This has just arrived from some of the students at the Academy – what dedication. Still learning even though the power and water had been off for most of the day. I’m so impressed with their passion to learn and develop their hairdressing skills.
I think it’s because they are so aware how fortunate they are to learn a skill that they know will take them out of poverty. These power and water cuts are very unpredictable but everyone copes and gets on with it – you certainly appreciate what we have in this country.
It’s me again
As the International Educator for Colomer Professional International I’m always teaching and training and undertaking reviews and assessments. These are students at the St Bhakitas Hairdressing School on Makuru Nairobi.
I do the independent assessment for them. Occasionally they send their best students to the Revlon Professional East Africa Hair Academy, where I teach.
There were 10 students being assessed here, the bad news was that many still had much to learn, the good news was that I did not have to tell them – I’m far too nice!!
Just going through my pics on the phone, and had to think for a minute where this was from. Looks such a cool airport and very sophisticated.
Can you guess which African country it is in? It is one of the poorest and suffers from drought and famine on a regular basis, but the people are just fantastic to work with, and I really enjoy going there to work, train, and meet with friends.
Have you guessed yet? Well it’s Ethiopia – and this is the Airport at Addis Ababa.
Just got home from Kenya slept most of the flight. What a great day to come home sunny and hot, dropped bags at home and cut my mate Glen’s hair, as he was kind enough to pick me up from the Airport. Then off to Brighton with the roof down and lots of sun block-Revlon Natural Honey.
When I got there made a few calls and sent some emails and then had a nap on the beach in the shade. Just a perfect way to celebrate being home.
Back in the UK after a 8 weeks in Africa - and nothing but a weedy welcome for me. I have tried to create a tranquil Zen like garden, so that I can just chill out after a busy day. All was going well, and then my neighbour’s fence blew down, and then I went away.
On my return I find the fence still down, and horrors of horrors some mean looking weeds not just growing but positively flourishing. So in a very un Zen like way I’m getting some nasty weed killer for the weeds and some attitude for the neighbour!
With just a few days to go before I fly back to the UK, I’ve been out and about soaking up the sun and enjoying the local culture. Theatre is very well supported here and with high quality productions available for less that 3 quid a seat, you can see why it’s so popular.
Went to see a production by the Phoenix Players in Nairobi called Shady Business. Last I heard was that this talented team had lost their theatre due to unpaid rent, but that didn’t seem to have stopped them putting on a performance that had me rolling about on the floor. I laughed so much my stomach and jaw hurt. If it comes to the UK go and see it – it’s brilliant.
This is a rare shot. It’s me! I’ve been working and training in Ethiopia for more than a few days, and have just got back to Nairobi. So it’s out for a bit of R&R and there I am having a bit of fun when someone gets my camera a takes a shot.
So what should I do, delete it or show you a very rare shot of me just chillin out, with friends. When you spend most of your working life in front of a camera doing hair it’s really strange when you get snapped just having fun – next time I keep the camera in my pocket!
Today I was teaching in a real salon in the centre of Nairobi. Teaching is always quite exciting because you never know what might happen, you have to be prepared – but when I’m teaching in Nairobi I have to be prepared for things that we all take for granted in the UK.
I can be halfway through shampooing the hair and the water will stop, or finishing off a style with the dryer and the power will go off – and sometimes both go off at the same time. Today was a great day – power and water all day, lovely people to work with and great students. I just wish every day was like this.
After a couple of really busy busy days, I’m going out to Brew Bistro, one of my all time favourite places to eat and relax.
The food here is what they call Pan-Global or fusion, a bit of this and that. It’s a bit French, part European, a little Asian, all done with classic Kenyan flavours.
Always a great atmosphere and a real treat. If you ever come to Nairobi, then this is must place to eat.
Another day another catwalk to help out with hair and makeup. This was for a great Kenyan designer who well known for hand crafted and hand painted original items.
KikoRomeo believes in fair trade and is committed to working with local artisans to promote community development through economic empowerment.
KikoRomeo works closely with Le Collane di Betta, using their jewelry to enhance the clothing and works in support of Africa’s heritage by actively promoting traditional skills and crafts in their production process.
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As ever so much to do and so little time - have just finished a huge fashion show as part of the official launch of ACTIF which stands for African Cotton & Textiles Industries Federation. It included Designers from Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania with the Prime Minster and manufactures from across the world. As usual had most to do back stage with hair and make-up, but check out my idea for this fantastic model with “golden” hair. Next up is some intense student training – but more of that later. |
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As you read this I’m back in Kenya doing what I love – educating stylists and technicians and training in the Shair Academy in Nairobi. It’s just so rewarding to be able to pass on skills and advice, and is a great reality check. Much of my time otherwise is spent in the world of fashion, supporting catwalk shows behind the scenes.
The picture came from a catwalk show I was working on in London recently. It was held at the Natural History museum promoting Tommy Hilfiger. Great clothes, fantastic food and fun atmosphere.
I’m just starting another catwalk show here in Kenya, so if I get my act together I shall let you have some behind the scenes shots quite soon.
If you want to find out more about the Shair Academy in Nairobi then just follow this link.
I never know what to expect when I’m asked to judge at an event. You want to make everybody happy but in the end you have to decide and make it a special day for one person and a just so day for lots of others. It always makes me sad for the people who don’t win because I know how much hard work goes into every entry.
But at the recent Afro Hair Awards at Alexandra Palace where I was judging the Avant- Garde Award it was clear to me that there was one clear winner. It was the creativity , energy and advanced techniques that made the winning style stand out. - it was a fantastic concept. The show was great with loads of people all really up for it – the atmosphere was brilliant. Hats off to the show organisers and all the entries.
Like all great resolutions I hope that I’ll get into the habit of regularly updating this Blog. I should really as it’s my own, but that’s no guarantee!
What will you find - well the occasional rant, even the odd well intentioned bitchy remark, but hopefully a glimpse into my world through my eyes.
I’m privileged to be able to travel around the world to visit stunning places and meet with glamorous people, and then the next day in the same place work with people who have nothing. My world can be very strange at times – and I hope that I can give you a glimpse of that world in this Blog.
Feel free to comment – I’d love it if one day someone read my words and felt the need to make a comment. But please be kind. Working at the street level, especially in Africa that’s the one quality that makes all the difference – and you can find it even on the cat walk in London and New York. If there’s one thing I have learnt you can get around the world by smiling and being kind.
This is not as easy as it looks!
I’m sure I’ll get the hang of this, but I’m dashing around at the moment trying to pack for my first trip of the year to Kenya. Sounds easy and if it was just me who was going it would be a doddle – but I seem to be an International Postman for everybody else. Can I take this; don’t forget that, and the one that gets my goat “I’m sure you can squeeze this in”. Well I can’t. I’m a professional hairdresser not Houdini. Ok rant over, packing all done, next time you hear from me I will be in Kenya.
