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Finalists for Christofer Mann Step Up & Shine Scholarship Announced

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Five talented stylists have been shortlisted as finalists for the Christofer Mann Step Up & Shine Scholarship.

Now in its fourth year, the training fund was launched in memory of the late, great industry legend – himself a huge supporter of education for all. A joint initiative between the Fellowship for British Hairdressing and The National Hairdressers’ Federation, the scholarship provides one UK hairdresser - anywhere, any age and any level - with a year of bespoke education, for free.

The recipient will enjoy education worth £2,500, along with guidance from mentor Debbie G to help them plan their 12 months of learning.

Entrants were tasked with uploading a 60-second video to Instagram, explaining why they would be the perfect candidate. A panel of Fellowship and NHF representatives, along with Debbie G, then judged the entries to come up with a shortlist of five inspiring new names.

Congratulations to the following five:

  • Michael Purvis, Copperfields Hair & Beauty, Perth
  • Ellen Blackadder, The Sitting Room Hair, Ballymena
  • Abbey Laird, Limes Hair Design, Belper
  • Evie Crowston, Hay Salon, Hull
  • Kirby Brewer, Abacus Hair, Bewdley

Finalists will now be interviewed in their salon environment, with an NHF representative watching them work and getting to know more about their personality, work ethic and goals. A final round of judging will then take place, before the winner is announced at President’s Night in May.

Last year’s winner, Evangeline Barrett, says,

I have been on top of the world throughout my scholarship. I’ve experienced some amazing courses and met some incredible industry experts who have taken the time to help me grow as a hairdresser. This really has been the most amazing opportunity!

Program mentor, Debbie G, added,

This is such an exciting initiative. Christofer was a huge supporter of grass-roots hairdressing and believed wholeheartedly in the concept of education for all. The drive and enthusiasm to learn is what sums up Christofer’s ethos of supporting those ‘uncut diamonds’ of the industry.