The Fellowship for British Hairdressing’s Step Up & Shine Scholarship was open to any stylist or assistant, of any age and any level, anywhere in the UK. No experience was necessary, just enthusiasm to learn. The competition gave one lucky stylist the opportunity to win a bespoke education programme.
Anita Patkos had to complete a short application explaining her hairdressing background, her ambitions, and record a 60-second video telling judges why she would love the opportunity and showing images of work she has created that she is proud of before being announced as one of six finalists. The shortlisted candidates were then visited at their salons where the judges observed them working before deciding upon Anita as the winner.
As part of Anita’s education programme, she was able to attend an Extensions Course with award-winning hair extension specialist and international educator, Michelle Griffin, a Sassoon Cutting Course, and a Confidence in Wigs Course with hair stylist, hair cutting and hair system educator, and owner of Daniel Grainger Hairdressing, Daniel Grainger.
Commenting on her win and having now finished her education programme, Anita Patkos said, “My mentor Rita Livesey helped me through picking the right courses for me. Firstly, I did tape extensions with Michelle Griffin and that was amazing, it completely changed my mind about extensions and since then I’m proud to say I’m doing at least one client a month who has tape extensions. My second course was with Daniel Grainger who I had already worked with briefly back in 2018 so when I saw his Confidence In Wigs course, I wanted to be a part of it. Again, I had a great experience and learned so much and I can’t wait to help men/women suffering with hair loss issues with this skill to make their life happier and help them to be more confident again. My third course was a Vidal Sassoon course, which gave me a great opportunity to learn about basics and a different perspective of haircuts. I couldn’t do these without my mentor Rita, so I am forever thankful for her and of course for Farah who taught me to step out of my comfort zone.”
