this charisma and flare, and you have something quite special.”

If you think you have what it takes to work as a professional in the hairdressing and beauty therapy sectors, London South East Colleges can offer you a great range of courses to get you started. Apply now for courses beginning in September.