For this month's Life of a Stylist, we spoke to bridal expert Sheree Thompson on modern boho, building an online education business and the essentiality of finding your niche within the hair industry.
Click through the gallery for a selection of Sheree’s favourite work or read below for our in-depth catch up.
What are your current roles?
I’m an artistic director, salon owner and founder of bridal styling online education as well as an ASP UK ambassador.
What was your journey into the hair industry?
I started my journey working in a local town centre salon when I was 15. I undertook a Youth Training apprenticeship at a salon as soon as I left school. From there, I worked hard developing my skills and passion for hairdressing, overcoming nerves and shyness and building my confidence.
I had a partnership in another salon at 28 and then took the leap to branch out on my own and open my own salon as a sole trader. That’s where I am today after 15 years – Siren Hair Art in Studley, Warwickshire.
What attracted you to the bridal styling side of the hair industry?
Ever since I can remember, I’ve always been obsessed with long hair and I would practise styling on anyone who would let me. I love creating beautiful, glamorous hair and bridal styling was a natural progression for me. I love breaking down styles in a simple, logical way and making them easy to understand and recreate. Over the years this skill has proven to be the key to my bridal styling success and now I love sharing it with others.
What has been the most difficult challenge in your career so far?
The biggest challenge for me is battling nerves and shyness. I never wanted to let it hold me back, so pushing myself to audition for the ASP Colour Rebels Art Team was my biggest challenge. From there, it has been working on my camera and stage presence. Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone is where you develop and grow the most.
What’s your biggest career achievement so far?
My first was opening my own salon, then working with ASP as part of their art team and now building my online education business. I believe hard work and dedication do pay off.
What advice would you give to someone wanting a career like yours?
I’d recommend finding your niche – what excites you the most? Become a master and expert in what you love to do, whether that’s cutting, updos, vivid colours, classic colours, colour correction, styling or barbering. Build an identifiable profile dedicated to that and use the brands you are most passionate about.
I feel my signature look is modern boho. I love combining freeness and looseness with modern simplicity. My favourite ASP product when creating my signature look is the ASP Waxworks Hairspray. I feel I have just the right amount of workable control, especially when I’m creating boho looks. It’s the perfect product and I never style hair without it.
What’s next for you and your career?
I’d love to work on more photographic shoots. I’d also love to do more stage work when the hair events are back. My brain never stops thinking – it’s a curse and also a blessing so who knows what my answer to this question will be in 12 months’ time. I’m excited for the future and no matter what path I take, as long as I’m working within the amazing hair industry, I’ll be happy.
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